Restaurant
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Florence's three-Michelin-star dining room, opened in 1972 by Giorgio Pinchiorri and Annie Féolde, famous for its formal service and extraordinary wine cellar.
Il Santo Bevitore
A relaxed Oltrarno restaurant serving generous, modern takes on Tuscan classics such as ribollita and roast pigeon, open for lunch and dinner every day.
At a glance
- Type
- Modern Tuscan trattoria
- Area
- Santo Spirito (Oltrarno), Florence, Italy
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- ilsantobevitore.com
Good to know
- Open daily
- Lunch and dinner
- Good for groups
- Wine list
Why we recommend it
Il Santo Bevitore has been one of the most popular places to eat in the Oltrarno for around two decades. Its name means "the holy drinker", and it sits on Via Santo Spirito, between the Ponte Santa Trinita and Piazza Santo Spirito, in one of the most characterful streets of the Oltrarno. The atmosphere is simple and convivial, closer to a traditional trattoria than a formal restaurant, but the cooking is more careful and modern than most.
The menu is rooted in Tuscan tradition and changes with the seasons. You might start with a board of cured meats and cheeses, then move on to ribollita, the bread and vegetable soup of the Florentine winter, or fresh pasta, before mains such as roast pigeon with fettunta (garlic toast) and zolfini beans. The Michelin Guide, which lists the restaurant, also notes occasional fish dishes such as cuttlefish stewed with artichokes. Desserts include cantucci with vin santo for dipping. Portions are generous and flavours robust, with the odd contemporary touch.
The wine list is a strength, with plenty of Tuscan bottles and wines by the glass, and staff are happy to suggest something to match your dishes. Prices are moderate for the quality, which explains why it is busy with Florentines as well as visitors. The restaurant is open every day for lunch (12:30 to 14:00) and dinner (19:30 to 23:30). Booking is recommended for dinner, especially at weekends, either by phone or through the restaurant's website.
It works well for couples, groups of friends and families with older children, and is a good choice for a first proper Tuscan dinner. Its sister wine bar, Il Santino, is a few doors along the same street and is a good spot for a glass and a snack before or after dinner.
The restaurant is about five minutes' walk from the Ponte Santa Trinita and the same from Piazza Santo Spirito, and around ten minutes from the Ponte Vecchio. The streets around it are full of artisan workshops and antique shops, making it a good stop during an afternoon exploring the Oltrarno. Ask about the dishes of the day, which follow the seasons.
Il Santo Bevitore FAQs
When is Il Santo Bevitore open?
Every day, for lunch from 12:30 to 14:00 and dinner from 19:30 to 23:30.
Do I need to book?
It is recommended for dinner, especially at weekends.
What should I order?
Seasonal Tuscan dishes such as ribollita, cured meats, fresh pasta and roast pigeon, finishing with cantucci and vin santo.
Is it expensive?
It is moderately priced for the quality of the cooking.
Is it good for groups?
Yes, the restaurant is well suited to groups.
Where is it?
At Via Santo Spirito 64/66r in the Oltrarno, about five minutes from the Ponte Santa Trinita.
Is there a wine bar nearby?
Yes, its sister wine bar Il Santino is a few doors away on the same street.