Ristorante Brandolino — Restaurant in Florence

Brandolino is better than Michelin Star venues!!! We were in Florence for 3 nights and Positano for four nights. We had some fine dinig, however, Brandolino was the best food and service we experienced during our entire trip. Our most expensive meal was at a Four Seasons, Michelin star venue, which was not even in the same league as the flavor profiles and service we experienced at Brandolino. Bessi and his staff were awsome at explaining the menu and dishes more clearly and the service was spot on. No waiting at all for any part of our 4 courses and wine and water pours. This crew was well trained and moved in tandem of each other like a swiss watch. For our appetizer we tried the Burrata with Truffle. It was heavenly! Next we tried the Pasta with Fresh Black Truffle. So Delicious! Then my wife and I both tried the Chicken Roll with plums, pinenuts spinich and cherry tomato. Are you KIdding me! Maddona!!! OMG perfection! Paired with the right vino and it was a perfect dinig experience. I can not recall which desert we chose since they were all great choices, but I do recall it was fantastic as well. The atmosphere is quite nice and better than most independant venues we found in Florence. Not lavish, like the Winter Garden at St Regis, but very nicely done atmousphere with plenty of elbow room and most importantly, better food, by far. My wife is a senior executive in the restaurant industry so we are not new to dining out at great venues. I am also of full Italian desent, if that counts for anything toward restaurant rating in Italy. I highly reccomend Brandolino if your ever in Florence. If we ever find ourselves back in this area, it will be our first choice for every other nights dinig. Bravo and Grazzie Bessi and Team at Brandolino! Our favorite in...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Brandolino in Florence, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Nestled in the heart of the city, this charming restaurant offers an authentic Italian dining experience that rivals some of the best spots in Italy.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a perfect blend of traditional Italian decor and modern touches. From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel like family, offering impeccable service throughout the evening.

Now, let’s talk about the food—simply exceptional. We started with a selection of antipasti, and every bite was a delight. The bruschetta was fresh, with the perfect balance of tomato, basil, and olive oil, while the burrata melted in your mouth. For the main course, I couldn’t resist the homemade pappardelle with wild boar ragu, a Tuscan specialty, and it was hands down one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had. The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the ragu was rich, hearty, and full of flavor.

The wine selection is extensive, featuring some of the finest Tuscan wines. The staff was knowledgeable and helped us choose a perfect pairing for our meal. We ended our evening with the tiramisu, which was light, creamy, and the ideal way to conclude such a fantastic dinner.

Overall, Brandolino is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience genuine Italian cuisine in Florence. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this restaurant offers a perfect blend of delicious food, excellent service, and a cozy ambiance that will make you want to return...

We were recommended Brandolino by a local photographer and we couldn't have been more happy with the tip. From the very moment we stepped into the restaurant, Michael and his staff took excellent care of me and my wife. Lucky for us it was November and the middle of white truffle season so we made selections from their special menu, a hallmark of any worthy establishment to keep their menu seasonal. We started with the burrata and truffle risotto to share. It was delicious and gorgeously presented. The risotto was especially good, I completely cleaned the bowl. We also selected a Tuscan red from their extensive wine list and were pleasantly surprised with Michael's service when it was decanted expertly table side. We finished with a Florentine Staple and got the special Bistecca. Again carved and served tableside. Perfectly cooked, fantastic cut of meat. We finished an already outstanding meal with their chocolate torte, a truly wonderful way to finish an incredible meal.

The fact that there were any open tables at Brandolino is simply shocking to me! This restaurant was one of the culinary highlights of our Honeymoon that included Osteria Francescana in Modena and Il Pagliaccio in Rome. When I return to Florence, Brandolino will be one of the reservations I make hands down.

ZaZa gets a lot of fan fare and publicity, but for my money, avoid the crowds, dine where the locals do, and enjoy a meal at Brandolino while you still can because I anticipate it will not be long until this diamond...