"A Habsburg prince's restaurant, hung with fairy lights and prosecco welcomes — the pear and pecorino ravioli alone explains why La Giostra has been Florence's romantic standard since 1992."
La Giostra was founded in 1992 by Prince Dimitri Kunz d'Asburgo Lorena, a descendant of the Habsburg-Lorraine line, on Borgo Pinti in Florence's Sant'Ambrogio quarter, between the Duomo and Santa Croce. Since the founder's death the restaurant has stayed in the family, run by his twin sons, Dimitri and Soldano.
It has become one of the most romantic and recognisable tables in Florence, as much for its warmth and aristocratic backstory as for the cooking.
The signature is the homemade pear and pecorino ravioli, a dish people travel for. Beyond it the menu runs Tuscan — handmade pastas, well-aged steaks — and finishes with the Viennese Sachertorte made to the d'Asburgo Lorena family's own recipe, a direct nod to the house's Habsburg lineage. Welcome prosecco and complimentary nibbles set the tone.
The room is small, warm and theatrically lit — strings of lights, close tables, bottles everywhere. It is intimate to the point of cosy, which is exactly the appeal; this is a restaurant built for an evening, not a quick meal.
This is one of Florence's go-to rooms for romance, ideal for an anniversary or a proposal — book early and ask for a corner. The story and setting also make it a memorable way to impress clients who want a quintessentially Florentine evening.
Not for diners who want space, quiet and minimalist plating. Tables are close together and the mood is exuberant rather than hushed — if you need a private, restrained business dinner, this is the wrong room.
Prince Dimitri Kunz d'Asburgo Lorena, a Habsburg-Lorraine descendant, who opened it in 1992. It is now run by his twin sons, Dimitri and Soldano.
The homemade pear and pecorino ravioli is the dish La Giostra is known for. Save room for the Sachertorte, made to the family's Habsburg recipe.
Yes — it sits at the higher end for Florence, reflecting its reputation and the welcome prosecco-and-nibbles hospitality.
Borgo Pinti 12r, in the Sant'Ambrogio area between the Duomo and Santa Croce.
Strongly recommended. The room is small, popular and romantic, so tables go quickly, especially in the evening.
Book ahead; the room is small and busy.
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Where La Giostra ranks among Florence's tables — sorted by the moment you are booking for, from a proposal to a client dinner.
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