Away Day Review #8 - 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/