On a recent trip to Florence, I made it a priority to seek out local osterias where the food is simple, seasonal, and fresh. Florence and its surrounding areas are home to some of the best food I have tasted anywhere in the world, and when paired with genuine Italian hospitality, you truly cannot go wrong.

We were staying in the city center along the Arno River and decided to explore on foot so we could fully savor the city, even though the weather was unseasonably cold. Crossing the river, we discovered Osteria Belguardo, where I enjoyed one of the best meals of the trip. The osteria is beautifully situated on the Arno River and offers outdoor seating when the weather permits.

The restaurant is associated with the Belguardo winery, owned by the Mazzei family. They also produce exceptional olive oil, and I couldn’t resist purchasing a few bottles to bring home. Throughout the meal, we enjoyed fantastic wines that paired perfectly with each course.

We began with fried artichokes, which were in season and wonderfully fresh. This was followed by fresh pasta with white truffles and the house chicken, cooked under a brick. The pasta with white truffles was decadent yet simple, allowing the flavors to shine. The artichokes were crisp and flavorful, and the chicken, more than enough for two, was perfectly seasoned and beautifully prepared.

For dessert, we shared a dark chocolate soufflé made for two and served with cold vanilla gelato. The service throughout the evening was friendly yet professional, and the ambiance was nothing short of divine. It was, in every way, a perfect evening.