
La Giostra
Experience romantic Tuscan dining in a historic 16th-century vaulted cellar, famous for its fairy lights and celebrity-loved dishes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

La Giostra

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience romantic Tuscan dining in a historic 16th-century vaulted cellar, famous for its fairy lights and celebrity-loved dishes.
"The pear ravioli will change your life. Exceptional meal."
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential due to high popularity. Book well in advance to secure your spot.
Cash for Tips
Be prepared that tips are cash only at La Giostra.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Tuscan
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Enchanting Ambiance
Experience a cozy and romantic atmosphere with soft lighting, rustic decor, and 16th-century brick vaults adorned with fairy lights.

Life-Changing Pear Ravioli
Indulge in the legendary pear ravioli with gorgonzola, a dish repeatedly praised as a must-try and a culinary highlight.

Celebrity-Favored Dining
Dine like royalty in this historic gem, a favored spot for celebrities, offering an unforgettable Tuscan experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential due to high popularity. Book well in advance to secure your spot.
Cash for Tips
Be prepared that tips are cash only at La Giostra.
Share the Flavors
Consider ordering multiple dishes to share among your group for a diverse culinary experience.
Enjoy the Bar
Don't miss out on their great cocktail selection at the bar before your dinner.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential due to high popularity. Book well in advance to secure your spot.
Cash for Tips
Be prepared that tips are cash only at La Giostra.
Share the Flavors
Consider ordering multiple dishes to share among your group for a diverse culinary experience.
Enjoy the Bar
Don't miss out on their great cocktail selection at the bar before your dinner.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Giostra is celebrated for its enchanting, romantic atmosphere and exceptional Tuscan cuisine, with the pear ravioli consistently highlighted as a standout dish. Diners rave about the impeccable service, often describing it as attentive and genuinely warm. While it's on the pricier side, the overall quality, ambiance, and memorable dining experience are considered well worth the splurge.
"A fabulous all around experience visiting La Giostra on our recent trip to Tuscany. We had arrived late to our reservation, so we started at the bar for cocktails in their cozy atmosphere. Drinks were great! As we got seated for our table, you understand how popular, maybe touristy, this restaurant has become. We were presented with handheld complimentary bites for the table, common around here, which were also delicious. Through our dinner service, our favorite entrees included the Pear Ravioli and a Lemon Chicken dish. These were truly incredible. The owner came by to wish my mother Happy Birthday many times and even came to sing with dessert. Such a warm, welcoming restaurant with true Tuscan nature."
Max Krzyzaniak
"Outstanding experience!! Reservations are sometimes tough to get & worth the effort. I had the privilege of speaking to the owner before departure and found him extraordinarily humble & gracious. The restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere with candlelit tables & fine linens. Decadent, high quality olive oil & balsamic was a treat for me personally! Our waiter was professional & went above and beyond. I cannot say enough about my meal! I ordered the filet prepared in a rich, thick balsamic glaze. The steak was at least 3” thick, a healthy 8-12oz & a perfect medium rare!! 👏 👏 La Giostra was my absolute favorite dining experience in Firenze!! Someday I’ll return to their beautiful city & will probably make a reservation here for each night of my visit. Thank you for a beautiful dining memory. We really had a wonderful time at your establishment!"
Fearless 1973
"Exceptional Italian steakhouse. My wife was recommended this place by 2 separate people who’ve been to Florence before. The pear ravioli lives up to the hype and the steak was cooked excellently. Outstanding dining experience with good service. Highly suggest booking a reservation for lunch/dinner."
Ben Vance
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity. It's advisable to book well in advance.
La Giostra is most famous for its romantic ambiance, exceptional Tuscan cuisine, and particularly its legendary pear ravioli.
The restaurant features a cozy and romantic atmosphere with soft lighting, rustic decor, and 16th-century brick vaults adorned with fairy lights.
Yes, diners often mention complimentary appetizers and drinks, along with very attentive and welcoming service.
