Osteria da Caterina — Restaurant in Florence

I was really looking forward to trying the famous T-bone that so many restaurants in Florence proudly display in their windows.

I chose Osteria da Caterina because the reviews and Google rating were high enough to seem trustworthy. I ordered the young beef T-bone, but I was completely let down.

Why? • I asked about the meat, and the waiter assured me it was from a beef aged up to 22 months. • I had a bad experience with an undercooked steak at another place, so I clearly showed the waiter how I wanted it cooked — not raw.

What did I get? • A raw steak. After slicing it, it looked nearly identical to how it was when it came out of the fridge. • I told the waiter, and he said there was no problem and offered to cook it a bit more. I hate when they do this. I’ve already explained how I want it, and instead of getting it right the first time, they just reheat it, ruining the meat. • The second attempt was marginally better — maybe 40% okay — but the center was still raw. • The meat was nothing like what they claimed. It was tough, chewy, full of tiny white nerves, and impossible to eat. No way that was a max 22-month beef.

Now, I’m no expert on how Italians cook steak, but I’ve had my fair share of steaks, and I know a good one is supposed to be tender, soft, and cooked through. I saw other diners happily eating theirs with potatoes and mayo — basically masking the taste. What’s the point of ordering a steak if you’re just going to drown it in sides and lose all its flavor?

They did knock 10 euros off the bill for the disaster, but that’s two nights in a row now that I’ve been let down by the so-called “Florentine steak.”

Just to be sure, I stopped by another restaurant afterward and showed them the photos. They confirmed what I already knew — that’s not how a T-bone should be served in Italy.

I left the restaurant hungry and disappointed. Went straight to All Antico Vinaio. Ain’t stake but I had a delicious meal without no fancy prices or pure jaba-jaba.

Post reply Edit: I discussed with the guys that I do not prefer to warm again the meat as it will ruin it, and they told me that No No No… the stake will be good. I ended up with a ruined stake undercooked and the staff replied to this comment that the stake is harden. Tells a lot about communication and effort in actually listening the client.

Also I have plenty of other feedbacks as the tuscany stake is not eaten raw. But yeah, confirms again the care of the restaurant in listening the clients.

I am really dissapointed that you are lying in your statement as me acting rude (i just refused the drink.. what you wanted me to do? to please him for such a ruined night?). You haven't been there so say this, so please be respectfully with your clients at least in the last minute.

You have a restaurant and maybe worth to be open to criticism, otherwise you can just simply just make it for people you...

A nice place away from the city center. When your in Florence must have steak.

Found this gem away from the busy city center and yes it was a great experience!

Just looking outside, you know they do steak justice. The restaurant vibe, with all the rustique decor, makes you feel you're at a local steakhouse.

Not only do they serve steak, but their pasta is also delicious!

We were greeted by JURGIS, and he is truly a charming fellow who really shows what service is about. Sat us down explained a few recommendations. Even though they were busy getting in the wine stocks for the day, always made sure to check on us when possible.

Dishes ordered: La Fiorentina Tradizionale(T.Bone) Tagliatelle al tartufo fresco Espresso + Lemon soda

La Fiorentina, this is what you look for when people ask if you had steak in Florence. It was cooked perfectly the way I ordered it (medium) and a nice flavorful crust on the outside, while soft and juicy in the inside. They cut the steak for you in good portions so that you can avoid the hassle and served on a huge wooden platter. Portions are huge, so be ready to become a beast!

Tagliatelle al tarufo was rich in taste. You could taste each ingredient and a burst of truffle fragrance with every chew, plus the Tagliatelle had the perfect bite to it, bringing all flavors in at the last chew.

Lemon soda was truly refreshing, not so sweet but had the slight bitterness well balanced with sweet.

Lastly topped it off with espresso to clean my palate.

The highlight of Osteria da Caterina is Jurgis! He made our dine in experience very comfortable with laughter due to his positive energy and humor. He will truly make you feel at home!

Grazie mille Jurgis! You truly made our day and want us to come back!

I recommend this place for steak and...

EDIT: Downgraded their service to 1 star, as their response to my review clearly shows they didn't remember us as customers. I couldn't finish my pasta because of how poorly it was cooked, and we were not offered any limoncello, despite the restaurants response.

This a restaurant for tourists and the food quality and prices reflect that (ie. high price for low quality food). Had we known that before we arrived, we wouldn't have eaten here. The place was full from a tour group occupying all the tables in the restaurant. We waited for about 20 minutes to be seated inside. Once we were seated, we ordered the Greek salad, porcini tagliatelle, and lasagna. Like many restaurants here, they will automatically charge you a coperto for dry, hard bread and tap water. Just be aware that you will see it on your bill (they charge 2.50 euro per person). The salad arrived looking very nice, but unfortunately was unseasoned and undressed. The lasagna looked very flat and as if it had been reheated from frozen (the sauce on top was baked dry) and had very little meat sauce or cheese, and the tagliatelle tasted too heavily of rosemary. Poorly cooked, poorly seasoned! I left half the pasta uneaten, I just couldn't stomach how poorly cooked it was with so much rosemary. At least the food was presented decently, and the restaurant inside is relatively nice and moderately air conditioned. We won't eat here again and cannot recommend it unless you want to spend a minimum 50 euro on a disappointing...