Il Latini
A boisterous, hams-hanging-from-the-ceiling Tuscan institution near Santa Maria Novella, built for groups and big appetites.
The call
Worth it if you're traveling as a couple and food is a reason to travel.
Short answer
Is Il Latini worth it?
Il Latini deserves a place on most first itineraries. Go early or reserve ahead. Crowds are part of the cost.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
Communal tables, free-flowing house wine and a parade of roast meats — a noisy, generous, slightly touristy feast.
- 02
Great fun in a group, less so for a quiet date.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Il Latini is an easy yes.
Food is a reason to travel
Il Latini rewards a trip built around food & drink.
You prefer local life to spectacle
Il Latini rewards a trip built around local authenticity.
Think twice if
You're traveling solo
Solo, skip Il Latini.
The night matters
Il Latini is the wrong stop for nightlife.
You're watching the budget
Il Latini can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep Il Latini only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
The plates that decide it
- Arrosto misto (mixed roast meats) — the table-filling platter of assorted roasts that defines the place — order it for the group
- Bistecca alla fiorentina — the room's other true masterpiece — open-flame T-bone, crust outside and rare within
- Ribollita and pappa al pomodoro to start — Nonna Maria's primi — the traditional opener before the meat
- Cantucci con vin santo — the standard Tuscan finish, brought for the whole table
Plan it well
- Cost
- Mid-range; generous portions
- Timing
- Dinner; reserve for groups
- Booking
- Reservations recommended, especially for larger tables
- Allow
- 2 hours
- Accessibility
- Communal tables, loud room