16/10/2025: Trattoria Lapo is a trusted source of Tuscan cuisine in the heart of Prato, overlooking Piazza Mercatale. A simple, elegant dining room beneath historic loggias exudes a homey atmosphere that immediately inspires a sense of well-being. The location is well-known and easy to find; the setting of the piazza, one of the largest in medieval Italy, adds a sense of restraint and continuity that is reflected in the service and cuisine. The appetizers begin with a precise gastronomic approach, with distinct flavors, carefully balanced seasonings, and attention to serving temperature. There's no attempt at dramatic effect, but rather a balanced, earthy approach that prioritizes the raw ingredients and their expression on the plate. The progression is coherent and well-paced, with portions that whet the appetite without tiring. The Florentine steak is the highlight of the dinner. The cut is generous, the grilling exemplary, the crust dry and caramelized, the center pink and juicy, the fibers relaxed after resting, the salt intelligently measured. It's a cooking method that respects tradition without stiffening it, resulting in a fragrant, long-lasting meat with a clean finish and a hint of grilled meat that remains polite and precise. The service is an added value. Punctual timing, discreet attention, genuine courtesy. The dining room operates at a pace, without overloading or leaving empty spaces, and maintains the same quality from welcome to farewell. It's a professionalism that doesn't raise its voice and, precisely for this reason, stands out. Wines: Antinori's Il Bruciato was a perfect choice. The modern profile of the Bolgheri blend—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah from Tenuta Guado al Tasso—brings forth well-defined dark fruit, gentle spice, and supple tannins, with a texture that supports the meat without overpowering its flavor. It's a pairing that finds a natural meeting point between the sweetness of the Maillard reaction on the crust and the balsamic component of the wine, concluding the sip on a balanced texture. The location beneath the loggias of Piazza Mercatale, in addition to its charm, offers a convenience not often found in the city; here, the atmosphere remains composed and pleasant, and the urban context, rich in mercantile history, provides a backdrop without stealing the show from the table. It's the kind of setting that fosters a successful meal from start to finish. This trattoria is therefore a place with character, grounded in tradition and capable of meticulous execution. A full, well-deserved five stars for a restaurant that combines practicality, restraint, and reliability in the historic center of Prato.
14/10/2025: In the historic center of Prato, a restaurant with ancient flavors.
Refined cuisine combining balance and tradition.
If you come, don't miss the meatballs, the paccheri with Prato mortadella, and if you're lucky, you'll taste a dessert that won us over: fig cheesecake, a true delight!
A perfect team, from the chefs to the staff.
We'll definitely be back!