[Florence, Italy] 1* La Leggenda Dei Frati
La Leggenda dei Frati is located in the museum complex of the Villa Bardini, a 17th century villa with an incredible view of the city, surrounded by an agrarian landscape of olive trees and pretty archways. One usually assumes a stellar view is paired with an overly hefty and unsatisfying experience, but I can loudly say that our experience was nothing short of sensational. So when my friend Michele Stanco of Trivet here in London kindly arranged this evening, I was happy to oblige.
We opted for the 9-course ‘Gran Menu Dei Frati’ with the wine flight
‘Amuse Bouche’ - Sundried tomato, pumpkin and lardo
Beetroot carpaccio
San Salvatore Vetere IGP Paestum Rosé
I was pleasantly surprised by this wine pairing - in particular, this stunning Neapolitan tipple. I would usually turn my nose up at any non-French Rosé from it being too sickly sweet, but this delicate and refreshing blend from Naples blew my mind. I ordered a box of 6 to be delivered as soon as we arrived back in London.
Beef tartare - red carrot, truffle, yellow radish
While I won’t picture every dish (we have to keep some secrets after all) I’ll share a few of our favourites. Pictured above was the stunning beef tartare, red carrot and truffle. This was a very light and refreshing 4th-course, paired with some lovely Castello di Ama Chianti.
Polpo, Zucchini, Citrus - my favourite course
Raspberry, cream and basil
La Leggenda dei Frati is also an active member of of the Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe, an association of young talented restaurant owners. An internal quality selection guarantees that these ambitious chefs belong to the top of the European gastronomy. he also has received ‘two forks’ from the esteemed gambero rosso. Filippo gave us a copy along with a small box of desserts that pretty much sealed us being friends for life.
My favourite touch - the restaurant is adorned with these gorgeous Siennese glass animals from Filippo Saporito’s hometown.
Filippo Sapporito described that the dessert spread is an ode to art and great thinkers, paying homage to Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol.
The best view in all of Florence
A secret - this restaurant boasts the best views of Florence. There is no need to hike up to the Piazzale Michelangelo after viewing the famous Duomo and the sparkly city from this restaurant’s terrace.
Thank you to Michele, Filippo and the La Leggenda team for a truly special evening x
Address: Costa S. Giorgio, 6/a, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: https://laleggendadeifrati.it/
Price: $$$$