Have returned again to see if I can rate and yet again Ciao's system doesn't seem to want me to - so...
Have returned again to see if I can rate and yet again Ciao's system doesn't seem to want me to - so sorry folks I am unable to read and rate.
Member since:01.03.2001
Reviews:29
Members who trust:24
If you are lucky enough to be in Florence and you enjoy good food then this restaurant is not to be missed. La Giostra is run by Dimitri d'Asburo Lorena, a Hapsburg prince who opened the restaurant to indulge his love of cooking, and what a passionate affair it is too.
If I were asked what would I like for my last meal, without hesitation it would be a meal from here. The restaurant is tucked away in a side street and is beautifully and romantically lit with hundreds of fairy lights. The wooden interior gives a warm cosy feel and the staff are wonderful and all speak fluent English. The waitress helped me to choose without being pushy, what did come across was that she wanted to try and give me something I actually liked rather than something I should like. On arrival we were treated to a glass of Spumanti and a large plate of anti pasta, this entailed two of each; stuffed tomatoes with anchovies, mushroom paste with the mushrooms still visible, brushetta and, salmon pate on toast.
The menu was well balanced and had a good selection of fish and meat with a couple of specials of the day and plenty for the vegetarian. The wine cellar is a carefully chosen one which they are very proud of unfortunately the only draw back here, is that there were no half bottles or glasses - it was either a bottle or nothing at all.
As we waited for our starters to arrive we watched the chef fully decked in white starched apron and hat jauntily cocked to one side flitting from table to table. He was obviously very caring about his food and whether it pleased his customers. One American lady found her pesto too strong so he replaced it and made something especially for her which she didn’t like either. Instead of getting annoyed he listened and told her his process of making the pesto and that it was hard for him to tone down the taste.
My starter was ricotta and spinach ravioli. If I told you the pasta of the ravioli was velvety and the ricotta was moist and melted in the mouth would you know what I was talking about? Along with a sauce that was light and fresh.
The main course was chicken with a thick sauce and sliced roast potatoes. I cannot really put into words the taste except perfection, but I can describe the potatoes as slightly crispy but with a fluffy soft centre to them.
Yes, I did have a pudding even if it meant undoing my skirt. I ordered a cheesecake with a thin raspberry sauce, the base was light and cut very easily and crumbled in the mouth with the cheese mixture dissolving on the tongue.
All the food was to die for. The place was packed when we visited and I do recommend booking before hand as we did.
The three course meal for 2 with tip came to 150,000L without wine (about £45). La Giostra, Borgo Pinti 10r, (off Piazza G Salvemini) Tel 055 241 341 Open noon-3pm and then 7pm-midnight
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Apr 2nd, 2001
(Mar 29th, 2001)
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