Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

Top 10

Destinations Worldwide

Must Visit

Guide to

Eat, Stay & Do

Rio de Janeiro

in Sweden

The Most Unique Spas

EAT & STAY

Summer in Europe

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

New Launch: August 2025

Zimbabwe

Mpala Jena Private Villas

for Your Next Long Haul Flight

Beauty Hacks

Luxury Travel on a Budget

How To:

for a Stress-Free Trip

Top 10 Travel Hacks

with 30% discount

Get Lounge Access

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Stockholm

Dog Friendly Dining

Explore

Koh Samui

A Tropical Getaway

Best Smoothie Bowls

Travel Guide

Koh Kood

Island Escape

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Florence

Ristorante Buca Mario is renowned for its authentic Tuscan cuisine, particularly the Florentine steak, served in a historic setting. The staff is praised for their friendly and attentive service, contributing to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While the restaurant is popular among tourists, it maintains a traditional charm that appeals to both locals and visitors.

Ristorante Buca Mario Florence Italy dining experience overview and FAQs 

Nestled in the heart of Florence at Piazza degli Ottaviani, 16r, Ristorante Buca Mario offers an authentic taste of Tuscany in an atmospheric 16th-century vaulted dining room. This beloved restaurant is famed for its housemade pasta, succulent Florentine steaks, and hearty wild boar ragù, capturing the essence of traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Visitors consistently praise Buca Mario for its warm, attentive service and a welcoming vibe that makes both locals and tourists feel at home. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving true Italian flavors, this spot delivers an experience steeped in culinary heritage with a modern touch.

 is the crown jewel here — a thick, juicy cut traditionally served rare or medium rare to preserve its tender texture and rich flavor. For meat lovers, it’s a must-try specialty that embodies Tuscan culinary pride. The housemade pasta dishes and wild boar ragù also showcase authentic regional flavors that keep patrons coming back.

Beyond the food, the restaurant’s interior with its historic vaulted ceilings offers an intimate and charming setting, perfect for a leisurely dinner with friends or family. The staff are known for their friendly attentiveness, creating a personalized dining experience that complements the rustic cuisine.

It’s highly recommended to book a table in advance due to the restaurant’s popularity, ensuring you secure a spot in this historic gem.

The Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) is the star of the menu, celebrated for its tenderness and bold flavor.

Yes, the menu includes vegetarian-friendly dishes, making it welcoming for all dietary preferences.

Ristorante Buca Mario enjoys a largely positive reputation among diners who appreciate its authentic Tuscan flavors and historic ambiance. Guests often highlight the exceptional service, with staff going out of their way to create a memorable experience. The combination of quality ingredients and traditional recipes makes it a standout spot for those seeking genuine Italian cuisine in Florence.

While the majority of reviews praise the restaurant’s food and service, some visitors note that the Florentine steak is traditionally served rare, so preferences for more well-done steak might require adjustment or clear communication with the staff. The overall atmosphere and culinary craftsmanship ensure Buca Mario remains a beloved destination for an authentic taste of Tuscany.

Europe

Italy

Nestled in the heart of Florence, Ristorante Buca Mario invites you to experience authentic Tuscan cuisine in a setting that echoes the rich history of the region. Located at Piazza degli Ottaviani, this charming restaurant is renowned for its housemade pasta and exquisite Florentine steaks, served in a beautifully vaulted 16th-century dining room. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for both romantic dinners and family gatherings.

At Buca Mario, every dish tells a story. Start your culinary journey with the Porcini Mushroom Salad, a delightful blend of earthy mushrooms and creamy cheese, perfectly seasoned to awaken your taste buds. For the main course, the Florentine Steak is a must-try, cooked to perfection and served with truffle mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth. This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience, capturing the essence of Tuscan tradition.


- **Porcini Mushroom Salad**: A rich, earthy starter that sets the tone for your meal.
- **Florentine Steak**: A classic dish that embodies the heart of Tuscan cuisine.

