Buca dell'Orafo

Buca dell'Orafo is a small, atmospheric Florentine restaurant set in a medieval cellar just steps from the Ponte Vecchio, its name referring to the goldsmiths who have worked along the famous bridge for centuries. The intimate vaulted room, with its brick arches and candlelight, makes it a favoured choice for a romantic dinner in the heart of the city, and its compact size lends the experience a personal, tucked-away feel. The kitchen cooks classic Florentine and Tuscan dishes with care: bistecca alla fiorentina, the charcoal-grilled Chianina steak; pappardelle dressed with truffle in season; lampredotto and other traditional offal preparations from the Florentine repertoire; and seasonal soups and roasts. The restaurant takes its wine seriously, with a list focused on Chianti Classico, Brunello and other Tuscan reds chosen to suit the hearty cooking. Service is attentive and the atmosphere intimate rather than boisterous, distinguishing it from the larger communal trattorias elsewhere in the centre. Buca dell'Orafo opens Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, and because the room is small and the location prime, reservations are recommended, particularly for dinner and in the busy spring and autumn seasons. Prices sit in the upper-moderate range, reflecting the central position and the quality of the cooking, with the bistecca charged by weight and suited to sharing. The combination of an evocative historic setting near one of Florence's most famous landmarks, careful traditional cooking and a strong wine list has long made it a popular choice for a special meal. Buca dell'Orafo appeals to travellers seeking an intimate, romantic alternative to the city's busier dining rooms while staying within the canon of authentic Florentine cuisine, and its position beside the Arno makes it a natural choice after an evening walk across the Ponte Vecchio.