For a special night out in Florence, Borgo San Jacopo is the first restaurant on my list. Here, the stars truly align – from the postcard-perfect views of Florence’s riverside landmarks to the incredible Michelin-starred dishes, and the overwhelming sense of exclusivity.
Join me as I explore this epicurean destination, its fabulous kitchen, and the many reasons we have to pay a visit every time we are in Tuscany.
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Learn to glide like a true Florentine
Florence is such a magical city, boasting a seductive mix of Renaissance history, Italian culture and classic Tuscan cuisine.
While it can get busy, the Old Town is beautiful and filled with quiet cobblestoned alleys in which you can escape the crowds and find beautiful boutiques, restaurants and more. When I’m in Florence, one of my favourite things to do is find a sidewalk cafe, or one of the many sought-after rooftop bars, and engage in some people-watching.
Despite the heat, the always-fashionable Florentines have a way of gliding effortlessly to their destination, while excited tourists look in awe of the city’s architecture and snap photos of landmarks.
The famous River Arno splits the city, with several bridges linking the two sides, including the iconic Ponte Vecchio. On either side of the river are my two favourite places in Florence: the stylish rooftop bar La Terrazza and the famous Borgo San Jacopo restaurant.
We always begin the first evening of our Tuscan Supercar Tour with a cocktail or two at La Terrazza, which sits on top of the funky Continentale hotel – one of Tuscany’s finest luxury hotels. This chic cocktail bar is the place to see and be seen, so we reserve a section of the rooftop for the group to meet and mingle.
Here, with an expertly prepared negroni in hand – a cocktail invented in Florence no less – our group gets to enjoy an incredible view of the city, the river and its bridges, and the surrounding Tuscan hills as the sun begins to set. This is Florentinian life at its finest.
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Borgo San Jacopo’s stunning river setting
Across the river and a short walk from La Terrazza sits Borgo San Jacopo – easily missable from the street, this unassuming historic building houses a Florentine institution that is nothing short of flawless.
This Michelin-starred restaurant sits on the bank of the river Arno, offering unrivalled views of the river, the Ponte Vecchio and the Palazzo della Signoria tower. On offer are both intimate indoor dining and exclusive al fresco seating, which is about as close to the Arno as you can get without taking a dip!
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Vibe check: ambience
Dining at Borgo San Jacopo is a sophisticated but unstuffy affair, similar to how you may feel when visiting an upmarket art gallery.
The vibe is friendly and relaxed, yet you will definitely want to dress up to match the sophisticated waiting staff and elegant interior, with warm oak floors, soft linen tablecloths, walls adorned with modern art, and large windows offering glimpses of the Arno.
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Style of cooking, signature dishes and more
Come for the views, stay for the absolutely divine Michelin-starred dishes created by head chef Claudio Mengoni. Having worked under some of Italy’s top chefs and earning his first Michelin star in 2016, Claudio brings an authentic and sincere cooking philosophy to Borgo San Jacopo. Dishes are innovative and gorgeously presented – almost too good to destroy with your fork. Almost.
The ever-changing seasonal menu is filled with modern takes on robust traditional favourites. On our last visit, we enjoyed an experiential tasting menu that included fassona (beef) tartare with mustard, radishes and black truffle; risotto with pecorino di Pienza; and suckling pig with red chicory, Annurca apple, and mustard.
The desserts at Borgo San Jacopo are a sight to behold. Originally created by ‘pastry chef of the stars’ Loretta Fanella, the dessert menu features elegant tarts and pastries, creamy and soft puddings, and divine sorbets and ice creams. Crunchy elements such as amaretti biscuits and coffee beans are added to enhance the textures.
An astounding wine selection beautifully matches the dishes. There are over 900 labels in the cellar, comprising excellent Tuscan vinos, with renowned sommelier, Salvatore Biscotti, on hand to offer some interesting and challenging global choices.
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Why we include Borgo San Jacopo on our tours
Our bucket-list driving tours are designed around the best of the best, from the latest-release exotic supercars to ultra-luxe boutique accommodation. Naturally, this extends into our daily dining, which is why we head to Borgo San Jacopo during our Tuscan supercar tour.
Dining at this one-of-a-kind establishment allows guests to experience the real atmosphere and vibrancy of this iconic city, without having to become a ‘tourist’. It’s an exemplary introduction to the region of Tuscany and sets a high standard for the rest of the tour. No wonder it’s one of my must-visit restaurants in Europe, not just Italy.
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How our guests react to the experience
Dining at Borgo San Jacopo is special regardless of whether you are a serial visitor like myself, or it’s your very first time. I adore watching the smiles develop on the faces of our guests as the first perfectly curated dish arrives at the table.
Our guests always love the experience – the service, ambience, food, wines, views and everything else all combine to make for an evening that never fails to delight. Visits to Borgo San Jacopo last long into the night, well past the expected conclusion, as our enjoyment moves from the setting and dining, to savouring each other’s company as we swap stories over stunning bottles of wine.
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Discover Borgo San Jacopo and Florence with Ultimate Driving Tours
You can read thousands of words and view countless pictures of Borgo San Jacopo, but nothing compares to the anticipation as you step into the dining room for the first time.
Join us for our Taste of Tuscany Supercar Tour, where a night at this fabulous restaurant is only the beginning. Explore this romantic region from behind the wheel of a fleet of supercars, while dining, wining and staying at some of northern Italy’s finest hotels. It’s an experience not to be missed.
To learn more about this or any of our exclusive European tours, talk to our friendly travel concierge team today.
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