Besides the famous pear ravioli, popular choices include the Florentine T-bone steak, carbonara, risotto, and tiramisu.
The dress code is smart-casual, allowing for an elegant yet comfortable dining experience.
Please note that tips are cash only at La Giostra.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The 10 Most Romantic Restaurants In Florence
This restaurant, situated right in the heart of the city and just a few minutes’ walk away from Duomo, is a must-visit when in Florence. Offering gorgeous interiors with brick vaulted ceiling covered in fairy lights and many plants and flowers around, exquisite food that is often considered among the best in Florence, and exceptionally friendly staff and owners that will make sure that every visitor gets the best experience they can have. The menu offers mostly Italian cuisine, customers’ favorites include goat chops, linguine with white truffles and tiramisu that melts in your mouth.
Restaurants in Florence
Passing by this restaurant at night, you may think there's a club beyond its doors, given the crowd gathering outside. Frequented by celebrities, its name means "carousel," and it was created by the late Prince Dimitri Kunz d'Asburgo Lorena and is now expertly run by Soldano, one of his twin sons. The ever-changing menu generally has vegetarian and vegan options.
Best Romantic Restaurants in Florence, Italy
This Florence Romantic Restaurant, arranged right in the core of the city and only a couple of moments’ leaves Duomo, is an absolute necessity visit when in Florence. Offering dazzling insides with a block vaulted roof shrouded in pixie lights and numerous plants and blooms around, impeccable nourishment that is regularly considered among the best in Florence, and incredibly well-disposed staff and proprietors that will ensure that each guest gets the best experience they can have. The menu offers for the most part of Italian cooking, clients’ top choices incorporate goat cleaves, linguine with white truffles and tiramisu that melts in your mouth.
The best restaurants in Florence
Born twenty years ago from the passion of Prince Dimitri d'Asburgo Lorena and his son Soldano, La Giostra is an intimate and hidden restaurant, frequented by celebrities from all over the world. The most exclusive table is the imposing round table at the end of the room, reminiscent of King Arthur's table, where you can taste, among the cult dishes, the Carbonara di Tartufo Bianco or the Filetto con Funghi Porcini. Maximum capacity: 46 seats in the main dining room and 49 in the secondary one.
A Foodie's Guide to Florence -
Translating to “carousel,” La Giostra is one of those other-worldly gems bursting with a winsome personality. It was established by the late Austrian prince, Dimitri Kunz d’Asburgo Lorena and is still a noble family-run endeavour in present day, overseen by his twin sons Dimitri and Soldano. The latter cuts a particularly zany figure as he manoeuvres through the vaulted candle-lit space, greeting guests and talking them through his favourite dishes!
Where to eat in Florence / top 7 places to eat in Florence
The restaurant is underrated it might be a little difficult to find this place found below street level Located Just near the corner of La Giostra, a lesser-known but -as-delicious restaurant.to find it you’ll just need to follow the smell of Tuscan cuisines and go behind a bunch of local who love going at cantina Barba Gianni, The incredible dishes they serve haven’t yet crowded by tourist, so you can dive into the exclusivity of it.
Where to Eat Bistecca Fiorentina in Florence - A Local’s Favorite Steakhouses
La Giostra is one of Florence’s most famous restaurants for bistecca fiorentina but also many other traditional Tuscan foods and contornior side dishes. Prices at La Giostra are high but well worth the extra bucks for the extensive wine list, candle-lit dining room and well curated menu. If you are a wine connoisseur, come to La Giostra to enjoy your bistecca fiorentina with some of the best wines to choose from.
Top 10 Must-Visit Pasta Restaurants in Florence: A Culinary Guide to Florentine Pasta Spots!
La Giostra, a culinary gem in the heart of Florence, is more than just a restaurant; it's a legend brought to life. Allegedly established by a prince, this eatery is a haven of enchantment, where the past and present merge to create an extraordinary dining experience. The walls, steeped in history, are adorned with regal memorabilia and soft, ambient lighting, setting the stage for a meal that's fit for royalty.
