Antico Ristorante Paoli, the benchmark of authentic flavours in Florence for 200 years

Florence is one of the most popular cities in the world. The artistic treasures it preserves add a special charm to the entire city and create a magical atmosphere that can be felt in every street. This is why thousands of tourists come here all year round, to admire the historical beauty and to enjoy its cosmopolitan and welcoming spirit, full of life and energy.

Another particularity for which the city is appreciated is its Tuscan cuisine, rich in ancient recipes handed down through generations. There are different variants of these culinary delights, but some restaurants still manage to offer authentic recipes that have the genuine taste of tradition. Outstanding among these is the Antico Ristorante Paoli, known since its foundation as a meeting place for artists, including Carlo Collodi, Puccini, Pirandello and Charlie Chaplin

In the historical centre of Florence, you will find the Antico Ristorante Paoli, the oldest restaurant in the city: opened in 1827, it still retains its former location and has always been active.

The restaurant has been able to renew itself over time by following trends. It began as a pizzicheria, a meeting place to enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes accompanied by a good glass of Chianti wine. Later, it became first a delicatessen and then a restaurant, adapting its culinary offer and rooms. It has hosted various artists and their testimony is visible both in the 'Guest Book' and in the furnishings. The walls are adorned with the heraldic coats of arms of the Tuscan municipalities and bear ancient mottos, while wall paintings surround wooden benches. It feels like a plunge into the past, a break from the contemporary world that provides a sublime experience.

The precious book also collects ancient recipes that have been rediscovered by the chefs of the Antico Ristorante Paoli, providing a delicious and special menu that does not disappoint the expectations of those in search of sometimes forgotten flavours. Two hundred years of history re-proposed in a gourmet key.

The Antico Ristorante Paoli is located in the centre of Florence, on a side street where it stands out among the tourist-related signs. The entrance reveals a unique location. At first glance, one notices the vaulted ceilings covering a large room, but one's attention is captured by the frescoes on the walls. It is hard to resist the temptation to enter such a historic place.

The last major renovation dates back to 1909. The restaurant has retained its neo-Gothic style since that date. The hall is structured with cross vaults and stone pillars. The back wall has three lunettes that are oil paintings on canvas, depicting three episodes from Boccaccio's 'Decameron'. They are accompanied by captions describing the moment depicted. The bronze bust of Woodrow Wilson seems to observe the entire room from above: the American president who had enabled the victory of the First World War was so hailed in Florence that he was proclaimed an honorary citizen during 'American Day'. The coats of arms of the main Italian municipalities, which decorate all the walls of the Antico Ristorante Paoli, are majolica.

The friendliness of the staff accompanies guests during their tastings, suggesting and recommending what best suits each request. The tradition, which is found in the simple and non-trivial flavours, is also made of warmth that will make you want to return to this place. The kindness and hospitality that are typical of Tuscany will make you enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic and cultural experience.

The Antico Ristorante Paoli menu is a journey through time, taking you on a discovery of the authentic flavours of Tuscany. Each dish is prepared with the utmost care and attention: the aim is to satisfy even the most demanding palates, offering flavours linked to ancient recipes, prepared with passion by the chef.

The specialities are meats, from steak to the classic Florentine steak, from fillets to tartare and Chianina carpaccio. Customers also greatly appreciate all dishes made with truffles: carbonara, tagliolini or fillet, the protagonist in every dish is the raw material treated with respect and enhanced in every preparation.

The culinary proposal respects the Tuscan tradition, re-proposing classic dishes with fresh and genuine ingredients. Local products play a prominent role in all courses, from starters to desserts. Tradition at Antico Ristorante Paoli is also combined with innovation and you can enjoy dishes revisited in a modern key. The wine list ensures that it is up to scratch, with wine proposals from the surrounding hills, to complete a gastronomic journey in balance between past and present.