23 Best Restaurants in Florence
"Part of Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele’s magical mystery tour that is the Gucci Garden museum and retail outlet, this jewel box of a restaurant is all forest green velvet, pea green boiserie, and custom-made Ginori porcelain in the brand’s pretty floral Herbarium design. Although Massimo Bottura’s name is on the menu, it’s Mexican chef Karine Lopez who’s in charge of the kitchen, and the dishes are a palate-teasing mix of reworked Emilian and world classics, along with influences form Lopez’s background. Highlights include “Come to Noto With Us” (a citrusy risotto with almonds and red Sicilian prawns), “Taka Bun” (a magically light steamed bun enveloping a slab of sticky pork belly oozing with spicy sauce), and Bottura’s signature tortellini in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. To finish, there’s “Red, White and Green” (a play on a Caprese salad with mozzarella, tomato, basil and strawberry) and the chocolatey-rich “Charley’s Dream,” which Bottura apparently invented for his son. Service from the smiley staff—dressed in preppy button-downs with floral aprons and Gucci trainers—is efficient and utterly charming. Timing is good and everyone knows the details and intricacies of the menu." - Nicky Swallow
