The Frescobaldi family name has more history than even some nations can bestow. Dating back as far as the 12th century in Florence, this noble family has been prolifically involved in the social, political and economic development of Tuscany for many centuries. Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi is one of Italy’s most renowned wine dynasties that dates back 700 years across an incredible 30 generations.
Aside from producing wine, the Frescobaldi family pioneered the financial sector and had such authority at the time that they were given the title ‘Treasurers to the English Crown’ after funding Kings Edward I and II and had the responsibility of collecting the customs taxes from all English ports.
From the beginning, the Frescobaldi’s demanded very high standards and today, that focus is maintained. Ristorante Frescobaldi Firenze is the second restaurant developed by the family, who is also behind the Laudemio olive oil brand, produced by the Frescobaldi estates in Tuscany. Their famous pasta and bread are baked fresh each morning using the oil and traditional recipes.
The sun is pulsating down on Florence today, so we dined alfresco on the infamous Piazza Della Signoria, the square that is home to the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio. Despite the flurry of tourists all around us, our attention quickly points to the staff who serve with a friendly smile and explain to us each dish, promptly without fuss. To our delight, a cooling fine mist fires down from the tall canapes.
We had enjoyed a considerable tasting menu the night before so we were concerned that lunch today may be too heavy, too complicated for our mood. However, Ristorante Frescobaldi reminded us that when ingredients are this good, the food speaks through the flavours without the need for pomp. It was a light yet formidable lunch that started with the sampling of soft brown bread and crispy rosemary crostini, which is an appetising and necessary accompaniment to the fresh and citrussy Massovivo 2017, Toscana I.G.T.
As expected, the fresh and seasonal ingredients come from Tuscany with menu influences taken from northern Italy as well as Puglia in the south. If you are looking to taste traditional Italy in a contemporary setting, surrounded by the historic buildings of Florence, then we highly recommend Ristorante Frescobaldi. Tip: Try their ‘Flights’ wine-tasting menu.
Ristorante Frescobaldi Firenze
Piazza Della Signoria,
31, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Words & Photography by Ian Cole for Client Voyage
*During our trip to Florence, we stayed at Hotel Bernini Palace, a Duetorrihotels Group Hotel
Piazza San Firenze, 29 – (Piazza della Signoria) – 50122 Firenze, Italy
1st course
Tuscan ham, patè di coniglio, Tuscan cheese slices, crusty rosemary crostini with fresh tomatoes.
2nd course
Pasta e Fagioli with Tuscan tomatoes and parmesan cheese
3rd course
Beef fillet carpaccio with roasted leeks in Laudemio olive oil with flakes of Tuscan cheese
Dessert
Vanilla bean flavored classic crème brûlée crema pasticcera