Conveniently located in Florence, Buca Mario is just a stone's throw away from iconic landmarks such as the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery. After indulging in a sumptuous meal, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Florence, soaking in the art and culture that surrounds you.


Buca Mario is celebrated for its authentic Tuscan dishes, particularly the Florentine steak and housemade pasta.


While walk-ins are welcome, making a reservation is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.


Buca Mario accepts credit and debit cards, making it convenient for travelers.

Whether you are a local or a traveler, Buca Mario promises an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Florence. Come savor the flavors of Tuscany and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Housemade pasta, Florentine steaks & wild boar ragù served in a vaulted 16th-century dining room.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzbGNyN3ZnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ2-Em1atWKhMRhtzUGlOFARo/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzbGNyN3ZnRRAB

We dined at Buca Mario for my birthday on Oct. 15, 2024.  And I have to say that I was thoroughly underwhelmed! I soo wanted to like the food at this restaurant as people raved about it on Tic Tock.  I was so disappointed.  I ordered the Florentine steak, truffle mashed potatoes and beet greens.  The steak was still mooing on the plate.  I asked for my steak to be cooked medium.  Medium is the rarest that I can eat it, however, they brought it out still bleeding and almost raw.. I just couldn't stomach it.. I later found out that this is how they prepare Florentine steak.. They prefer to serve it rare or medium rare.  To ask for it Medium is an insult and some restaurants will refuse to prepare it medium.  If I'd known this ahead of time, I would have never ordered it.. What a waste of a $65.00 steak!  The truffle mashed potatoes were blah.. Absolutely nothing special about them.. I definitely could have left them.. The beet greens tasted like over cooked frozen spinach that your mom used to feed you back in the day.  The kind where she would put a frozen pack of spinach in water and boil it.  No flavor, no seasoning, no nothing.. Just boiled, bland spinach.. Yuk.. My husband ordered the porcini mushroom salad.. They put so much cheese on the salad, should should have listed it as a cheese salad on the menu.  The mushrooms still had sand on them as I was chewing on sand the first bite I took of the salad.. Then they had the nerve to charge me for dessert.  I got the berry tart with fresh whipped cream.. It was just ok.. but probably the tastiest item that I ordered that night..  Another thing I noticed was- everyone was using their bare hands to handle food that was already prepared.  I guess the standards are different in Florence and possibly all of Europe than in the US but Safe Serv food safety institute states that you must NEVER, use bare hands to handle prepared food!  The waiters were just grabbing bread from this drawer to fill baskets to give to the guests at each table.  I saw another man at the counter slicing ham with a meat slicer with his bare hands that would be used for the antipasto appetizer.  Just gross..  The service was good I must say.  The waiter was very attentive.. Everyone's tastebuds are different so good luck to those that like raw steak and boiled spinach.. This was a big miss for me and will not dine here in the future..

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzZ1pYNUNBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ2-Em1atWKhMRhtzUGlOFARo/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzZ1pYNUNBEAE

What an exceptional experience. The staff and the food both wonderful. We were celebrating on our honeymoon, they started us off with a congratulations of Prosecco, the entire staff knew we were celebrating and acknowledged us💕 we even got a hug from our waiter. Very cool experience and amazing food.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNuaEltN193RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ2-Em1atWKhMRhtzUGlOFARo/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNuaEltN193RRAB

Absolutely the best service I've experienced in Florence!

The staff is incredibly friendly, attentive to your needs. Tableware were promptly refreshed before new dish and portions the food for your group. The lasagna and Florentine steak were both delicious, and the tiramisu for dessert was the perfect way to end the meal.

