L’Osteria di Giovanni is a family-run Tuscan restaurant at Via del Moro, 22r, 50123 Firenze, on a narrow lane in the Santa Maria Novella quarter between the Arno and the main railway station. It is run by Giovanni Latini of the Latini restaurant family. Travelers come for bistecca alla fiorentina, handmade pasta and a deep Tuscan wine list, served in rooms furnished with original old Florentine pieces.
What to Expect at L’Osteria di Giovanni
The front door opens into the main dining room, the largest of the spaces, which is built around a large original fireplace carved from pietra serena, the gray-blue sandstone of Florentine Renaissance buildings. A wide opening links it to a second dining room, so both rooms share the same convivial buzz. Downstairs, a vaulted cellar holds the wine collection. At 11am and 6pm the staff sit down together at one long table before service.
The kitchen cooks Tuscan through and through. Staples include roasted squab Florentine-style stuffed with sausage, pasta with fresh lobster, a mushroom and truffle salad, and thick-cut T-bone steak priced by weight and served rare. Desserts include apple pie with cinnamon and almonds served with vanilla gelato and berries. Vegetarians can build a meal from bruschetta, salads and meatless pastas, so ask staff about ingredients.
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: The classic Chianina-style T-bone, charred outside and rare within, best shared by two or more.
- Pasta with Fresh Lobster: The signature seafood dish on an otherwise meat-forward menu.
- Stuffed Squab: Roasted pigeon filled with Tuscan sausage, a traditional Florentine preparation.
- Pietra Serena Fireplace: The original stone hearth that anchors the main dining room.
- Vaulted Wine Cellar: A brick-arched cellar stocked with Chianti Classico, Brunello and Super Tuscans.
L’Osteria di Giovanni at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Via del Moro, 22r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy |
| Neighborhood / Area | Santa Maria Novella / Ognissanti, historic center |
| Operating Hours | Hours vary seasonally; confirm on the official website before visiting |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; steak priced by weight |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Firenze Santa Maria Novella station and T1 tram Alamanni stop, about 8–10 minutes on foot; station parking garage |
| Official Website & Phone | osteriadigiovanni.com · +39 055 284897 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book ahead through the official reservation page, especially for 8pm to 9pm on Friday and Saturday. An early table around 7pm is calmer and easier to get. Via del Moro sits inside Florence‘s ZTL limited-traffic zone, so arrive on foot or by taxi. Drivers should use the garage at Santa Maria Novella station and walk south.
The entrance is at street level, and the two main dining rooms sit on one floor. The bathrooms beyond them are fully wheelchair accessible, although the cellar is reached by stairs. Before dinner, walk five minutes to the Church of Ognissanti, home to Botticelli’s frescoes, or to Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Afterward, stroll to the Arno at Ponte alla Carraia or window-shop along Via della Spada.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to eat at L’Osteria di Giovanni?
Dinner is the main event, and early seatings around 7pm are the most relaxed. Hours change by season, so check the official website or call before going.
Do I need a reservation, and how much does it cost?
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly on weekends. Expect mid-range $$ pricing for pasta and mains. The bistecca is sold by weight and is usually shared.
How long should I plan for dinner?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a full Tuscan meal of antipasto, primo, steak and dessert with wine.
Is it accessible and family-friendly?
The dining rooms are on one level and the bathrooms are fully wheelchair accessible. Families are welcome, and smart-casual dress suits the setting.
When planning your Florence travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and steak house in Florence, pair this stop with standout local spots including Rooster Cafe Firenze, Da Nerbone, Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo, and Galeria (nearby).
