Florence, a city where history whispers through cobbled streets and art drips from every corner, holds a secret—a place where time slows, flavors deepen, and the very ambiance hums with centuries of history. Welcome to De' Bardi Restaurant, a haven of Tuscan indulgence nestled along the historic Via de' Bardi near Ponte Vecchio.
The Well of Stories
Step inside, and your gaze is immediately drawn to the ancient well, a relic of Florence’s past, standing like a silent guardian in the heart of the restaurant. It is said that generations of the Bardi family, once noble merchants, gathered around this very well, exchanging tales of trade, love, and ambition. Today, it remains a centerpiece, a reminder that every sip of wine and every bite of pasta carries the weight of history.
A Family Legacy
The Bardi family, whose lineage stretches back to the golden age of Florentine commerce, has infused the restaurant with the essence of history and legacy. De' Bardi’s passion for hospitality is evident in every detail—from the meticulously curated wine selection to the recipes passed down through generations. Each dish is a tribute to the heritage Florence, a love letter to Tuscany itself.
Dining on Air
But De' Bardi is no ordinary restaurant. Here, tables seem to float, suspended in a delicate dance above the ground, creating an ethereal experience that defies expectation. The illusion is mesmerizing—diners feel as though they are weightless, drifting through a dream of candlelight and culinary artistry. It is a spectacle that transforms a meal into an unforgettable performance.
An ode to Tuscan tradition
First Course
Tartare with Burrata
The evening began with an exquisite tartare, a delicate dance of textures and flavors. The richness of the finely prepared tartare met its perfect match in the luscious burrata, its velvety creaminess spilling across the plate like a soft embrace. Every bite carried the essence of freshness, a balance so precise it felt like a fleeting moment of culinary magic.
Pasta
Pappardelle with Boar Ragu & Truffle Pasta
Florence understands the soul of pasta, and De' Bardi does not disappoint. The pappardelle with boar ragu was nothing short of a revelation—the ribbons of pasta absorbing the slow-cooked richness of the ragu, a tapestry of deep, meaty flavors. Then came the truffle pasta, earthy and intoxicating, each bite a decadent whisper of indulgence. The contrast between the two dishes was sublime—one robust and hearty, the other delicate and seductive.
Secondi
Florentine Steak
To eat Florentine steak is to partake in a rite of passage, and De' Bardi’s execution of this legendary dish was impeccable. Cooked rare, as tradition demands, the steak surrendered effortlessly to the knife, its bold Tuscan flavor unfolding like poetry on the palate. Smoky, juicy, primal—it was a feast for the senses, a moment of reverence for the beauty of simplicity done right.
Dessert
Tiramisu & Panna Cotta with Pistachio
Florence does not let you leave without a final kiss of sweetness. The tiramisu was everything one hopes for—espresso-soaked layers weaving into the silky mascarpone, a balance of bittersweet elegance that lingered. Then, the panna cotta with pistachio, smooth as velvet, nutty and refined, a dessert so effortless yet unforgettable.
The Art of Tuscan Cooking
For those who wish to do more than taste, De' Bardi offers an immersive cooking class, where guests can roll up their sleeves and dive into the secrets of Tuscan cuisine. Under the guidance of expert chefs, flour dusts fingertips, fresh herbs perfume the air, and laughter fills the kitchen. The experience culminates in a feast of handmade pasta, paired with exquisite local wines—a celebration of craftsmanship and camaraderie.
A Night to Remember
As the evening deepens, De' Bardi becomes more than a restaurant—it becomes a portal. A place where history and modernity entwine, where flavors tell stories, and where every guest leaves with a piece of Florence imprinted on their soul.
So, if you find yourself wandering the streets of Florence, let De' Bardi be your destination. Let the well whisper its secrets, let the floating tables enchant you, and let the flavors of Tuscany weave their magic.
Buon viaggio, buon appetito, and welcome to the heart of Florence.
Click here to watch our restaurant review on YouTube:
Thanks to De' Bardi Ristorante Enoteca Buchetta | Via de' Bardi, 25R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy | +39 366 939 1879