Buca Lapi, Florence

The maitre D'and several waiters checked on us throughout the evening, ensuring we had all we needed. Great service! We had a wine our waiter selected, and we had several items off the menu to get a good tasting of what they had to offer. D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! The restaurant is quaint, great dinner lighting, and romantic. Some of the seating arrangements might catch someone from the U.S. off guard, because they don't waste space. But it plays to the friendly atmosphere that defines Florence. A reservation is a must, and don't be late or you'll find your seat gone in a hurry. Enjoy!

This was our first meal in Florence and we will be returning. We found the service to be very gracious and helpful. When we inquired about sharing, we were assisted in ordering an appropriate amount of food for the two of us. The chocolate torte is to be cherished!

Being from Texas we thought we knew about meat, but we were not prepared for the excellent steaks we had in Florence. We were dutifully trudging around Florence in early January, following a map and guidebook lent to us by friends, and read the hand-written note left for us in the book: "Dinner at Buca Lapi is required!" The concierge made evening reservations(early by Italian standards, but we are from Texas, after all), and we were delighted with Buca Lapi from the outset. Utterly charming step-down interior (with a view of the kitchen from one room). The service was impeccable, and the steaks incomparable: no artificial flavors or manipulated texture, just great beef. I ate at least twice as much beef at one meal as I have in years, and did not regret a bite of it. The meal was so great we went back the next night to sample other menu items. (Such excellence does not come cheap: the wonderful dinner for 2 (without wine) was over $150.)

I went to Buca Lapi because of the reviews I saw on Yahoo. It was our first meal in Florence and first of our time in Italy and it was FANTASTIC! Nothing else compared. We had the Florentine Steak - be prepared for a LOT of food if you order this but it was delicious. We also had the fried artichokes which were amazing. The place was small and quaint... I loved the ambiance and the service was great. Our server treated us like long lost friends. He was outstanding. We did not have dessert as we were stuffed but I'm sure that would have been great too. I would highly recommend this restaurant. It is a bit pricey but so worth the money.

Buca Lapi can be expensive, but you will enjoy a wonderful meal in a cozy Tuscan ambiance. After apperitivi (Negronis - a Florentine cocktail) at Caffe Gilli, we had New Year's Eve dinner at Buca Lapi - started off with two glasses of prosecco followed by crostini, rack of lamb, fettucine in duck sauce (accompanied by a half bottle of sensational Antinori reserve Chianti). Dessert was a plate of Prato biscotti and vin santo. Our bill was about 100 Euros. Service was excellent. We were never rushed. We sat down at 8pm and didn't leave the restaurant until 10:30.

Absolutely one of our favorite restaurants! During our month long stay in Florence, we ate here several times and each time the wonderful food, the attentive service with such friendly people, and the atmosphere kept bringing us back. Loved the soups and that fabulous Florentine steak!! Hope to come back soon.

The food was outstanding as was the service. But every bite of the Zupa de fagioli made me swoon ! I have never tasted such wonderful soup. Excellent wines.