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Nestled in the heart of Florence, Piazza di Cestello is home to the now-closed restaurant Essenziale, a place that once redefined modern Tuscan dining with its innovative menu and sleek, minimalist ambiance. This beloved establishment was known for its creative approach, blending traditional flavors with global culinary influences, appealing to food enthusiasts and trendsetters alike.

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Reflect on the community's past experiences at Essenziale

Nestled in the heart of Florence at Piazza di Cestello, 3R, Essenziale was more than just a restaurant; it was a culinary landmark that redefined Tuscan cuisine with its innovative approach. Founded in 2016 by Chef Simone Cipriani, it quickly gained recognition for blending traditional flavors with contemporary techniques, creating a dining experience that was both exciting and authentic.

Over its eight-year history, Essenziale became renowned for its creative twists on traditional Tuscan dishes. The restaurant's approach was characterized by a bold reinterpretation of local ingredients, presenting a menu that appealed to both traditionalists and trendsetters. Its atmosphere combined elegance with a modern vibe, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts and digital nomads alike.

Despite its success and acclaim, Essenziale closed its doors on August 8, 2024. This marked the end of a notable chapter in Florence's culinary scene, leaving behind a legacy of culinary innovation and memorable dining experiences that continue to inspire many chefs and food lovers.

During its years of operation, Essenziale garnered praise for its innovative cuisine and became a symbol of modern Tuscan gastronomy. Its influence persists in Florence's vibrant culinary landscape, inspiring new generations of chefs to blend tradition with creativity.

Located in the picturesque city of Florence, Essenziale offers a unique dining experience that reinterprets traditional Tuscan cuisine. With a modern, minimalist ambiance, this restaurant stands out for its innovative dishes and attentive service. The establishment is well-regarded for its tasting menus, which provide a diverse culinary journey, making it ideal for both locals and travelers seeking a memorable meal.

With a reputation for high-quality ingredients and creative presentations, Essenziale is often described as a place where food becomes art. The restaurant has garnered attention for its Michelin star-worthy offerings at more accessible prices, making it a popular choice among food enthusiasts.

However, it is essential to note that the restaurant is currently only open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, with a Sunday brunch option.

Innovative reinterpretations of traditional Tuscan dishes

Accommodating to dietary restrictions with vegetarian and vegan options

Offers tasting menus for diverse dining experiences

Some patrons found certain dishes experimental and not to their liking

Limited to dinner service from Tuesday to Saturday, with Sunday brunch

Essenziale is perfect for food enthusiasts looking to explore innovative Italian cuisine. It caters to couples seeking a romantic dinner, families wanting a unique dining experience, and groups celebrating special occasions.

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours. The restaurant is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along. Be prepared for a dining experience that may include experimental dishes, which may not suit everyone's palate.

Essenziale offers a captivating dining experience that balances innovation with tradition. While some diners may find certain dishes experimental, the overall quality and creativity of the menu make it a worthwhile visit. Whether you're a local or a traveler, this restaurant promises a memorable meal in the heart of Florence.

Florence

Essenziale, led by Chef Simone Cipriani, was celebrated for its inventive reinterpretations of classic Tuscan dishes, blending local ingredients with global influences. The restaurant's modern, minimalist setting complemented its culinary creativity. While many diners appreciated the unique flavors and presentations, a few expressed reservations about the experimental nature of some dishes.

Europe

Italy

Essenziale in Florence: Een culinaire parel in Italië

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ1cnRpelVBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJA8G_G61WKhMRTZVrRw-GxGY/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ1cnRpelVBEAE

A great restaurant! We had such a nice dinner, the service is very kind and the place has a great vibe. The food was excellent, an interesting interpretation on Italian cuisine in great quality. In our opinion the food was Michelin star worthy, in a much more comfortable price than the other options in the city. We will come back next time we’re in Florence.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNqMTdIRWNBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJA8G_G61WKhMRTZVrRw-GxGY/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNqMTdIRWNBEAE

What a fantastic restaurant! They don't have a michelin star yet but I am sure they will eventually. We had the tasting menu paired with some marvelous wines. Such a treat and extremely good value. Definitely worth a visit. We will be back ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNwd1llYVdnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJA8G_G61WKhMRTZVrRw-GxGY/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNwd1llYVdnEAE

What a delightful surprise. This isn’t your garden variety spaghetti and meatballs place. This is food as art, a wonderful (yet casual) fine dining establishment. We had the “sharing menu” and it was a fantastic experience. Our server was immensely professional and helpful in guiding us to food and wine selections. The space is gorgeous (and it appears to be family friendly as well). I highly recommend this place if you’re on a multi-day Florence trip and need a break from pasta + red sauce.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQtaXFURVlBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJA8G_G61WKhMRTZVrRw-GxGY/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQtaXFURVlBEAE

4.4 | Food was good and incredibly creative, the chef is definitely trying to innovate which is fun to see. Given this some of the dishes were knock out and others were simply ok. Wine pairing was great and service was top notch. The atmosphere is wonderful, they have done a very nice job with the space. Overall well worth the price and would recommend folks give it a go.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM1akwzRjNBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJA8G_G61WKhMRTZVrRw-GxGY/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM1akwzRjNBRRAB

The most embarrassing and disappointing meal we have ever had.

We always enjoy seeking out tasting menu restaurants to appreciate the creativity of the chefs. We discovered this place on Google Maps, and it had received many compliments about its creativity and tastiness.

Our concerns grew when we started reading the menu; everything seemed exceedingly basic. However, we hoped that the chef could elevate these simple ingredients to a new level. Unfortunately, every course was dreadful. It was the worst dining experience we've ever paid for.

