Ristorante Benedicta — Restaurant in Florence

Staying locally and having seen favourable reviews we booked to eat dinner and spent a few days anticipating a luxurious and genuine Tuscan welcome. We were not disappointed. We had asked to eat outside but changed our minds due to the heat this evening - no problems and in two minutes we were seated inside. All service was impeccable (interestingly our host apologised for being busy but we didn't notice so attentive were they) from the small stuff (correct service order, topping up of wine, etc.) to the all important being made to feel welcome and checking our food was good. The amuse-bouche (garlicky umami tomato goodness) was the perfect palate opener for my calamata/squid pasta primi piatti (my fellow dinners opted for other pasta dishes apart from a rather delicious tasting gnocchi with a basil gel) and the wine paring (literally a taste of the sea recommended by our waiter) paired excellently. Our secondi piatta (variously lamb, fish and duck) were not exactly saignant but do ask if you like it anything more than pink else that's what you'll get - perfect for me though. My final course (a dark salty ganache paired with an Agricanto Paladin) placed me right in front of St Peter at the pearly gates! A swift espresso rounded off my best meal in Florence in two weeks and probably the best meal I've eaten this year out to date. Beautiful food, service and ambiance. You'll pay for it - but worth every penny in my humble opinion. And my fellow...

A pleasant surprise! Highly recommend.

We made a reservation through their site and they confirmed our reservation within 24 hours.

First of all, the staff was so kind and friendly. They went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. Pleasant conversations all around. They were also able to give us recommendations and we did not regret following them. Second of all, the food! You really are getting your money’s worth. The four foods my friends and I tried were the mashed potato with poached egg and black truffle, au gratin cauliflower, pumpkin-stuffed ravioli, and duck breast with fig sauce. Each round got better and better, and that’s them starting on a high note. The mashed potatoes were light, creamy, and flavorful. The truffle complimented the dish so well. The au gratin cauliflower was tender and creamy. The ravioli had a white sauce that went well with the unexpected stuffing. The duck breast had a soy sauce and subtly sweet fig flavors that can be tasted even at the center of the tender meat.

Also, we finished off the meal strong with a pistachio creme brûlée. Great texture and flavor of pistachio! Wished we had gone for a second round of dessert.

Thank you for the wonderful and memorable meal. We will...

What a gem! The father / daughter wait staff are warm and welcoming. We were seated in the lush and romantic patio garden. My husband talked me into the big steak. While we waited for our food we were given an amuse-bouche, garlicy eggplant crostini. The steak was rare, (not bloody) huge and tasty. Their fried zucchini blossoms were devine. We topped our meal with light as air lemon cheesecake. The wait staff were friendly, fun and professional. Every course was special and delicious. The restaurant is off the beaten path, classically elegant and spotlessly clean. We liked the family and food so much we went back the next night. We were greeted like family and asked of our day and our adventures. This time I got to choose. While we waited our amuse-bouche was white bean and potato soup with crunchy bread topping, delicious. The appetizer of egg and asparagus was heavenly and melt in your mouth. Devine! The parpadelle with porcini mushroms was fresh and delicious. We had the light as air lemon cheesecake again. Their garden patio is gorgeous and the full moon made for a lovely last night in Florence. I only have a few pictures because the food was too...