Florence On Line :: Dining & Food & Drink & San Lorenzo :: Trattoria Garga
"Trattoria Garga is a mecca for citizen food lovers and renowned chefs in their own rights, such as the Food Network's Rachel Ray, who said about Trattoria Garga: "The more I dine out, the clearer the distinction has become between good food and soulful food. Garga has a soul all its own, and the dishes I've eaten here, such as Pasta Magnifico, Veal with Avocado and the famous cheesecake, taste of love, passion and curiosity as much as they do of their ingredients. I dream of this place. Sogni d'oro. Sweet Dreams.'"
Trattoria Garga
What sounds like another great restaurant - Trattoria Garga:
"Trattoria Garga is a mecca for citizen food lovers and renowned chefs in their own rights, such as the Food Network's Rachel Ray, who said about Trattoria Garga: "The more I dine out, the clearer the distinction has become between good food and soulful food. Garga has a soul all its own, and the dishes I've eaten here, such as Pasta Magnifico, Veal with Avocado and the famous cheesecake, taste of love, passion and curiosity as much as they do of their ingredients. I dream of this place. Sogni d'oro. Sweet Dreams.'"
We had a chance to eat here finally and it is all it is cracked up to be. Service was a little spotty (but friendly), and the food was amazing. A definite cut above most Florentine fair. It is expensive though - especially with the current weak dollar. With one of the least expensive bottles of wine on the menu (35 euro), 1 bottle or water, 2 primi, 2 secondi, and one dessert (the weakest dish of the meal) the bill was over $225 - and we realized later the dessert wasn't even on the check. The pasta with squid and citrus came in at about $40. Pretty steep!
Well we had visitors from the states last week and they wanted to take us out to dinner and since their hotel was on that side of town... yes - we got to have another meal at Trattoria Garga. This time I had the veal with avocado and truffle, a truly unique combination and a very memorable dish.
Again - the prices are steep, especially with the dollar situation - but the food was excellent all around. The room was rather noisy and warm for me, the service is haphazard, and they may be leaning on their reputation a bit - but this is a very good restaurant and definitely a "different" place to eat if you need a break from traditional Tuscan/Florentine fare.
I love Garga! I have enjoyed all my visits to La Trattoria Garga. It is something I look forward to when I visit Florence. Last summer was amazing and the food was just as delicious as years prior. My favorite dish (which I order every time) is the pasta with the creamy lemon and orange zest and completed with cognac. Yum, that is my all time favorite. The atmosphere is fun and very amusing. If you ever go there when Chef Garga is there, you are in for a treat! The staff are entertaining and very kind. Oh how I wish I could go there every year! Thank you Garga for such wonderful cuisine and for creating a great atmosphere for us to enjoy.