Florence, Italy

Charlie Kendrick 26/08/2022 Charlie Kendrick 26/08/2022

Borgo San Jacopo, Florence

CUISINE

Borgo San Jacopo is a contemporary, fine-dining restaurant set in the impressive Lungarno Hotel, Florence. It has attained a single Michelin Star, with the Guide regarding it as ‘boasting the same elegant and exclusive style as the hotel itself’. The concept of the restaurant is blending authentic cooking with ‘ingredients which stand out for their uncompromising creativity and rigour’. The menu provides the options of two different tasting menus or an à la carte.

Head Chef: Claudio Mengoni

THE BAR

Prior to eating at Borgo San Jacopo, we decided to grab a quick drink at Lungarno’s dining room-styled bar, Picteau Bistrot and Bar. Spearheaded by bartenders, Marco Colonnelli and Vincenzo Civita, this elegant bar gives you front row viewing of Florence’s best views.

I went for the Paloma Cocktail, which was very refreshing on a hot Italian summer’s day. It blended Epolon Tequila, Agave, Lime and Grapefruit Soda. I would highly recommend a drink here just before dinner as it is such a relaxed setting and the view out onto the River Arno is something to behold.

Perhaps my favourite feature of the bar was the 20th Century artwork on display from artists such as Jean Cocteau, Sironi, Rosai and Marino Marini. However, this original Picasso, set just above the bar’s central fireplace caught my eye the most. It was quite special having a cocktail overlooking the Ponte Vecchio and only a short step away was another masterpiece.

MY SCRAN CHOICE

We each had a main course as the menu was quite pricey, but the element of surprise that the amuse-bouche and pre-dessert brought was fun and certainly satisfied our hunger!

STARTER/AMUSE-BOUCHE

We decided against tucking into a starter due to the overall expense of the restaurant and so the Amuse-Bouche was a pleasant surprise. All enriched with flavour, light and wonderfully presented.

MAIN COURSE

‘Risotto with Pecorino di Pienza, Chicory, Saffron and Chianina Meatballs’

I was very intrigued by the creative style of this risotto, as the meatballs were tiny in size, and highly delicate in texture. It was evident that each of the ingredients were sourced from the highest quality producers, and all of the flavours amalgamated exquisitely. A fantastic dish all round.

PRE-DESSERT

Much to our surprise, they brought out another selection of mini-treats, this time the pre-dessert. Again, excellently done and a nice touch from the restaurant.

REFRESHMENTS

A Bottle of the 2016 Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione Alta Valle della Greve

This fruity Tuscan red accompanied the risotto really well, and topped off a memorable fine-dining experience.

THE FEE

…

THE REVIEW

It was a pretty special outing to a classy restaurant which clearly prides itself on maintaining a high-standard. The waitstaff were attentive and explained the concept of Borgo well, and the bar experience evolving into the fine-dining felt seamless. The food was amazing and I only wish I could have eaten more! From both elements of the hotel, you will have incredible views of the River Arno and the infamous Ponte Vecchio, which only went to enhance the overall affair.

Room for Improvement?

A perhaps unfair suggestion, but I wish one could experience the fine-dining adventure Lungarno provides in an outside setting on its balcony, overlooking Ponte Vecchio, but I believe that is reserved for the Bistrot element of Picteau.

THE EYE TEST

THE TASTE TEST

SERVICE

ATMOSPHERE

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

- THE RISOTTO -

FINAL MATCH RATING

LOCATION

Address: Borgo San Jacopo, 62/R, 50125 Florence

Website: https://www.lungarnocollection.com/borgo-san-jacopo/

Charlie Kendrick 25/08/2022 Charlie Kendrick 25/08/2022

Trattoria 4 Leoni

CUISINE

4 Leoni is located in central Florence between Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti in the lovely Piazza della Passera. This family-run, Fiorentine eatery boasts its high-quality fresh produce and vegetables whilst shaping its traditionally Tuscan food offerings on the appropriate season. The menu provides a wide variety of options, all with a classic Italian focus, but done to the highest of standards.

MY SCRAN CHOICE

At the time, I was already quite satiated after a heavy breakfast, so I just opted for a main course, and this filled me with regret! I went for 4 Leoni’s specialty dish, the Pear Pasta.

MAIN COURSE

Pear Fiocchetti with a Taleggio & Asparagus Sauce

This was truly one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had to the pleasure of tasting. Florence is notorious for its world-class pears so executing a dish with pear at the heart of the creation is an accessible idea, but one which is difficult to deliver to such a high standard. The crunchy asparagus matched perfectly with the soft pear parcels and the taleggio sauce provided a great balance too. If you visit 4 Leoni, there is no other choice for a main, you simply have to try the pear fiocchetti.

After visiting 4 Leoni, I visited the iconic Uffizi Gallery, with this Caravaggio oil canvas painting catching my eye. The ripe pear dominated the piece and Caravaggio juxtaposed a glass of wine being raised with the brightly coloured fruits. Whilst the wine represents conviviality and the temporary, fleeting nature of life, the fruit represents the bright side of life, enforcing Horace’s aphorism, carpe diem.

I went from one pear masterpiece at 4 Leoni to another at The Uffizi.

My Outing to The Uffizi Gallery

My trip to The Uffizi was an enriching one. It was a great, almost overwhelming experience being surrounded by so many iconic paintings across a range of centuries. Not only is the Italian art special, but also the architecture of its buildings, most notably here at The Uffizi. The impressive ceilings and corridors made these historic pieces feel right at home. Botticelli’s Birth of Venus painting captured the attention of visitors most greatly, but some of the less-noticeable paintings caught my eye. Below is a gallery of my favourites from my outing:

REFRESHMENTS

- The House White Wine -

I enjoyed a delicious glass of the house white, which paired nicely with the pear pasta.

THE FEE

4 Leoni’s specialty Pear Fiocchetti came to €14,00, which is a very reasonable price for such an incredible dish in a central Fiorentine location.

THE REVIEW

The whole day out in Florence was memorable, from the cultural perspective in regard to The Uffizi, to the mouthwatering Pear Pasta. 4 Leoni’s location preserves the authentic character of Florence, tucked away from the intense tourism. You will find yourself surrounded in the folksy hidden corner of Florence, where craftsmen’s workshops are scattered around your eye-sight. This is a must-visit if you take a trip to Florence if you desire a restaurant which is cozy, rustic and full of character.

Room for Improvement?

The food leaves little room for the improvement whilst the waitstaff were very friendly too. For what it is, a classic Italian restaurant, it is truly difficult to find ways to ask for more, especially in light of the appealing price-point. However, I feel they could do slightly more with the courtyard area, to make the overall experience more atmospheric.