Sant Agostino 23

Stylish, original and creative while still pure Tuscan.

This Oltrarno (over the river) restaurant manages to be pure Tuscan and successfully combine excellent traditional cooking with contemporary style and a cheeky sense of humour. Close to the Piazza Santo Spirito, each of the rooms has a different décor contributing to an ambiance of light hearted charm.

The menu has traditional favourites, (try the ragu di lampredotto) but succeeds in using imagination in the antipasti and primi, (try baked squash and taleggio cheese with savoury crumble topping). While it is a great place to eat meat, the very Florentine menu (complete with spelling that mocks the Florentine accent) has clearly marked vegetarian choices and a diversion from tradition by including their own excellent burgers made with Tuscan Chianina beef. Service is friendly and English speaking and the wine list is extensive and well priced.