The truffle is an edible fungus, similar to mushrooms. Unlike mushrooms, truffles are subterranean-they grow underground. While some people refer to truffles as mushrooms, they are more like a cousin. My dislike for mushrooms is matched by my love for truffles, which doesn't make sense, but it's true. There is nothing better than truffles to elevate a dish to levels that will make you swoon. They are more delicate than a mushroom and create an umami flavor. Don't knock it until you try it.
Italian truffles are prized for their intense aroma and flavor. Known as "Tartufo", in Tuscany they grow plentifully in the countryside, making October and November some of the best months to eat fungi. There are nine edible types of truffle, but the main varieties that you will see on a menu in Italy are white or black truffles.
White truffles have an irregular shape, are smooth, and range in colors from white to ochre. They are earthy and the flavor may include notes of garlic, nuts, or honey. Black truffles are more common and remain fresh for longer than white truffles. They are mild in flavor having notes of chocolate, earth, or dried fruit. Black truffles have a dark brown to black exterior with a reddish tinge. Inside, the flesh is dark with white veins. Whichever you prefer, truffles must be eaten fresh with white truffles only remaining fresh for about three days and black truffles if stored properly, may last up to two weeks.
Here are the nine best places to sample these gourmet gems in Florence. Enjoy!
Savini Tartufi/Il Tartufo Luciano Savini
Via Dell'Ariento 47/77 Mercato Centrale Florence
Try truffles any way you like at this lovely restaurant run by the Savini family who have generations of experience growing and preparing truffles. The Savini family own and operate this truffle stand, "Savini Tarufi or Il Tartufo Luciano Savini" located in the Mercato Centrale (2nd floor). This is more of a casual bar but a great place for lunch if you are in the area and want to try truffles. You can't miss it because you can smell the fresh truffle aroma from three stands away. Try the pasta with black truffles, AKA "Tartufo Nero". They also sell small items such as jars of truffle spreads to take home.
Osteria delle Tre Panche
Via Antonio Pacinotti 32R or Vicolo Marzio 1
Originally located on Via Pacinotti in Campo di Marte, they have now opened a second restaurant in the halls and panoramic terrace of the luxury Hotel Hermitage, which overlooks the rooftops of Florence. At either location, you can experience a wonderful culinary journey of truffle flavor. If you are willing to try just about anything with truffle in it, this place is for you. Start with the truffle chips or a truffle omelet, and make sure you try the truffle pasta and the truffle-flavored potato pie!
Osteria Santo Spirito
Piazza Santo Spirito 16R
Osteria Santo Spirito is a quaint restaurant on the other side of the Arno. Everything on the menu is amazing but regarding truffles, you have to try the truffle gnocchi. The gnocchi is baked in cheese and truffle oil with little pieces of truffle inside. It comes out bubbling, nice and hot and will fill you up and satisfy your craving for truffles.
Irene Firenze in the Hotel Savoy
Piazza della Repubblica 7
For a limited time in November and December every year, it is officially truffle season at the Hotel Savoy. Executive chef Fulvio Pierangelini dedicates an entire menu to truffle dishes designed to amaze with truffle offerings such as Persimmon soup with chestnut mousse and white truffles or raw red prawns with burrata cheese, artichokes and white truffle, for example. Focusing on seasonally fresh ingredients, freshly harvested truffles are a must at this exclusive restaurant and an experience worth waiting for.
Trattoria Za'Za'
Piazza del Mercato Centrale 26R
Za'Za' offers a truffle specialty menu with over 20 items to choose from! Everything under the Tuscan sun can come with truffles here and you have options such as truffle seasoning, creamy truffle sauce, fresh truffles, etc. which is great for anyone trying truffles for the first time or for anyone that wants to explore and try everything! Pappardelle in a truffled duck sauce, Gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese and truffle seasoning, or sauteed prawns with garlic, spring onions, and fresh truffle are a few of my suggestions.
Open since 1977, there is so much variety of food here that it would take a year to try everything. Menus are also offered in 5 different languages which is nice for tourists and something you don't see very often in Italy.
Entoca Pinchiorri
Via Ghibellina 87
Okay, so this place is a bit expensive however it is very upscale and the truffle offerings are superb. This is a gourmet experience and they actually offer a truffle menu on select nights in November but it must be booked ahead. Some of their decadent offerings are roasted pumpkin goodies with sheep stracchino cream, pear mustard and white truffle or guinea fowl cutlet with white mountain potato millefeuille, taleggio fondue & white truffles. It is definitely a bucket list meal and if you have the opportunity to splurge, do it!
Procacci
Via dei Tornabuoni 64R
Procacci is known for two of my favorite things, wine and truffles! Open since 1885 and located in the heart of the City, they offer a small but welcoming indoor area that seats about 15. During the warmer months, al fresco dining is also available. A sandwich and wine bar, this is a great option for anyone that is looking for a quick, affordable but tasty snack.
Truffle paninis are available for about 3 euros with truffle and foie gras, truffle butter and anchovies, raw ham with cream of mushrooms and truffles, and smoked salmon with truffles, soft cheese and chives. Or, you can order scrambled eggs and fresh truffle, tagliolini al tartufo, or carpaccio di black angus con tartufo from their lunch menu. Ask for their suggestions on what wine to pair with your truffle choice and you have yourself a nice little meal that feels and tastes expensive but isn't!
Winter Garden Restaurant and Bar in the St. Regis Hotel
Piazza Ognissanti 1
They offer a rich selection of truffle dishes on their dinner menu. From beef tartare, salted truffle zabaglione, fettuccine pasta white ragout and truffle, to veal cheek with celeriac and truffle; this is the place for elevated gastronomy truffle dishes. Combined with the elegance and sophistication of the Hotel St. Regis, this is where you should go for a special occasion meal.
La Giostra
Borgo Pinti 12R
You will find their truffle dishes on the nightly specials menu since truffles are so seasonal however they do offer prosciutto al tartufo year-round. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Florence because not only is the food really fabulous, but the atmosphere is whimsical and romantic. I had their special one night that was a fillet with truffle shavings and carrots. The truffles melted in my mouth like butter. In fact, this may be one of the best meals I've ever had in my life. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation, even if it isn't truffle season.
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