Essenziale

Tucked away in Florence’s bohemian San Frediano neighborhood, Essenziale represents a bold new chapter in Tuscan dining. This modernist restaurant takes the rich culinary traditions of the region and reimagines them through an experimental lens, creating dishes that feel simultaneously familiar and delightfully unexpected. The industrial-chic space, filled with metal accents and clean lines, wouldn’t look out of place in San Francisco or Berlin—a fitting setting for cuisine that bridges continents.

The menu at Essenziale is a playground for adventurous eaters. Here you’ll find carbonara transformed with bonito flakes and whipped tofu standing in for the traditional egg and pecorino combination, yet somehow the essence of the dish remains intact. The pecorino grilled cheese arrives alongside heirloom tomato soup, elevating humble comfort food to fine dining status. Perhaps most surprising is their wild mushroom patty, a vegetarian creation that channels the spirit of a Nashville hot chicken sandwich. For those ready to venture beyond bistecca and pici, the lasagna nachos offer a playful conclusion to the meal.

What makes Essenziale special extends beyond its clever reinterpretations. The restaurant offers multiple tasting menu options ranging from casual to a comprehensive seven-course experience—all remarkably well-priced for this caliber of cooking. It’s a place where vegans and fine dining enthusiasts alike will find plenty to celebrate, where the adjustments to classical preparations don’t just work but often improve upon the original.

Whether you’re seeking a memorable meal to cap off a day exploring Florence’s art and architecture or you’re a dedicated food lover hunting for cutting-edge Italian cuisine, Essenziale delivers an experience that feels essential to understanding where Tuscan cooking is headed next.