Experts' Choice Award Trattoria Sostanza
What the experts agree on
This 150-year-old Florence institution wins locals over with rustic, unpretentious Tuscan classics like buttery chicken and artichoke tart served communal-style at just six tables. Book ahead for authentic charm and elbow-to-elbow conviviality.
“The primi are very simple: pasta in sauce, tortellini in brodo (meat-stuffed pasta in chicken broth), and zuppa alla paesana (peasant soup ribollita).”
– Frommer's
Fodor's "Since opening its doors in 1869, this trattoria has been serving top-notch, unpretentious food to Florentines who like their bistecca fiorentina very large and very rare." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Sostanza is also known as Il Troia (the trough) because its long, wooden communal tables are always packed with diners enjoying the same signature dishes." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "This full-of-charm hole-in-the-wall—a Florence classic for nearly 150 years—offers just six tables (so do book ahead) and has had the same staff for the past two decades." Full review
Afar Magazine "Not an upscale gourmet place, but popular with locals, and a place to practice my rusty Italian." Full review
Fodor's "This trattoria has been serving top-notch, unpretentious food to Florentines...the tartino di carciofi (artichoke tart) and the pollo al burro (chicken with butter) are signature dishes." Full review
The Infatuation "Sostanza has a menu that hasn’t changed since it opened in 1869, and it’s one of those places that everyone knows, maybe a little too well. But the experience is so Florentine, serving up..." Full review
Afar Magazine "A reservation is an absolute necessity at this very traditional and very popular Florentine trattoria. The white-tiled walls are hung with photographs and prints; hard wooden benches and..." Full review
