Trattoria Sergio Gozzi — Restaurant in Florence

Who knew Youtube would be right....

Based on a youtube travel log we decided to visit this establishment during a recent visit to Florence. The first attempt at getting a table for our party of 10 was not successful. The restaurant was packed to the rafters during lunch and the cash attendant kindly and apologetically advised they could not accommodate us. So if at once you don't succeed, try try again. And so the next day we arrived at 1130 and took our place at the front of the entrance and waited. Much like Cal Pep in Barcelona. At about 1145 a gentlemen came out and stood beside me and we got to chat. He was the same cash attendant rom the day before and he wanted a cigarette before his shift started. I told him we were a large party and he told me he would take care of us.

At 12 precisely the doors opened and we were directed to our table. Its a very simple restaurant, decor wise, but that is where the simplicity ends. The food is truly out of this world. Nuanced, delicate and flavourful. We ordered the Ragu, the Ribollata, and the spicy spaghetti. A half carafe of red wine and then go to the task at hand. Eating. And I can tell you that youtube in this instance was spot on.

These people know what they are doing. Its simple tuscan fare and it is divine. So if you are looking for an experience for lunch ( they are only open from 12 to 3) then tarry not. Go stand in line and enjoy a lovely afternoon lunch...

Restaurant we saw on a YouTube review. We did not have a reservation but we stopped by around 1130 and checked with the staff if they had space. They told us they did but to come back at 12.

Right after 1130 other customers started lining up and we assume they did not have reservations either. Around 1145 the line was about six groups deep. Most without reservations. Once inside those of us who did not have reservations were let in and others had to wait outside. To be safe I would make a reservation or show up around 1130. There is a shaded area across the street where you can sit and watch the line. You can then judge if you need to get up and stand in line or not. Regardless I would check with the staff if possible so you don’t wait with no avail.

As far as the food, we liked and it seemed very fresh. Prices were about 10-15 per plate. The Secondi portions are fair but will come by themselves so order a side if you have a bigger appetite or did not get an antipasti or a first course. The beef stew has a balsamic/sour taste which was good to soak up with the bread.

If you want the steak you have to order at least one kilo so be ready for a lot of meat or have a plan to share with...

One of the best meals I had in Florence and possibly during my entire Italy trip. The ravioli was absolutely superb and the mushroom cheese tortellini was so good we actually ordered another one! The 'PEPOSO' was amazing, tender and succulent. Like a very delicious peppery beef stew with a lot of delicious layers to it.

The entire staff is very friendly and you are made to feel as if you walked into your grandmother’s house and she’s in the back making you a very special home cooked meal, just for you. You really can taste the love that goes into this food.

♦️Just a FYI, the table bread does not have a lot of salt (which, as I understand it, is in the style of how bread is prepared in Florence). So just be prepared for that. It’s mainly used for dipping and cleaning your plate (or “scarpetta” as they say 🍞🍽😋)

✅PRO TIP: Call and make a reservation ASAP in the morning or get there by 11:45am and wait until the restaurant opens at 12pm. The restaurant fills up quick and by the time we were leaving there was already a line...