A much bigger place than many of the other spots we visited, we were glad to be placed in a smaller much quieter room. The servers were quite friendly and we have a fun view of the street through the huge window next to us. We understood they had a bar next door and thought we would arrive early and have a cocktail but it was so crowded we went to the restaurant to see if they had a bar where we could spend time till our reservation.
They were more than happy to seat us but then upon conversation with the staff it turned out they don’t serve “cocktails” but they do have beverages like grappa, so it’s not a alcohol % like here in the US. Anyway we studied the menu and just ate a little early which I’m sure they were glad of cause these tables don’t sit empty long. Ours was reset and filled by the time we took a couple photos, exited and walked around the corner! Unfortunately I’m not sure I understand why.
They don’t offer a tasting menu so the server helped us pick several courses we could share and create our own as it were. The burrata was creamy but didn’t have the rich taste and it could have benefitted from something crunchy on top. I would expect although it did appear they served fresh spinach. The liver terrine was good but needed something. It was wrapped in lardo and the bites that included some of that helped it immensely. The brioche they served with it was way too crumbly for spreading but their regular bread did a better job. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the nice shape really held the sauce which was tasty. Then the main courses arrived and the beef was dry and overcooked and Charles found his onion thing too gooey but I liked the taste. The stuffed calamari was tasteless with the artichokes delicate flavor all but lost and the side dish with it was so fishy I couldn’t eat it. It was hard when the owner came by so friendly and nice but we didn’t stay around for dessert!
I think you are way off, in fact so far off that it seems like you, Mr. Frankie, are certifiable! Il Santo Bevitore is one of the best restaurants in Florence! The pin point flavours of the well thought out and executed menu, the friendly service team, the artistically mystical ambience of the cavernous lay out all add to one of the most delicious, romantic and charming evenings we and there guests we’ve sent there have ever had in Florence!
Your spicy jab at being a food critic leaves much to be desired Frankie, sadly, and reflects a need to try harder and just be a little happier as a person….Like many unfortunate critics, you need to look harder for the light in everything you eat and experience and stop trying to get attention by unfairly attacking the world! And – upgrade your Iphone – your photographs are pretty terrible! Shame o you for posting these pictures which do no justice to their true presentation ( it’s tricky to take good photos in a darker environment… so maybe get some help in that.)
PS: I know there is some good in you – reach down and find it..and then take your pen to paper!
Thanks for your comment! I will say there were good and not as good parts to our one visit to Il Santo Bevitore, but that was around 8 years ago and I trust they have gotten better with time. So have my camera options, but then and now I will not use flash cause I think it disturbs other diners. Anyway, Frankie and I just write up our impressions and continue on our very happy way. If I like everything I’ll say so but it would invalidate my opinions if I write up glowingly everything I try. Hope this explains some of my viewpoints, but again I really appreciate your feedback and taking the time to respond. I wish you good dining in the days to come!