Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo — Restaurant in Florence

An Exceptional Evening & Much Deserved Michelin Star. What can I say... we like to dine, and we spend quite a bit on dining experiences. My wife and I were on a month-long trip through Italy and while in Florence we happen to find Borgo San Jacopo just steps from the Ponte Vecchio Suites where we were staying. We had already had a Michelin-star dining experience on our trip and a few other rather spendy evenings out, so we weren't looking for this... but we were interested. Upon asking about a reservation, they were 3 months out.

The next day, we were working with our concierge staff at Ponte Vecchio Suites and asked him if he had any special relationships that may get a reservation. he said, he didn't but that he would call and explore any options they may have. He manage to get us into a 9:30 PM seating in the upper dining area of the restaurant the following night.

On the dinner evening, we dressed up and showed up. The greeting at the door was as expected and we were cordially escorted to our table upstairs. The views from this restaurant are of the Arno river and from the upstairs dining area, not only do you have a slight bird's eye view of the building and lights across the water, but also a direct view down to the lower dining area of the restaurant. The design of the place is beautiful.

I've read through some of the rather negative reviews about this place and the tip I'll give them and you is that you need to understand what you are getting into when you book at a Michelin-star restaurant, especially if you are ordering the tasting menus with wine pairings. And by the way, always order a tasting menu and buy the wine pairing. They've put their culinary training and service skills to great disposal for you with these and it will showcase the Michelin experience you are there to have. In my opinion ordering, ala carte off the menu is offered in these types of restaurants for quick business meals or for people that weren't prepared for the potential bill of the full experience. Don't go unless you want the experience. YES, it will take 3-4 hours if you're doing it right. The staff isn't lazy, they are educating you through the Chef's interpretation of fusion Italian dishes and the Sommelier's distinguished picks for wine on each dish. It's a delightful experience and you should ask questions and interact with the staff. They have no intention of turning your table over that evening - it belongs to you so revel in it and enjoy a cultural experience at the highest level.

The design of the space was interesting. There were various unrelated artworks in the restaurant and e very modern design scheme so I had to ask one of the folks taking care of us that evening about any meaning or design scheme behind them. It was then that we learned (and realized) this restaurant was inside the hotel which is part of the Lungarno Collection and owns several hotels and properties on the Arno River. This group is owned by Fashion Designer Salvatore Ferragamo and the art pieces in the restaurant are from his personal collection from his home. In fact, each employee of the restaurant and hotel group is required to wear at least one Ferragamo clothing piece to work every day.

Since we began our culinary journey late at night, we were in fact the last people in the building, ending our evening at 1 am in the morning. We had such a good time talking with the staff and getting a late-night tour of the other spaces. It was literally a highlight of our trip and we feel like we gained some family this particular evening.

I can't recommend this place enough. Not only were the dishes masterfully crafted, but the Sommelier's wine pairing was also spot on and the hospitality of the staff...

Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo, Florence » My visit: March 2025 » Total score: 4.6/5 – still very good » In a nutshell: I thought the food was very good overall. I would particularly highlight an intermediate course with turbot and perhaps the main course with suckling pig (with an avant-garde-touch in its composition) which I found outstanding. Overall, I also found the wines very good. Here I would like to highlight what I thought was an outstanding Vermentino from southern Tuscany. 1|124|71

My ratings for this gourmet restaurant in detail:

●● Service – 4.8/5 – very good: ● Hospitality, friendliness, obligingness, etc.: 4.8/5 ● Atmosphere, temper, facilitation, etc.: 4.8/5

●● Food – 4.8/5 – very good: ● Flavors (range, depth, composition, harmony/balance, etc.): 4.8/5 ● Level (thoroughness, craftsmanship, originality, exclusivity, variety of impressions, consistency/diversity, etc.): 4.8/5 ● Choices: 5.0/5

●● Beverages, mainly the wines – 4.8/5 – very good: ● Taste (depth/range, length, complexity, balance, accessibility, elegance, intensity/subtlety, etc.): 4.8/5 ● Level (variety/novelty of impressions, consistency/diversity, exclusivity, etc.): 4.8/5 ● Did the beverages (mainly the wines) match the dishes?: 4.7/5 ● Choices: 5.0/5

●● Presentation of the food – 4.4/5 – good to very good: ● Textures and (differences in) temperatures: 4.8/5 ● Colors and decorations: 4.2/5 ● Timing and sequencing as well as sizes of portions: 4.6/5 ● Special effects (positionings, DIY-effects, sculptural or thematic elements, surprises, color and motion effects, fake effects, olfactory effects, fog or smoke effects, etc.): 3.3/5 ● Procedures at and around the table (attunements and explanations, elements added/changed, service and staffing intensity, involvement of kitchen team, orchestrated dish presentations, preparations and dishes (partially) built up at the table, etc.): 4.7/5

●● Presentation of beverages, mainly the wines – 4.8/5 – very good: ● Procedures at and around the table (explanations and attunements, etc.): 4.8/5 ● Quantities poured as well as timing in relation to the dishes: 4.7/5

●● Premises and location – 4.6/5 – still very good: ● Accessibility, surroundings and - as applicable - the view: 4.7/5 ● How did I like the room or - as applicable - outdoor area’s style, decor and atmosphere?: 4.7/5 ● Well-being (space, privacy, temperature, ventilation/odors, lighting, soundscape, sanitary facilities, etc.): 4.5/5

●● Price – 3.8/5 – satisfactory to good: ● Price-performance ratio for food: 3.4/5 ● Price-performance ratio for wines and other beverages: 3.5/5 ● Price transparency and correspondence of the expected to the actual price (simple, complete and unambiguous price information on the restaurant's website and in the menu,...

A Night of Culinary Magic at Borgo San Jacopo – 10/10

Dining at Borgo San Jacopo was, without exaggeration, one of the most exceptional restaurant experiences we’ve ever had. This Michelin-starred Italian gem not only lived up to its world-class reputation — it far exceeded every expectation we had.

From the moment we arrived (albeit late due to a problem with our taxi), the staff welcomed us with nothing but warmth and grace. Despite our delayed arrival, the kitchen stayed open well past their official closing time — a gesture that speaks volumes about their commitment to hospitality. We never felt rushed for a single moment. On the contrary, the team made every effort to ensure we were comfortable, cared for, and able to enjoy a relaxed and complete dining experience from beginning to end.

Now, the food. Every dish at Borgo San Jacopo was a revelation — a harmonious blend of Italian tradition and modern sophistication. From the delicate starters to the perfectly executed mains, each plate was a celebration of flavor, balance, and artistry. The ingredients were clearly of the highest quality, and the plating was so beautiful it felt almost criminal to disturb it. This was not simply a meal — it was an immersive culinary journey, crafted with precision and heart.

The service was equally spectacular. The staff embodied professionalism and warmth in equal measure, striking that rare balance of attentiveness without intrusion. Their attention to detail — from wine pairings to subtle adjustments based on our preferences — was seamless.

What made the night even more special was the incredible personal touch the team added to celebrate our parents’ anniversary. As a surprise, they prepared custom, exquisitely made desserts that were not only visually stunning but deeply meaningful. This was far beyond a standard gesture — it was intimate, heartfelt, and left a lasting emotional impression on our entire family.

In every possible way, Borgo San Jacopo went above and beyond. Their dedication to excellence, both in cuisine and service, turned what could have been a stressful evening into a beautiful, memorable celebration. A true masterclass in hospitality and Michelin-level dining.

If you are ever in Florence, dining here is not just recommended — it’s essential. 11/10. Bravo to the entire team at...