Ristorante Santa Elisabetta: Uncover Alluring Cuisine
Discover how Ristorante Santa Elisabetta inside the Historic Byzantine Pagliazza Tower, once a women's prison, embodies Florence's flavor in every bite.
What's all the buzz about Ristorante Santa Elisabetta?
Ristorante Santa Elisabetta entices those craving something distinctive. Once you've delighted in Florentine steak, truffle tagliatelle, focaccia sandwiches, and indulged in a few bottles of Chianti, it's time to "explore the culinary frontier" and secure a table for a genuine taste of Florence cuisine at Ristorante Santa Elisabetta.
Partaking in this two-Michelin-star dining experience is more than a mere meal—it's a journey through history. Ristorante Santa Elisabetta graces the first floor of Pagliazza Tower, a cozy, seven-table space that has seen various incarnations, from a women's prison in the Byzantine era to a Roman sauna.
In its more contemporary and less heavy atmosphere today, some might still hint at "luxury" dining but envision it as an intimate culinary escape into the vibrant tapestry of Tuscan flavors.
Why should I book a table here?
In essence, if food is the language of your heart, this is the place to elevate any date to the next level.
BONUS: Read our complete list of places to eat in Florence.
Where is Ristorante Santa Elisabetta located?
How to get to Ristorante Santa Elisabetta on foot?
Getting to Ristorante Santa Elisabetta on foot is a straightforward journey as it is conveniently situated at the heart and center of Florence. However, for those unfamiliar with the maze-like narrow streets that deviate from a conventional grid, Google Maps will be your best friend.
How will I know when I have arrived?
Simply keep in mind that the restaurant is located within the delightful Brunelleschi Hotel. You'll first enter through the hotel front desk and then be escorted to the tower where the restaurant is nestled. Don’t let the words “tower” scare you.
LOCATION | Piazza Sant'Elisabetta, 3, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Santa Elisabetta Ristorante Menu
Why the 5-course menu is an excellent starting point.
In the world of Michelin-star dining, it's never just about the number of courses listed on the menu. It's a culinary journey filled with surprises—like rainbows seen after a series of tropical storms. With each course, you're greeted with an arch of colorful surprises. Having a supposed 5-course meal feels like relishing a lavish 9-course feast, and savoring a 9-course spread is more like indulging in a grand 12-course dining experience.
What are the Santa Elisabetta Tasting Menu Options?
Santa Elisabetta offers a 5, 7, and 9-course tasting menu and it changes with the season. Wine matching is also available in combination with the tasting menus.
5-course Tasting Menu Review
Preliminary palate teasers come before the courses to awaken your taste buds.
It's akin to experiencing an Italian twist on sushi, with an added touch of sophistication. Each dish is artfully presented on miniature pedestals, giving life to the edible creations and almost serving as a platform for their flavors to shine.
Each delectable morsel seems to beckon you, enticing you to take a bite.
Red Prawn ~ First Course
A raw, red prawn graced our table as part of the 5-course seafood tasting menu. It was elegantly presented in a white bowl, accompanied by an olive-flavored sauce and garnished with salty caviar, marking the beginning of the meal. The creamy green olive sauce introduced a unique Florentine twist to this initial course in a manner that was creative and fresh.
Fresh Bread
As you begin to savor the aftertaste of the first course, freshly baked, in-house bread emerges. The menu boasts an array of wheat-infused delicacies, each offering a delightful mix of soft, crunchy, and playful textures. Eating should be fun, right?
TIP: Use the bread to soak up any remaining sauce from your plate as the evening of courses progresses.
Amberjack Fish ~ Second Course
The Amberjack fish course, with its rich, buttery flavor and indulgent texture, leads you further into the taste of Tuscany. Balanced with lemony notes and hints of celery, it exudes a playful warmth akin to an evocative painting. The sauce, resembling a string of pearls, evokes images of a regal Florence, once under the rule of the Medici and thriving with creativity.
Bottoni ~ Third Course
Shimmering within a cuttlefish and vegetable tomato sauce, button-shaped pasta stole the spotlight with its appearance. It was a comforting dish that could easily be mistaken for something from an Italian grandmother's kitchen. While Santa Elisabetta ventures into creative territory, there remains a firm commitment to capturing the essence of how Italian cuisine speaks to the soul through simple ingredients.
Lobster ~ Fourth Course
The encounter of East and West happens with the lobster, a proactive addition. Submerged in Umami-flavored sauce with hints of fennel and lemon, envision the fusion of Tuscan and traditional Japanese cuisine in this lobster dish. Like a solar eclipse, it captivates and satisfies simultaneously, leaving you curious about its origins.
Pre Dessert
Upon dining at a Michelin Star restaurant, dessert is never just a single item. It typically involves a palate cleanser, a series of small surprises, and a grand finale.
Anticipate a pre-dessert to refresh your palate. This remarkable creation resembled a tropical sorbet infused with the essence of Tuscany.
Almond Shortbread and Sweet Guacamole Sorbet
Much like a Picasso painting, deciphering where to begin was a challenge with this mosaic of swirling, creamy, and crunchy elements. Atop an almond shortbread slice sat layers of fresh cream cheese accompanied by mango and a sweet guacamole sorbet. While it exuded a fusion of tropical pleasures, it also encapsulated the timeless creativity that Florence so masterfully embodies.
Gold flakes atop mango, cream and tiny cakes.
Tropical cubes of Turkish Delights to keep the fire going.
At last, miniature cannoli adorned with candied mango.
The Drinks
Whether you choose to do the wine pairing or order drinks al la carte, the masterful servers will help pair something to your taste, even if it is a fruity mocktail.
Santa Elisabetta Florence Prices
The set menu prices typically start at €100, with a range spanning from €115 to €325. Is it worth the cost? Yes, it is. Consider the intimate setting, the historical significance of the venue, and the inclusion of palate openers, delectable bread, and numerous dessert courses; the price truly offers excellent value.
Santa Elisabetta Dress Code
The restaurant won't be impressed by your beachy casual attire—ditch those flip-flops and shorts! Opt for something a bit more sophisticated, like a skirt, slacks, or a collared shirt. It's not just about the food; it's about showing respect for the culinary experience by dressing the part.
Looking for more family travel experiences in Italy? Get my Italy guides here.
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