Ristorante CINTO
Florence
At a glance
Ristorante CINTO is a testament to the enduring allure of Florence's medieval heart, housed within the evocative walls of a 13th-century tower. This unique location, steeped in history linked to the notable Donati family from Dante's era, offers an immersive experience into Florence's storied past. Guests who dine at Ristorante CINTO do more than enjoy a meal; they partake in a journey through time. The ambiance, crafted by ancient stones and memories, serves as an ideal backdrop to the restaurant's dedication to authentic Tuscan cuisine.
The culinary focus at Ristorante CINTO is on simplicity and authenticity, emphasizing a genuine connection to the Tuscan land and its traditional flavors. The kitchen is known for its commitment to high-quality ingredients, crafted into recognizable and cherished dishes free from unnecessary embellishments. The menu shines with handmade pasta, such as pici and tagliatelle, crafted fresh daily to continue Tuscany's rich pasta-making traditions. Meat lovers find paradise in carefully selected cuts, including the celebrated bistecca alla fiorentina, which is responsibly cooked over an open flame to deliver that expertly juicy and flavorful finish. The occasional hint of fresh truffle elevates simple dishes, showcasing CINTO's flair for enhancing but not overpowering natural tastes.
Downstairs, La Cantinetta offers a refuge of tranquility. This intimate dining space, with its subdued lighting and stone walls, invites small groups and couples seeking a quiet corner for a romantic evening or special occasion. Here, diners can relish the same celebrated menu in a more private setting, allowing the clatter of the city to fade away.
Complementing the culinary offerings is an extensive wine list that captures Tuscany's vinous breadth. From famous Chianti reds to selections from smaller, local producers, the wine selection is curated to pair beautifully with the flavors on the menu. Visitors to Ristorante CINTO not only enjoy the taste of Tuscany but are also embraced by its storied past and warm hospitality.
Reviews
Lovely experience all around! Our waiter was Klevis and despite my family being a bit more rambunctious and asking a lot of questions; Klevis laughed along with us and created a super welcoming atmosphere. He was funny, polite and really helpful! The food was delicious! My dad really enjoyed the ribeye steak especially. The tiramisu was lovely and the complimentary limoncello was such a treat, thanks for the toast Klevis!
We managed to get a table with no reservation, but plenty of people had booked, and many of our fellow diners made reservations for the following night on their way out - which is proof enough that this is a great restaurant! The location is great - close to the centre but not too full of tourists. All tables are indoors but the back room in particular is very pretty. We opted for the steak menu - 40 euros per person including cover charge for a charcuterie board starter (also including the Tuscan favourite chicken liver bruschetta), huge sharing steak, roast potatoes, tiramisu dessert and water of choice. We also ordered some spinach on the side and a cocktail each. All of the food was great, albeit we would've liked the steak to be a little more done (we asked for medium and it was more medium-rare), and the spinach to be a little more garlicky. The tiramisu was the best we had on our Italy trip - so creamy with a good amount of cocoa powder on top! Overall, this was great value for money and I would happily go back.
It was a wonderful experience. The staff were very accommodating and the service overall was excellent. The atmosphere was relaxing, allowing me to take the time to enjoy the food and focus on the dining experience. On the topic of food, it was absolutely delicious. We had ordered the Angus t bone Florentine steak, and it was cooked to a perfect medium rare. The steak was juicy, full of flavor, and paired so well with the roasted potatoes. Overall it was a satisfactory dining time.
Highly recommend this restaurant! The service was excellent, and the whole experience felt warm and welcoming. We started with the pear, burrata, and walnut appetizer — the touch of honey made it absolutely delicious. For mains, the pici with wild boar and the beef fillet were both very good. But the standout dish was definitely the tortello with truffle — superb and a must-try! A special mention to Michele, who recommended the tortello and provided fantastic service throughout the meal. Thank you for making our visit so enjoyable!
Fabulous food and excellent service. Our server Klevis was courteous, kind and attentive .. but never overbearing. I had the Florentine Tbone which was perfectly cooked to medium rare. My wife ordered a "filetto" - and being from the US assumed it was a filet mignon - but it was more of a flat steak. Thinner than we thought it would be, but was still yummy. Our reservation was at 7 p.m. and was able to make it the same day. It was relatively quiet when we arrived but began to fill up as we ate. Highly recommend this lovely Ristorante!