The overall service was out of this world. Highly recommend this place for an unforgettable dining experience!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNyeUxHUC1BRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ2-Em1atWKhMRhtzUGlOFARo/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNyeUxHUC1BRRAB

We walked up at the end of the night without a reservation and worried as we looked inside the small room.  The friendly hostess disappeared and came back shortly to confirm we could be seated.  The place is actually quite large.  This friendly and inviting service continued throughout the meal.  And that meal was amazing.  We had boar, steak, chicken and ragout.  They were all fantastic and topped only by dessert.  My tiramisu loving daughter trout it was the best of the trip.  Likewise, my chocolate loving daughter melted in her seat with the cake.  My wife and I split the “grandma’s cake” on the server’s recommendation, and that was the best decision of the night.  I can’t recommend this place enough.  It’s excellent in every aspect.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNMN003QUpREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ2-Em1atWKhMRhtzUGlOFARo/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNMN003QUpREAE

The food is excellent and high quality. However, I like my steak medium-well (pink inside, no red or uncooked parts). I told the waiter at the beginning that I don’t eat steak with any red inside, but the steak came out red. After we had eaten and left half the steak on the plate, the waiter mentioned that they could have grilled it more. However, we had already waited for about an hour, and it was almost 11 PM. I was tired and didn’t want to wait any longer.

I understand that in Italy, they may prefer their steak rare, and I need to adapt to that. The staff is great; our waiter was busy but very friendly and funny. Expect American prices at this place. The lasagna was the best I have ever eaten in my life!

Ristorante Buca Mario: Discover Authentic Tuscan Cuisine in Florence

Established in the late 19th century, Ristorante Buca Mario is a historic dining establishment located in an ancient cellar with vaults and stones dating back to the 5th century. It has been serving traditional Tuscan cuisine for over a century, maintaining its timeless charm.

Ristorante Buca Mario: A Timeless Tuscan Treasure in Florence's Historic Heartbeat.

Nestled in the enchanting Piazza degli Ottaviani of Florence, Italy, 

 stands as a beacon of authentic Tuscan cuisine and history. Established in the late 19th century, this restaurant offers diners not just exquisite dishes but a journey back through centuries of Florentine culture and tradition.

Historical roots dating back to the 5th century

The current home of Buca Mario is a historic 

, featuring ancient vaults and stones that whisper tales of Florence's rich past. It was in 1900 that the restaurant moved to this atmospheric location, blending the ancient architectural beauty with the vibrant energy of a Tuscan eatery.

A century of traditional Tuscan excellence

For over a hundred years, Ristorante Buca Mario has passionately served traditional Tuscan dishes, earning a reputation for its 

. Diners can indulge in housemade pasta and classic recipes that have been lovingly preserved through generations, providing an authentic taste of Tuscany's culinary heritage.

 - Restaurant founded in the late 19th century, marking the beginning of a culinary institution.

 - Relocated to its iconic space in a 5th-century cellar that still welcomes guests today.

 - Celebrated worldwide for its exquisite Florentine steak and commitment to preserving Tuscan culinary traditions.

Dine In

Restroom

Good for Groups

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Dinner

Accepts Credit Cards

In the heart of Florence, Ristorante Buca Mario offers an immersive experience in Tuscan cuisine, featuring housemade pasta, Florentine steaks, and wild boar ragù served in a charming 16th-century dining room.

Ristorante Buca Mario

Experience authentic Tuscan flavors with our selection of starters, main courses, and desserts.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

Pappardelle al Ragù di Cinghiale

Lasagna della Casa

Tiramisu

Panna Cotta

Bruschetta al Pomodoro

Carpaccio di Manzo

Traditional Tuscan Cuisine

Traditional Tuscan Cuisine at Ristorante Buca Mario in Florence, Italy.

Nestled in the heart of Florence, in the captivating Piazza degli Ottaviani, Ristorante Buca Mario invites you to a culinary journey through the rich flavors of Tuscany. Known for its warm atmosphere and exceptional service, this charming eatery is a must-visit for food lovers in search of authentic Tuscan dishes. From housemade pasta to tantalizing Florentine steak, each plate is a celebration of tradition and flavor.

Bruschetta al Pomodoro: A delightful appetizer featuring toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Carpaccio di Manzo: Thinly sliced beef served with arugula, shaved parmesan, and a refreshing squeeze of lemon.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A succulent T-bone steak cooked to perfection, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt.

