n honour of the great legend, a restaurant began in the old abbey of Abbadia Isola in Siena. Founded by husband and wife, Filippo Saporito and Ombretta Giovannini along with Alessandro Rossi, the restaurant became the center for new Tuscan cuisine combined with the history of the region.
Today you can enjoy the La Leggenda dei Frati, The legend of the Friars, in the stunning 17th – century Villa Bardini garden. What was once a stable is now the chic Michelin-starred restaurant. The terrace offers the most romantic views of Florence. The sweeping architecture across the city center from the Duomo, the Uffizi Vasari Corridor, the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore to the Ponte Vecchio, it’s one of Florence’s best locations.
The beautiful garden furnishes many of the fresh vegetables and herbs are used in the signature dishes. They are hidden between ornamental flower beds, fruit trees, and the beautiful waterfalls. The ancient Tuscan herbs, mixed with alchemical wisdom, are reseeded every year by the three chefs whom have an ability to interpret nature.
The chefs create magical dishes. They are visual pieces of art, some bursting with flavors while others melt in your mouth. Several of their signature dishes are inspired by dishes once made by monks. I enjoyed the exceptional food along with meeting Chef Filippo Saporito when I was in Florence in June. The nine-course tasting
menu along with wine pairing was outstanding. Over the course of three hours, we ate dishes that were light, flavorful, enchanting, and captivating. This is one of the best restaurants where I have eaten and the best in Florence.
When you eat here, you will have dishes never to be forgotten. If the three friars had dishes anything like what La Leggenda dei Frati has to offer, there is no doubt they were able to dance and sing for several days and nights.
A smaller tasting menu is also available as well as single dish meals. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Address: Villa Bardini, Costa di San Giorgio 6a
Visit website (laleggendadeifrati.it)
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