Trattoria Sostanza In Firenze

I came here for my birthday with friends and had such a blast. I was welcomed with a handwritten birthday card from Trattoria Sostanza staff and also received well wishes from one of the managers during the dinner. Also, Briauna served my table and she had so much knowledge regarding the dinner menu (including specials) as well as the wine selections. I sincerely appreciate her patience with my group as we needed a lot of time to both catch up and also to pick our entree/drinks. I will definitely return again to this amazing restaurant!

La cucina povera par excellence and brilliantly executed! A great experience and one of my best memories in Florence. Beyond the taste, it’s the experience in a typically local place that is worth the detour! 💯

Operating without a website or PR for over 150 years Trattoria Sostanza is something of an institution, and although locals may gripe that the Restaurant has become overrun with tourists those with the prudence to book one of six tables will discover textbook Tuscan cuisine served by a pleasant staff. Not remotely fancy, the bar up front doubling as a prep-station for Dessert and cashier, it is surrounded by family photos that house Wine is poured liberally prior to the arrival of bread made fresh and replenished on request. Known for signatures including Bistecca alla Fiorentina, according to some the best in town, an antipasti of sliced Salumi compares favorably to many while Tortellini en Brodo split to share comes hazy but packed savory notes and a vegetal finish. Sporting an open kitchen, its small size comparable to Sostanza itself, both the Artichoke Omelette (labeled “Pie”) and Chicken in Butter Sauce are highly-regarded for good reason while Meringue Pie with Chocolate Chips and Wild Strawberries is a textural masterpiece.

A restaurant that feels worlds away from the crowds of students and sightseers. Service is impeccable. The dishes are simple, hearty, and tasty.

All the dishes are delicious and very satisfying! The staff was also very kind and could speak Japanese ☺️

I'm posting this because I wanted to write about the differences between reviews and information and what I felt. First of all, regarding reservations, I think they are essential. I don't know if it was a single customer, but everyone refused. The duo was advised that they would be available the next day at noon. In my case, I made a reservation by email two to three weeks in advance. I think the contact information is listed somewhere. Since I was alone, I ordered the Tuscan artichoke, and the artichoke was in the second column, so I asked for a recommendation from the appetizer primo column and ordered the one in the photo. I think the average woman would be satisfied with just one dish. As a side note, the Italian person sitting in front of me only had butter chicken, so it wasn't a problem if he only had one dish. Payment is by Visa Touch. I read a lot of reviews that said they only accept cash, but when I asked the staff to check, they explained that of course they accept credit cards. The staff's service was very nice and made me happy, and I was glad I came to this restaurant. As for the taste, it's delicious, but I don't understand why this restaurant is so famous when compared to what you can eat in Japan (Tokyo), and I think it comes down to personal preference. However, in terms of satisfaction, it was the best. If I have a chance to come to Florence next time, I would like to visit you again. I think it will make your trip more fulfilling.

Very good hospitality and cosy restaurant. Definitely to go for when you're in Florence! Florentine steak is very delicious as well as the butter chicken. The dessert of meringue cake with berries is a very good balance to end the meal and not sweet. Highly recommend the place!

We have been coming here for decades . Out of the places I've eaten in 75 countries- this place is in my top 5 easily. The food is truly outstanding and genius in its simplicity. What is even more impressive is that unlike the vast majority of restaurants that stretch back over a hundred years is its consistency. Most restaurants lose their soul and character as ownership/management/generations change- but not this place. Its amazing - the recipes are cooked the same over decades. There is a consistency night after night, year after year decade after decade.They have kept the same producers for vegetables, chicken, beef, bread over generations. The dining area has not changed nor has the simple kitchen ( Michelin starred chefs send their staff here for tutelage in learning fundamental culinary lessons in how to cook in a basic kitchen ). Most importantly- the pride and culture of the staff and the chefs has remained in tact. The baton has been passed from generation to generation - with the next honouring and preserving the "essence" of this place. Their professionalism, including their friendliness, is second to none. Bravo to all who work there- you have achieved something that is very unique in the restaurant business.

After reading all the great reviews we just had to come during our brief visit to Florence. Since they don't take reservations on line, we asked our hotel to make reservations for us. We came in at 7:30 PM and were promptly and warmly greeted. We had the steak and buttered chicken, which was to die for. It is in a small valley. Google had trouble pinpoint it and tried to send us another trattoria up the street.

This restaurant was recommended by a local who has been dining here with her family for decades. We had been craving chicken and their butter chicken was amazing! Unfortunately, I didn’t get any pictures because I dug into it too quickly. It’s two breasts and perfect for sharing. My husband and I shared tortellini with meat sauce, the butter chicken, and a side of herbed tomatoes. House red was great. Prices are reasonable and you get a lot for your money. Be sure to make reservations, very small and only two seating per evening.