Osteria Dell’Osso is a compact Tuscan trattoria at Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 2/3 R, 50123 Firenze, facing the 1874 iron-and-glass Mercato Centrale in the San Lorenzo district. It’s known for bistecca alla fiorentina, handmade pasta and classic Florentine antipasti, and it draws diners who want traditional cooking close to the market and the Medici Chapels.
What to Expect at Osteria Dell’Osso
The menu sticks to Tuscan tradition. It opens with antipasti such as Crostini Toscani (€9), chicken-liver pâté with sage and vin santo, and the Antipasto Toscano (€18) of prosciutto, finocchiona and aged salame. Peasant soups follow, including Ribollita and Pappa al Pomodoro (€12 each), then pici and other primi. There is also a dedicated truffle menu.
The dining room is small; the osteria itself advertises few seats and guaranteed quality. Outdoor tables look onto the market square. Vegetarians can choose the caprese, bruschetta, cheeses and vegetable soups. The main event for meat lovers is the T-bone bistecca, cooked rare and sold by weight.
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A thick-cut T-bone grilled rare, priced by the kilo and best shared.
- Gran Tagliere Dell’Osso: A €25 board for two with salumi, Tuscan cheeses, liver crostini and chestnut honey.
- Chianina Tartare: Knife-cut Chianina IGP beef with burrata and fresh truffle shavings (€21).
- Coccoli: Fried dough puffs with Tuscan DOP prosciutto and burrata (€16).
- Ribollita: A bread, bean and cavolo nero soup that is ideal in cooler months.
Osteria Dell’Osso at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 2/3 R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy |
| Neighborhood / Area | San Lorenzo, Centro Storico |
| Operating Hours | Mon 12–3PM and 6–10:30PM; Tue–Sun 12–10:30PM |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; antipasti €7–€25, soups €12 |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | About 7 minutes’ walk from Santa Maria Novella station and its tram T1/T2 stops; nearest garage is Parcheggio Mercato Centrale |
| Official Website & Phone | osteriadellosso.it · +39 347 543 3077 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Seating is limited, so book a table online, especially for dinner between 7:30 and 9PM. Because the kitchen serves continuously Tuesday to Sunday, a mid-afternoon meal is the easiest way to walk in. On Mondays the kitchen closes between 3PM and 6PM. Expect a modest coperto (cover charge) per person, which is standard in Florence.
The piazza is flat and pedestrianized, and the outdoor tables are the easiest option for wheelchairs and strollers. Indoors, space between tables is tight. After lunch, browse the Mercato Centrale’s ground-floor stalls, or walk five minutes to the Medici Chapels and the Basilica di San Lorenzo. The Duomo is about ten minutes away on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours and the best time to go?
Tuesday to Sunday the kitchen serves from noon to 10:30PM without a break. On Monday it opens 12–3PM and 6–10:30PM. Late lunch around 3PM is the quietest time.
Do I need a reservation, and what does it cost?
Reservations are strongly advised for dinner because the room is small. Antipasti run €7–€25 and soups €12. A meal with bistecca and wine typically falls in the mid-range $$ tier.
How long should I budget?
Plan on 90 minutes to two hours for a full meal. Allow longer if you share a bistecca.
Is it suitable for families, and is there a dress code?
Dress is smart-casual and families are welcome. Children usually enjoy the pasta and bruschetta. Choose the step-free outdoor tables if you have a stroller.
When planning your Florence travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and steak house in Florence, pair this stop with standout local spots including Parco di Villa Strozzi, Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Monumento ai Caduti della Battaglia di Mentana, and Matto Matto Florence: Pizzeria & Grill Guide (2026) (nearby).