Pappardelle al Ragù di Cinghiale: Wide ribbon pasta served with a rich and hearty wild boar ragù that captures the essence of Tuscan flavors.

Lasagna della Casa: Layers of delicately prepared noodles, bechamel sauce, and a flavorful meat ragù combine to make this a comforting classic.

Tiramisu: A traditional Italian dessert made with layers of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder.

Panna Cotta: A creamy and decadent dessert, set to perfection and often flavored with vanilla for a delightful finish.

Savor an exquisite selection of regional wines and refreshing cocktails to complement your meal. Ristorante Buca Mario is proud to offer a variety of Tuscan wines, enhancing your dining experience with every sip.

Be sure to inquire about our daily specials, showcasing the freshest ingredients and seasonal flavors that Florence has to offer.

Savor authentic Tuscan flavors at Ristorante Buca Mario in Florence. Experience a culinary journey amidst historical beauty – book your table today!

Dining at Ristorante Buca Mario, Florence's Hidden Gem

Metropolitan City of Florence

Accepts reservations to ensure a table is available.

Reservations

Takeout

Vegetarian Options

ristorante buca mario in florence italy dining experience and offerings overview 

Nestled in the heart of Florence at Piazza degli Ottaviani, Ristorante Buca Mario offers an authentic Italian dining journey celebrated for its housemade pasta, traditional Florentine steaks, and wild boar ragù. Set within a charming vaulted 16th-century dining room, this restaurant invites food lovers and travelers alike to savor Tuscany's rich culinary heritage in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

At Buca Mario, the spotlight is on the traditional Florentine steak, renowned for its rare to medium-rare preparation style — a true staple of Tuscan cuisine. Complemented by housemade pasta dishes and hearty wild boar ragù, each plate reflects the region’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. For dessert lovers, tiramisu and berry tarts provide a sweet finale to an indulgent meal.

Buca Mario ensures a full-service dining experience with options for reservations, which is highly recommended to secure a table in their cozy yet spacious setting. Guests can enjoy lunch and dinner, complemented by an excellent selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. The attentive and friendly staff are often praised for their warm hospitality, making celebrations and special occasions memorable. While the restaurant does not offer outdoor seating or live music, the historic ambiance inside creates an intimate and authentic environment.

Reservations accepted to guarantee your spot at this popular Florentine restaurant.

Takeout service available for those who want to enjoy traditional Tuscan flavors on the go.

Vegetarian options provided to cater to diverse dietary preferences.

Be aware that Florentine steak is traditionally served rare or medium-rare, so requesting it cooked more thoroughly may not be typical and could affect your experience.

This culinary landmark in Florence is perfect for groups and families, including those with children, thanks to its accommodating atmosphere and a menu that offers something for everyone. The restaurant accepts multiple payment options, including credit and debit cards as well as NFC payments, making it convenient for international travelers.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to immerse yourself in authentic Tuscan flavors, Buca Mario delivers an unforgettable Italian dining experience. From its historic setting to its dedication to classic regional dishes, it embodies the heart of Florence’s food culture. Visit this gem to enjoy quality pasta, exceptional steaks, and a warm, welcoming service that will make your meal truly memorable.

Tuscany Region

Experience Florence's culinary gem, Ristorante Buca Mario, serving traditional Tuscan dishes in a historic setting. Reserve now for an unforgettable meal!

Ristorante Buca Mario: Authentic Tuscan Dining in Florence

Discover the rich history and delightful menu of Ristorante Buca Mario, Florence's historic gem renowned for its Florentine steak and Tuscan flavors.

Explore Ristorante Buca Mario's History and Menu

Maximize your dining experience at Ristorante Buca Mario in Florence with our top tips. From reservations to must-try dishes, we’ve got you covered!

Traditional Tuscan Cuisine at Ristorante Buca Mario in Florence, Italy.

Starters

Main Courses

Desserts

Drinks

Specials

Trattoria Sostanza

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

All’Antico Vinaio