Ristorante Lorenzo de’ Medici
Florence
At a glance
Ristorante Lorenzo de’ Medici, located in the vibrant area of Via del Giglio in Florence, offers an inviting journey through the flavors of traditional Tuscan cuisine. A stone's throw from the Cappelle Medicee and the bustling San Lorenzo marketplaces, this charming eatery is a perfect destination for both locals and travelers seeking an authentic taste of Tuscany.
The restaurant is renowned for its commitment to inclusivity, offering extensive gluten-free options that parallel the non-gluten-free menu, ensuring everyone can enjoy their signature dishes. This dedication is recognized by its affiliation with the Associazione Italiana per Celiaci, making it a reliable choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Diners can savor their meal in a variety of settings within the restaurant. The interior exudes a warm atmosphere, ideal for intimate gatherings or casual dining experiences. During warmer months, guests can relax in 'La Piazzetta', the restaurant's delightful outdoor area that conjures the essence of historical Florence. This tranquil spot is particularly suited for romantic dinners under the Tuscan sky or leisurely afternoon lunches.
Whether it's the rich, hearty offerings from the Tuscan tradition or the meticulously crafted pizzas, the culinary selections here cater to diverse palates. The restaurant's thoughtful approach to service, coupled with its emphasis on using high-quality ingredients, ensures a memorable dining experience.
Reviews
I am delightfully surprised. Before this we had bad experiences at tourist traps and restaurants with awful service. We were happy to see that this establishment happened to be a change of tune. Our waiter, was patient, respectful, and attentive. The food arrived in a timely manner and was delicious. Everything they had put on our tables tasted great. Not only this, but our eyes widened at the check. We had eaten a full course meal from appetizers to deserts for 3 people - including drinks - to only pay 90 €! I am astonished. Go here if you'd like great food, an amazing experience, and a fantastic atmosphere. Bravo. Will be back.
Good for gluten free, the gluten free Lorenzo pizza was good and would recommend. They also have gluten free bruschetta. The mushroom tagliatelle was nice but it wasn’t anything noteworthy and wasn’t the impactful Italian pasta I was looking forward to trying. The interior is a nice large building but they have a tv playing football which I felt lowered the tone. The waiters were pleasant and helpful, when we requested a glass of red wine (€6) the waiter discouraged this choice and recommended another glass (€10). I appreciate the recommendation and I really appreciate the waiter bringing us a taste of each but a little disappointed that the restaurant was forcing us into paying over the odds for a simple house wine. I also disliked that the waiter just threw our cutlery back onto the table after the starter instead of bringing a new set for the mains. Regrettably I wouldn’t recommend overall.
The best osso buco I’ve tried in Florence. Cooked to perfection and its sauce was so tasty. Pizza dough was fluffy and delicious too. Pasta was mediocre maybe below average. Desserts were really good too and a good variety. I enjoyed the whole experience with the amazing staff that was so friendly and suggested excellent items for us on the menu. I recommend it.
Honestly the food is decent. Came during Christmas and was fortunately opened with a shortened menu. However it felt overly commercialized and not as authentic. The menu list was very very long and they served lots of dishes not typical within Tuscany so that’s a thing to bear in mind, it is catered to tourists. But even so the tastes were quite decent. Ossobucco seasoned, large portion and tender, the tomato sauce was delicious. Peposo was also pretty good. However not all of their pastas were handmade which is a shame.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, blending classic Tuscan charm with a relaxed vibe that’s great for both casual dinners and special nights out. The food was delicious, well-seasoned, and authentically Florentine — I especially enjoyed seeing such a wide gluten-free selection that didn’t feel limited compared to the regular menu.  A big shout-out to our waiter, SIMONE, who was attentive, friendly, and made the experience even better with his excellent service. His recommendations and warm hospitality really stood out and made our dinner memorable.