The 28 Non-Negotiable Things to Do in Florence, Italy
Tucked into the heart of the historic center, this gem delights with a menu that champions classic dishes and inventive twists. Think beyond the quintessential pizza and pasta; the chicken parmigiana and smoked tuna sandwich stand out, tempting locals and travelers alike. La Giostra has earned its reputation as a celebrity haunt—Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, and Jessica Alba have all savored meals here.
10 Best Restaurants in Florence: Rustic Trattorias to Modern Spots
Apparently a favorite of Elton John, La Giostra is certainly one of the best restaurants in Florence. Founded by descendants of the Hapsburg royal family, La Giostra serves elevated Italian dishes and a superb wine list several pages longer than the food menu. The beautiful dining area is in a centuries old converted carousel house, complete with brick arches and stained glass.
10 of the best restaurants in Florence
This famous restaurant in Sant’Ambrogio is frequented by celebrities and owned by an Austrian prince, but it’s not pretentious. It’s an upscale version of the traditional trattoria, with vaulted ceilings, white table cloths and photograph-filled walls. This high-end restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner by candlelight, serving Tuscan and Italian cuisine.
The ultimate gay travel guide to Florence
If it’s good enough for Elton John, then it’s good enough for us!. La Giostra is the ultimate date night vibe, with twinkling lights hung across the ceiling, red-brick arches, fine wooden décor, and a menu brimming with Tuscan specialties. When we visited, the place was jampacked with family gatherings and doting couples (fair warning: if you want to dine here, book ahead).
The Best Restaurants in Florence for Authentic Tuscan Food
You’ll be greeted with thousands of lights blanketing the ceiling creating a rather romantic and intimate ambience. The menu features a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes, with standout options like homemade ravioli filled with pecorino and Williams pears and the seafood risotto. Rest assured, their slogan “In food we trust” is reflected in every delicious bite.
Where to eat Florentine Steak in Florence
Universally regarded as one of the best restaurants in Florence. Meals here are not cheap but are truly of the highest quality. Under a grand vaulted ceiling romantically lit by 1500 candles, diners can luxuriate in cuisine rooted in Tuscany but embellished by Habsburg and Lorrainese influences brought by the owner and manager, Prince Soldano Kunz of Hapsburg-Lorraine.
The 10 Best Restaurants in Florence
Don’t be put off by the twinkling lights and the photos of celebrities lining the walls—this is the place for an unforgettable dinner. Settle in and enjoy an incredible menu of homemade pasta, fish, meat—the whole she-bang!. Reservations are required and I recommend a late dining time if you want to find some Italians in the restaurant (9pm on…)
Family-friendly restaurants in Florence for a family meal you'll love
La Giostra, Borgo Pinti, 10/18R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy Web: https://ristorantelagiostra.com/ Online booking available. Very popular and well-known place with a very attractive decor with small lights that give the place a dreamy atmosphere. More expensive than others but a consistently good address for the quality of food.
Florence Best Restaurants:Top Places to Eat in Florence,Tuscany, Italy
The place is named after a carousel of the 18th century that used to be stored here during winter time. The food is great, the motto of la Giostra is “In food we trust”. I recommend the Ravioli with William’s pear and Pecorino cheese, the Chianina flatten with aromatic herbs, and the fabulous Sacher Chocolate Torte.
20 BEST Restaurants In Florence, Italy By A Local
People rave about this restaurant, making reservations for it weeks in advance. We decided to come here for our last meal in Florence and I have to say, I found it a little underwhelming, especially for the costly price tag. I’m all for an Aperol spritz but $15 is excessive when the going rate here is $7.
The BEST Spots for Dinner in Florence
La Giostra Restaurant – This is YOUR SPOT for an undeniably amazing, authentic Italian dinner in a quaint Italian restaurant. And I’m telling you that the food is out-of-this world good – talk about exceeding all your Italian dinner expectations!. But really though, it’s quite amazing and yummy!.
