Il Guscio
Price guide: Mid-range
Via dell'Orto 49A, Florence, 50125
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#10 of 25
expert-rated restaurants in Florence- Recommended for:
- Couples, Seasoned travellers, Escaping the crowds, No fuss
Expert review of Il Guscio
A new-generation trattoria in the nether reaches of the Oltrarno.
Il Guscio is a fine example of a traditional, family-run trattoria that has evolved into something a little more contemporary without compromising its origins. Energetic patron Francesco Gozzini runs the front of house while his wife and mother produce excellent seasonal dishes that have their roots firmly entrenched in Tuscan culinary traditions.
Food and drink:
The menus vary with the seasons, favouring warming soups and meat dishes in winter and lighter, fish-based specialities in summer. A recent meal I had here started off with a delicate porcini mushroom sformato followed by pasta with courgette flowers and prawns, while my friend chose pasta with duck and guinea fowl ragù plus a hefty fillet of beef cooked in vin santo and topped with a slab of liver paté. The 500-lable strong wine list is more than reasonably priced and offers a choice of several wines by the glass.
Ambience:
The charateristics of a traditional trattoria are all there (beamed ceilings, bare wood tables, buzzy atmosphere), but it’s taken up a notch or two.
Service:
The staff are informal, friendly and well-informed.
Location:
It's in the north-western part of the Oltrarno, about 10 minutes walk from Piazza Santo Spirito.
Price advice:
The four-course set menu is particularly good value at 30 euros; if you choose à la carte, you’ll spend around 35 euros for a full meal plus wine. There is a good choice of wines for under 20 euros a bottle.
More information on Il Guscio:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Restaurant
- Food:
- Italian, Seafood, Steak, Traditional
- Address:
- Via dell'Orto 49A, Florence, 50125
- Telephone:
- 055 224 421
- Website:
- http://www.il-guscio.it
- Serves:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Reservations:
- Essential at peak times
