Trattoria Sostanza In Firenze

One of Florence's most historic and delicious trattorias. Delicious, traditional fare! The steak is a must, but the artichoke tart and butter chicken are also unmissable.

Easily the best meal I had in Italy, Trattoria Sostanza feels like walking into a classic restaurant with the best food and vibes. The butter chicken is a standout, with the meringue cake, tortellini with meat sauce and artichoke pie also incredible! It is a MUST go in Florence!

A place that captures the most authentic soul of Florence. At Trattoria Sostanza, time seems to have stood still, and that's a compliment: the atmosphere is that of old Florentine taverns, where the cuisine speaks with sincerity and flavor. Each dish is a celebration of tradition: the famous butter chicken breast is a true legend, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, a perfect balance of aromas and textures. The strawberry meringue cake also deserves a special mention—a dessert that captivates with its lightness and deliciousness. The broth and soup are fabulous. The staff is friendly, direct, and authentic, just as you'd expect in a historic trattoria; you can sense the pride of those who preserve a family history and flavors passed down through the generations. In short, Sostanza is more than just a restaurant: it's a piece of true Florence, where you eat with heart and breathe in tradition. Reservations are a must, but it's worth every minute of the wait.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) We absolutely love this restaurant. We’ve been loyal guests since our second trip to Florence back in 2009, and it’s become our favorite meal anywhere — the reason we return to Florence year after year. From being greeted at the door by name to the lively communal tables where conversation always flows, Sostanza never disappoints. The famous butter chicken has gone viral for good reason — it might be a heart attack waiting to happen, but honestly, if that’s my last meal, I’ll go happy. The artichoke pie (which isn’t really a pie at all) is like the best egg soufflé you’ll ever taste, and even the humble white beans in tomato sauce are absolute perfection. And walking through the kitchen to see the chefs cooking over hot coals? It never gets old — it’s pure magic every time. Sostanza isn’t just a restaurant; it’s our Florentine tradition.

The food and service were a 10/10! We loved the brodo with tortellini, steak and butter chicken and the meringue dessert. Thank you to the staff for making such a memorable meal. Make a reservation and if paying credit card, don’t bring Amex!

This place was the BEST we had during our Italy trip. My husband and I went 30 mins before opening at lunch time, as we did not have a reservation. While we were waiting, slowly others started coming to wait as well. As soon as doors opened, they seated us, despite us not having a reservation. We ordered the tomatoes, butter chicken, and tortellini in brodo. Every single dish was PERFECT. We were served the tortellini in broth first, and they split the portions for us too. Tortellini was al dente, with a meat stuffing inside. It was soooo good. The broth was super savory and flavorful. Then the chicken and tomatoes. These two dishes complimented each other SO WELL. The chicken breast was super juicy, flavorful, and not overwhelming. The tomatoes were super refreshing, and it complimented the chicken perfectly. Make sure to dip the bread in the olive oil with tomatoes. 10000% recommend !

Unmissable to try for sure a guarantee

Everything was incredibly tasty, the veal steak was juicy and flavourful and the pasta was also delicious. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

What an incredible experience at this truly local gem. The famous butter chicken arrived at the table still sizzling, rich, and absolutely unforgettable — pure comfort on a plate. The pasta with ragù was equally outstanding, full of depth and flavor, the kind of dish that makes you pause after every bite. And to finish, the panna cotta was simply divine — silky, delicate, and impossible to resist. A timeless place where tradition meets soul. One of those meals you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

Amazing place! Definitely worth getting a reservation here. Delicious food and the best steak I ever had! Cooked to perfection and salted just right. Highly recommend this Tratorria!