Bistecca Florentine at Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco
There are endless amazing restaurants in Florence, but our favourite dining experience on our last trip to Italy was at Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco. Dinner was perfectly complemented by post-dinner drinks at the restaurant’s sister spot, Osteria del Pavone.
From 1.8kg steaks to run ins with Michael Bublé, it was certainly a night to remember!
The Cinghiale Bianco Experience
Marco Masselli, owner of Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco and Osteria del Pavone
We had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Marco Masselli, who has recently taken over the restaurant from his father. Cinghiale Bianco has been around for 35 years, but the building has been around for hundreds.
Situated on the south side of the river in Palazzo Pitti, this restaurant is in a 12th-century medieval tower, boasting exposed stone and historic details. The environment is warm and welcoming, and so are the staff. It’s the kind of place you feel like you’ve been going to forever.
Marco took excellent care of us, guiding us down a path of delicious Florentine cuisine. Dinner was highlighted by a quick run-in with fellow Canadian Michael Bublé, who had also chosen this cozy spot for a bite to eat.
On the Menu
It should go without saying that the food was incredible. Simple ingredients prepared to perfection. Here’s what we had the pleasure of eating.
Tuscan salami, pecorino, and wild boar ham:
Burratina con tartufo (Burrata with truffle), bruschetta and liver pate:
Tagliolini al Tartufo (Pasta in a truffle butter sauce):
Spaghetti with tomato sauce:
A 1.8 kilo Bistecca Florentine:
Caprese salad:
Tiramisu to finish (which was devoured before we could take a photo):
Of course, we also enjoyed a glass or two of wine:
A fine end to the night: Cocktails at Osteria del Pavone
After dinner, Marco led us through the kitchen and past a small door to reveal an intimate lounge, which he just opened up 1.5 years ago. Called Osteria Del Pavone, the bar and restaurant feature similar historical flourishes to Cinghaile Bianco.
Everything in the building is original, from the beams to the windows. It started originally as a stable for horses, then it turned into a pharmacy, and then finally a book repair shop before Marco took the space over.
We sipped cocktails expertly crafted by Philipe, relishing in the stunning decor and getting caught up in great conversation. The ideal end to an already excellent evening.
Thanks for the hospitality, Marco!
Shereen, Marco, and Alana
