Osteria Giglio d'oro — Restaurant in Florence

Extremely disappointing experience – not worth the hype or the price I had been looking forward all day to a special dinner in Florence and chose Osteria del Giglio d’Oro based on its excellent reviews. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the most disappointing – and most expensive – meal of our entire trip.

We ordered the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, expecting a properly cooked, flavorful cut of meat. We were not asked how we preferred it cooked (a basic courtesy), and it arrived medium to well done, tough, and unpleasant to eat. It honestly felt like it came from an old cow – chewy, dry, and lacking any tenderness. I could barely eat half of it.

Seeing that I wasn’t eating it, the waiter asked if I wanted it cooked even more — which was almost absurd, as the meat was already leathery and overcooked. The implication that it could somehow be improved by further cooking only confirmed the lack of culinary care.

We also ordered a side salad, which was charged separately, and it was completely wilted, unseasoned, and unappetizing. When we asked for olive oil and balsamic vinegar to try to improve it, we were brought low-quality oil in a bottle labeled as extra virgin — which it clearly was not. It felt deceptive and careless.

On top of that, despite our visible disappointment, the staff kept pushing us to order more food and wine — which made the experience even more frustrating and uncomfortable.

We paid €90 for a meal that we could barely eat — and left feeling not only unsatisfied, but also deceived. I rarely write negative reviews, but this felt like a tourist trap thriving on outdated praise and inflated ratings. I do not recommend it, and I hope others will avoid the same...

This was hands down the best meal we’ve had in Italy. The service was excellent, and it was so comfortable. We started with the beef carpaccio, with truffle, I was in love. Definitely seemed like an uncommon order so if you see it, do yourself the favor. Next we did ribolitta, a dish anyone visiting Florence should try. Theirs was top notch, and so dense. My favorite though without a doubt was the truffle taglietelle (can you tell we like truffle??) oh my god, the BEST pasta I’ve had ever. EVER. And I’m a New York Italian! They did it with white truffle vs the black from the first dish, and it’s just simplicity at its finest. An incredible dish done perfectly. The grand finale was the tiramisu. If you take one thing from this, GET THE TIRAMISU!!! I thought the one I made at home was good….. I am embarrassed now. WOW. They use a thick, delicious custard and the coffee flavor is perfectly enough.

I will be dreaming of this meal for the rest of my life. Hopefully, we hit the lotto so I can get a villa near by :) for all the truffle-haters, we heard great things from nearby tables about their steak and other dishes. The pasta is fresh and delicious. The servers were top notch, so funny and were patient as I tried to remember my high school Italian classes (they speak English and French, too!).

Do yourself a favor, go here, because if you’re reading this, I’m back home and I can’t. But please don’t be like the embarrassing Americans asking for Olive Garden-style dishes with “red sauce” or “four cheeses,” like we heard to tables ask for 🙃 Italy is better than that! And you deserve better, found at Osteria Giglio D’oro!!!! Expand...

Seriously don't know why this little place isn't a 6 star place. We went in willy nilly like Amerians tend to do, we were asked for a reservation (we had none) the owner looked around and said that it was great!!! Found us an amazing table in the air conditioning. They have a small al fresco section out side, but the AC was a welcome change from our miles of walking in the old city of Florence. We were hot and tired and ready for something light and tasty...um they delivered with a cutie of a waiter and waitress both handling our table like we were the only people in the city. We dropped silverware twice (yay U.S.A.!!!) Anyhow, they both spoke perfect English and were graceful at my our attempts to speak Italian. My daughter swooped in and took up the slack as she is mostly fluent in Italian. They were also not pushy about what we ordered. We didn't want a full on 4 course meal, or vino ( hot day. walking we needed water, aaaaand some Cokes.).

We ordered a big salad, white beans, the most amazing fried Zucchini flowers (in season early June) a grilled chicken breast with salad greens and pesto gnocchi with a shared tiramisu, they didn't blink an eye. Fast, friendly, and honestly way more reasonable than they should be, with us getting out of there at 30.00 per person.

Absolutely check this place out, had we been hungrier the Florentine steaks looked amazing, along with the other dishes that were coming out of the...