10 BEST RESTAURANTS IN FLORENCE - Chosen by a local
BEST FOR: romantic dinner, bistecca alla fiorentina, an elevated evening, special occasion. With fairy lights covering the ceilings, the only other source of illumination comes from the candles at every table. If you really want to impress your date, an evening at La Giostra will do the trick.
The Best Places to Eat in Florence: A Restaurant Guide for 2023
La Giostra is sooo cute and the twinkly lights make for such a romantic atmosphere. One of my followers on Instagram recommended this restaurant the first day we arrived in Florence, so we thought we’d give it a try. We loved their pasta dishes and their Bistecca Alla Fiorentina.
10 Romantic Things To Do In Florence Italy in 2023
We would argue this has to be one of the most romantic restaurants in Florence, Italy. The restaurant is located across two different plots on the same street and is flooded with fairy lights. The tunnel shape restaurant feels super cost and romantic as each table is candle-lit.
20 Best Restaurants in Florence, Italy: A Curated Guide
La Giostra has built a reputation on atmosphere and presentation as much as food. The space, once part of a Medici-era wine cellar, is dimly lit and filled with ornate hanging lights and framed photos of past guests. It leans theatrical, but the good food holds its own.
Finding the best restaurants in Florence
Ristorante La Giostra is a romantic hideaway within walking distance of Florence's historic center. Candlelit tables covered with white linen and champagne glasses await a glass of Prosecco. While you wait for dinner, you'll be offered antipasti and a glass of wine.
Florence Restaurants: The Ultimate List
This place is pretty famous in the Florence restaurant scene, but it’s worth every bit of its hype. From the romantic ambiance of the fairy lights and cozy tables to the complementary tasting plate, they bring when you sit. This place is special.
Top 5 Things To See, Eat and Drink while in Florence, Italy
This restaurant has a charming ambiance under 16th-century brick vaults and is known for its traditional Tuscan meat dishes. It’s owned by the Habsburg-Lorraine family, who have a long history in Florence, and features an impressive wine list.
Where to Eat in Florence Italy
La Giostra Restaurant – My friend Alana has sent multiple friends here who have traveled to Florence on their honeymoons and she’s been told that this is the “best restaurant that they’ve ever eaten at.” I think that speaks for itself.
Florence Allergy-Friendly Travel Guide
They are known for their pear ravioli but all the pastas were ammmazing. The restaurants busy so we sometimes had different waiters. However, every waiter knew my allergies, and would come over and say yes, the nut allergy!
Top 15 Best Things to Eat in Florence, Italy
I tried it at several restaurants all over the city, but there is no doubt that La Giostra (Borgo Pinti, 10) does it best. Sprinkle it with a bit of honey and try a spoonful. Then wash it down with some sweet, ripe melon.
Florence's 10 Hottest Fine Dining Restaurants
Cuisine: TuscanReason to visit: Charming medieval ambience with a focus on tradition. La GiostraBorgo Pinti, 10, 50121 Florence, ItalyTel.: +39 055 24 13 41 Web: ristorantelagiostra.com
Eat, Drink, & Be Merry: Tips From a Local
My friend has recommended that I go to La Giostra for dinner. What are your thoughts on this restaurant?. I’ve seen mixed things online and we don’t want anything too fancy.
12 Restaurants You Must Try by the Florence Cathedral
If you are looking for a romantic night out this would be among my first choices. Address: Borgo Pinti, 12R. Hours: 12:30 – 2:30 pm M – F | 7pm – 1am Weekend
Traveling to Florence, Italy with Food Allergies
La Giostra Ristorante: The atmosphere and food at this restaurant is top notch. We had a delicious meal and they were great with my food allergies.
Florence, Italy Essentials Guide
If you can only pick one, I would say La Giostra it’s the most amazing meal EVER. Also Tre Panche comes in as a close second- life changing.
How To Eat Like a Local in Florence, Italy
Ideal for a romantic, candle-lit dinner, known for its excellent pasta and wine list. You need to make reservations well in advance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit