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Buca Lapi Firenze Reviews
Are you even open?
Opening times do not reflect when it’s actually open. Attended 3 times, all during opening hours. All three times closed.
Buca Lapi Restaurant, the best in Firenze.
The best restaurant in Firenze! So good we ate there twice during our stay…and brought friends. Don’t be fooled by its “around the corner” entrance door on a street near Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. Once you descend into this historic gem with its open kitchen, and Luciano with his staple reservations notebook waiting to greet you, you know you have arrived to the Tuscan cuisine of your dreams! Their food was savory; their dinning room was comfortable, attractive and interesting. The Canellini bean soup and their signature canelones dish, are a must. Our server was amazing: elegant, knowledgeable, attentive. We created a server’s award in her honor…The Sarah Award. And the Capa Maggiore head server, was the perfect addition to our experience. Grazie mille Luciano!
Overrated and expensive
My friend booked this restaurant as it’s supposedly the oldest restaurant in Florence. I think that the menu matched the age of the building. It was limited and overpriced. For example the chicken cacciatore which came with mash potato was 40 euros and had no flavour at all. The pasta dish I had, supposedly a meat and wild fennel sauce tasted like Heinz baby food with too much salt. We didn’t finish our meals. The table next door to us ordered 3 pasta dishes and left the majority of each dish after having said they were inedible. Terrible food and an overpriced experience. Would definitely not recommend.
This restaurant is overrated.
Of course we wanted to like it - no-one wants to have a poor experience - but we regret having gone there. Service was rushed and the server agitated. The hand-made pici pasta was horrid (none of our party remotely liked it); the bread was bland; the other dishes we had were mediocre. The decor is nice enough but any warmth of the interior is removed by the service. We did not try the steak, which is one of the supposed mainstays - at 140 euros for two perhaps it is a heavenly experience. Given the taste of the other food and the price for the steak I am glad we did not roll the dice on that dish. There are many better restaurants to go to in Florence. Unless you are friends with the owner I would skip this one.
Authentic Bistecca Fiorentina
Authentic Bistecca Fiorentina with traditional service. You might not need an entrée — the T-bone is easily enough for two, or at least that was the plan before arriving. The pasta dishes often get overlooked but are definitely worth trying — ideal for sharing. Don’t bother with sides beyond a simple salad. A great experience overall, well worth it.
Best restaurant in Florence!
This is the restaurant to experience on your trip to Florence. Make your reservations in advance as there is a good reason it is always booked. The charming owner has spent his life on this superb restaurant and is personally on the premises overseeing all details. Every dish I had was absolutely delicious! My favorite restaurant in Florence!
Nothing special about this place
Boring ambiance. Food was just ok. Service was adequate. Bottom line, not something special. I wanted a steak but they were massive in size and cost so I passed.
One cannot go to Florence without having Florentine steak.
Do I recommend this place?? A THOUSAND YES!! I've had a lot of steak in my days. Not including wagyu, this is by far the best steak that I have had in my life! And that's a lot coming from me!! We ordered a steak FOR ONE to share and it was massive! The server doesn't ask how you want your steak and I absolutely LOVED that! One way, rare! The steak came sizzling hot, but not bloody. The first bite was heaven on earth! You can taste and feel the salt crystals (which was just the right amount) and then once the meat hits your mouth, you just knew everything inside (and outside) of you did the happy dance! We ordered the roasted potatoes and it just melted, MELTED in your mouth! But it wasn't mushy in any way. We had a nice yummy panna cotta for dessert and then ended with an espresso. We didn't have reservations so we waited until they opened for dinner in hopes to be seated. The inside of the restaurant is super lovely. This was the best meal we had in Florence! Make reservations because they fill up fast! Buca Lapi will always have a special place in my .
Florence friend took us here, centrally located very nice
Florence friend took us here, centrally located very nice atmosphere. It's a classic restaurant for Bistecca Fiorentina, excellent service and food! Would definitely recommend and come again. Definitely order the steak - it's so large you can share with a friend or two... they have other dishes but the focus is the bistecca!
Amazing food.
Amazing service. Reservations are a must. It's a must visit when you are in Florence.
Lovely restaurant.
Very good restaurant. Keeping it simple and real. Fantastic waiter. Hit perfectly with the wines. We ate bruschetta, osso buco, gnocchi, chocolate cake, biscotti. Can be strongly recommended.
My 80th birthday dinner!
We have been going to Florence since 1977, and this was our first- but definitely not our last -time to eat at Buca Lipa. You are treated special from the time you make your reservations to when you cheerfully pay your bill. Everything was outstanding. Service without fault and then an incredible steak. Plus I was treated to a special slice of chocolate birthday treat!
You need to try this restaurant
Amazing restaurant. Beautiful cosy atmosphere and food to die for. The pasta was some of thr best i had as well as the Fiorentina steak. I was mot crazy with the desserts.
As a first time visitor to Florence and someone who booked
As a first time visitor to Florence and someone who booked a reservation at Buca Lapi exactly 30-days out (which is the furthest they will confirm) I wanted to love my experience there from the beginning. We just visited tonight (Wednesday) and we're going solely for the bistecca a la fiorentina as a final night celebration dinner. The restaurant and ambiance look exactly as shown on the internet. Unfortunately, I found many of the reviews of the food and service to be an exaggeration. My wife and I ordered the house wine, which is not on any menu but excellent along with the bistecca for two, roasted potatoes and the sautéed spinach. While the potatoes and spinach were both excellent and the better part of the meal, the steak did not live up to expectations. We received an extremely fatty cut of bistecca. The two separate slabs cut by our waiter left each my wife and I with essentially an 8-10 oz. Piece of meat from what was advertised as a 2Kg steak. What was edible was good, despite being more on the rare side than requested. However, it's hard to justify the $140 euro price when half of what you pay for is discarded as bone and inedible fat grizzle. There are surely better restaurants of the hundreds serving bistecca in the city center offering better value for the price including those offering traditional chianina beef which Buca Lapi does not (they serve Marchigiana breed). Our waiter was largely non-existent or particularly engaging with us at all other than to take the order and deliver food. He was not helpful in selecting the single or two person steak, nor did we get steaks presented to us before or after ordering as some reviews suggest is commonplace. Overall ok/good but not great. Likely many better options for the price and wouldn't go back.
Legendary steak dining
This long established restaurant came highly recommended and didn’t disappoint. Didn’t have the most expansive menu but everything we chose was delicious. The legendary steak was as good as I hoped it would be. Paired with a bottle of Chianti Classico it was perfect. Not cheap, but the quality of the food and wine justified the cost.
Big piece of steak!
This place was highly recommended for the Florentine steak...and everyone said the steak was huge (which it was) and in fact the two of us shared the steak for one. Our hotel called last minute for us and they said the last table available was by the steps down to the restaurant but we didn't care. The service was still great. Don't expect to get your steak anything but rare...we were embarrassed to ask since everyone said that is how it came. Just remember in Italy they don't bring your check until you ask.
Book a table in advance to be sure to get a table at this great restaurant.
This is a very popular restaurant for both locals and tourists, and I understand why. As a starter I had the cannoli (?) de Lapi which tasted as heaven, - it was the best dish I had during my whole Florence stay. My husband had the Florentine steak as main dish which was both very tasty and huge! I was so full after my main dish so I did not have any dessert, but I tasted my husband's cake which was huge and very creamy. Great service!
One of the best
One of the best florentine streak houses. perfect service, great meats and wines. it’s expensive and scenic. I have been there 4-5 times over 15 years. For me, 5* means paradise. 4* is excellent
Homey yet upscale!
The meal! The service! The ambiance! My husband and I fell in love with Buca Lapi immediately upon descending the staircase into its cozy basement. The vintage travel posters that lined the ceilings created a fun atmosphere, but this restaurant is so much more than that. Try the mixed green salad that’s prepared table side. I had the pappardelle with boar ragu and my husband had the fettuccine with veal ragu. Both were phenomenally homey and delicious. Just like a warm hug. Please email for a reservation—it will not disappoint! PS there’s a wine window right outside, so don’t be afraid to arrive early for an apperitivo!
Since 1880 Buca Lapi has been a part of Florence, the
Since 1880 Buca Lapi has been a part of Florence, the vaulted Palazzo Antinori cellar lined in posters while formally dressed servers play well to crowds comprised mostly of tourists seeking an "Authentic" Tuscan meal. Maintained through slow restoration, old lampshades scribbled with the names of visitors adding to its charm, diners will find white tablecloths plus an extensive Wine list from which Reds such as house Chianti are more pricey than similar local eateries. The oldest Restaurant in town, and arguably the most straightforward, all tables begin with basic Bread followed by Antipasti including Salads or Soup and Charcuterie including warm Liver on Toast. Known to make all Pastas on-site, Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu frankly underseasoned while signature Cannelloni eat richer thanks to Cheese and Cream, most tables will splurge for €70 Bistecca alla Fiorentina served Rare while Veal Meatballs are overworked and forgettable.
Best Toscan food in a very warm and authentic place in Firenze
A really tos a food restaurant! Antic restaurant very authentic, excellent location, food amazing and the best Waitress, Franca!!! She explain the wines, the food everything about Toscany! Thanks you
We walked in with perfectly good money and decent clothing
We walked in with perfectly good money and decent clothing and we were turned away by the old guy. Yes, they had tables available. A member of my party went back in to ask if we could make a reservation for tomorrow and she was going to seat us but he gave the throat cutting motion to her not to seat us. The food may be good but the service is clearly exclusive.
We had a fantastic dinner that far exceeded our
We had a fantastic dinner that far exceeded our expectations, the food, service and circuses were exceptional!
Buca Lapi is an upscale, frills restaurant catered toward
Buca Lapi is an upscale, frills restaurant catered toward an exceptional fine dining experience. Our favorite part of Buca Lapi was being greeted by the owner upon arrival, as well as, having extremely attentive service. We had one of the best waiters named Giuseppe. It was fascinating to watch him gracefully move around his section serving his tables. Unfortunately, I think we dined in Buca Lapi on an off night. We heard they were known to have one of the best Florentine Steaks in the city. Naturally, always trying to find the best when we travel, we made a reservation weeks in advance. Our excited anticipation quickly fell short. The steak did not live up to its legendary write ups. Maybe, if we hadn't had a perfect Florentine Steak a few nights prior, we would have been wow'd. However, I'm not so sure. The steak we were served had a great open flamed charred marking and flavor, but it was very overcooked and unsalted. Traditionally, Florentine Steaks should be served more on the rare side. This was a flat medium tip toeing on medium well side. My husband and I are not ones to complain while at a restaurant, especially one that has as much critical acclaim as Buca Lapi. For every steak served, the waiters would cut it off the bone for the customers. In our opinion, this meant that this was how they serve their Florentine Steak. Their representation. Which, let me note, was not awful. It was just not the best Florentine Steak in Florence that week. After we left, we wondered why they served it to us. Maybe, they thought because we were tourists we wouldn't know the difference? I'm not sure and do not want to pass a judgement like that, however, for the cost of our meal we did feel a bit taken advantage of. Ultimately, I'm hoping that this was just a fluke of a night! On a positive endnote, my husband loved their pici pasta and I just loved their vibe. (:
If I could give six stars to his business, I would.
It's located in a cellar & decorated with old poster shellacked on the ceiling. Without a doubt, the best steak I've ever had. The service from the waiter. I had was outstanding. He explained the pastas to my wife, and told her what to order. He got her a glass of wine, even though she didn't want one complimentary. The steak was absolutely outstanding,. The pasta out of this world . When you put the entire experience together, if you were in Florence and you missed his restaurant you made a mistake. Btw, the oldest restaurant in Florence
Closer to a 4.
5 but really a magical place all around. Welcoming, professional service (which is rare in Italy)....sublime food (even the mixed salad was heaven)....and the Bistecca.....pure bliss!! Really cool décor and ambience as well. A must-visit for sure!
This is a great find.
You definitely need reservations. They have an amazing selection of different types of meats, rabbit, veal, etc.. We had pastas and the chickpea kale soup, which was phenomenal. The chocolate torte was very rich, but amazing. Staff was absolutely wonderful. It was our first night in Florence and a perfect, first night dinner. The restaurant is adorable downstairs and the wall murals and decor great.
Florentine steak!! That's the only thing to get at Buca
Florentine steak!! That's the only thing to get at Buca Lapi. We ordered steak for two and the portion was MASSIVE! They don't ask how you want it cooked so we just got it as it comes. And let me tell you - it comes rare! We loved the roasted potatoes as well but honestly just the meat and complimentary bread would have been plenty. Get the house wine! Delicious, full body and smooth at only 20 or 22 euro, I can't remember exactly. I recommend making reservations far in advance because it fills up fast!
Buca Lapi is an amazing authentic Florentine food
Buca Lapi is an amazing authentic Florentine food experience. The staff is prompt and professional. They are truly there to make sure you have the best local cuisine. The bistecca and tripe florentine were so delicious. The table side preparation of the insalata mista was a nice touch. Everything was fresh and cooked to perfection. I do recommend reservation. Buon Appetito!
Great ambiance in a cellar atmosphere.
Server was very nice. Lots of food. Known for steaks, but pastas were very nice as well. Good wine list. Definitely recommend. Quick note: Apple Maps put us on wrong end of block, so keep looking on other end of block.
We were lucky to secure the Last Chance table! The service
We were lucky to secure the Last Chance table! The service was incredible! We tried the steak Florentine, and a myriad of other dishes...everything was phenomenal! Appreciate the restaurant and the staff - thanks for helping to make our Florence experience amazing!
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Let's say Peter has a great morning and decides to take his three friends to Buca Lapi Firenze at 6 PM the same day.
He checks the restaurant's website and sees that no reservations are available. He then looks at the Buca Lapi Firenze page on AppointmentTrader, but finds that there are no user postings either.
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1.) Setting a Reward (Bid)
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* Peter really wants to go, so he increases the bid (or reward) to $200.
* At this stage, the reservation does not exist yet.
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* EternalAnt36, an experienced AT user, has a strong track record of successfully securing reservations and low refund requests, they receive a notification about Peter's bid.
* EternalAnt36 picks up the bid, meaning they will now work on securing the reservation.
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* EternalAnt36 now uses their connections at Buca Lapi Firenze to secure the table.
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* Peter can now enjoy the dinner with his friends at Buca Lapi Firenze!
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