The whole idea of presenting itself as a tasting menu restaurant, charging 80 euros per person, is absolutely embarrassing. A tasting menu chef should have an exceptional knowledge of ingredients to craft each menu. Every dish placed on the plate should complement the others, enhancing both the flavours and the presentation. Being creative means not just attempting to impress people.

This restaurant is attempting to exude a cool and contemporary vibe, but the ambiance felt more like a staff canteen. All the furniture looked very cheap and basic, far different from the expectations one might have for a tasting menu restaurant.

All the starters arrived at once, creating a chaotic and confusing dining experience. The presentation was haphazard, dishes had no character, and they were not tasty at all.

We were inclined to leave after sampling all the starters, but we thought that the pasta and main dishes might alter our perspective.

The pasta dishes were a complete disaster. My husband's dish was undercooked, and when we brought this to their attention, they explained, "that's the style of it." I must emphasise that it wasn't just slightly undercooked; it was only half-cooked.

I ordered cold spaghetti, which had an incredibly peculiar taste. It was cold spaghetti served in a thick sauce resembling teriyaki sauce. The spaghetti was slightly undercooked but not as bad as my husband's, and the mushrooms had a sour taste that was quite off-putting. The presentation was unappetising, with an excessive amount of aonori on top, making it look like a "modded-land."

Encountering such poorly executed pasta as part of a tasting menu was profoundly disappointing, and it appeared that the kitchen lacked even the most fundamental pasta cooking skills. And we know what al dente means.

As for the main courses, another disaster. We ordered chicken and fish. The fish came with sweetcorn and popcorn and had an odd artificial smell when it was brought to the table. It still had bones and scales, served cold, and although they explained that it was slow-cooked so it wasn't too hot, I must regretfully say it was tough, and the slow-cooking did not seem to help at all. The chicken was presented as a whole chicken breast on the plate with some sauce on the side, and it was dry and tough as well.

Now, onto the desserts. We ordered the chocolate mousse with mozzarella cheese and shiso Panna cotta. They literally placed the cheese on top of the chocolate mousse, and that was it. We found this combination to be mismatched and unpleasant.

And for the Panna cotta. This dessert had a terrible presentation, an unusual taste, and it was served at an extremely cold temperature.

The young lady who welcomed us was very pleasant, but as a tasting menu restaurant, I believe the staff still need improvement. They didn't react when they noticed we weren't finishing most dishes, and the explanations they provided about the food didn't make sense to us.

Unless you have a desire to dine in what feels like a staff canteen with terrible food, we fail to see any reason why anyone would recommend this place.

Experience Michelin-Star Worthy Dining at Essenziale, Florence

Essenziale, located in Florence, Italy, was a renowned restaurant known for its innovative approach to Tuscan cuisine. Opened in 2016 by Chef Simone Cipriani, it reimagined traditional dishes with creative twists, earning acclaim for its unique culinary style. The restaurant closed its doors on August 8, 2024, after eight years of operation.

een historische blik op essenziale in florence, italie'}]}, {

een overzicht van de geschiedenis van Essenziale in Florence, Italië

Essenziale offers a creative and seasonal menu that reimagines traditional Tuscan dishes with innovative twists.

Comfort Spaghetti

Mediterranean Tropical

Ribollita a GnuDo

Tagliatella Coniglio

Nero

Ombina

Lingua alla Pizzaiola

Verdure e Camembert

Piccione alla Brace

Fior d'Evo

Panna Cotta

Topinambur Tiramisù

Essenziale Menu

Essenziale in Florence is een culinair hoogstandje dat traditionele Toscaanse gerechten herinterpreteert met innovatieve benaderingen. Het restaurant richt zich op seizoensgebonden ingrediënten, waarbij elk gerecht zorgvuldig is samengesteld om de rijke smaken van de regio te laten stralen. De sfeer is warm en uitnodigend, perfect voor zowel een romantisch diner als een gezellige avond met vrienden.

Ontdek Essenziale in Firenze, een must-visit restaurant aan Piazza di Cestello, met authentieke Toscaanse smaken en gezellige sfeer. Reserveer nu voor een smaakvol avontuur!

Essenziale: Authentic Italian Dining in Florence

Metropolitan City of Florence

Essenziale

Tasting Menus

Ontdek Essenziale in Florence met smaakvolle proeverijen'}]}, {

Ontdek Essenziale in Florence met smaakvolle proeverijen'}]}]},{

Ontdek Essenziale in Florence met smaakvolle proeverijen. Dit restaurant biedt een uitstekende selectie van degustatiemenu's die je meenemen op een culinaire reis door Italië. Of je nu kiest voor het driegangenmenu voor 45 EUR, het vijfgangenmenu voor 65 EUR, of het uitgebreide achtgangenmenu voor 80 EUR, elke optie belooft een verfijnde ervaring vol smaak en finesse.

Tuscany Region

Discover Essenziale in Florence, Italy. Experience innovative Tuscan dishes, modern ambiance, and exceptional tasting menus in the heart of Florence.

Essenziale Florence - Innovative Tuscan Cuisine & Fine Dining

Explore Essenziale in Florence, offering creative reinterpretations of Italian classics, seasonal menus, and a modern dining experience in the historic city.

Essenziale Florence - Creative Italian Dining & Tasting Menus

Visit Essenziale in Florence for a contemporary take on Tuscan cuisine, innovative dishes, and a stylish setting. A must-visit for foodies in Florence.

Experience Michelin-Star Worthy Dining at Essenziale, Florence

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