Pizzeria O'Vesuvio Firenze — Restaurant in Florence

I was still at home in Tbilisi, Georgia 🇬🇪, when I first discovered this place on Instagram - a framed picture of Maradona in a cozy pizzeria in Florence. Inside the frame were paper money from different countries and I immediately decided that when I visit, I’ll add a Georgian Lari to it.

When I finally arrived in Florence, I was walking near the restaurants when a woman at the door invited us in. I politely declined with a smile, I was searching for the ,,Maradona place.” A moment later, my sister pointed out the sign: O'Vesuvio. I laughed because it turned out I had just refused an invitation to the very place I was looking for. 🤣

The moment we entered, I loved it even more than I imagined. The walls proudly displayed jerseys of Messi and Iniesta and as a true culé (Barça fan), my heart was full. 💙❤️

We ordered pizza and lasagna. Both were absolutely delicious, maybe the best I’ve had in Tuscany (and I was there for 13 days). The staff were warm and friendly. We had a lovely chat with a Tunisian waiter and the Italian girl working there kindly helped us divide the heart shaped pizza perfectly so we could share it. Everything was on point: the atmosphere, the food and the hospitality.

If this place were in my city, I’d be a regular. Highly recommended to everyone visiting Florence. Thank you, Pizzeria O'Vesuvio and greetings from the land of...

This was the perfect Napoletana pizzeria experience. The pizza itself was spectacular - flavorful tomatoes, light & airy crust, well cooked, perfectly proportioned toppings - tutto a posto, as they say in Italy. The real treat was the people though. When they heard we were travelers, they invited us inside, poured us two free glasses of wine and told us everything about their restaurant, traveling in Italy and why Napoli is the greatest city in the world. They told us how their sons live in California and explained proudly that that’s why they have all sorts of American police and government memorabilia on the wall. They walked us through all their framed soccer jerseys, recounting stories of their favorite players and, obviously, claiming that Maradona is far and away the best soccer player of all time. Even the pizzaiolo was getting in on the conversation. Having a Neapolitan pizzaiolo spout soccer opinion while cycling pizzas in and out of his blazing hot oven is one of the most quintessential Italian experiences I’ve ever seen. It was all perfect.

Altogether, the food here is world class but the people are even more special. In Italy they say there is a certain calore del sud - southern hospitality, as Americans say. These folks were the incarnation of that idea. I can’t recommend their pizzeria...

One of our favorite restaurants in Florence!! Best place in the area for pizza, there are quite a few options especially on this street, but I promise this is the best option! They have amazing food and people! They don't sell pizza by the slice, only whole pizzas. If you don't finish it they have to-go boxes and I'm certain the leftovers will be worth your while. We spoke to almost all of the staff in the restaurant and they were all very friendly, helpful, and entertaining. It helps to go in with an open mind and without screaming "I'm a tourist, cater to me and my wants!", because this is not the place that kind of attitude will be catered to. They are proud of what they have built and the food they serve, as they should be. Be friendly and order what they have available and you will have a wonderful experience! We ordered the Abruzzese (meat lover), and the Margherita con Bufala e Ricotta in Crosta, both were unbelievably delicious, I've never had pizza this good in my life! The owner met us at the door when were leaving and thanked us for coming and welcomed us back anytime. We will definitely be back! Grazie mille O'Vesuvio! 😊

Just a tip -Sit next to the cooking area if you can, you'll get to see them make a few of their dishes including your...