Povero Pesce
Price guide: Mid-range
Via Pier Fortunato Calvi 8R, Florence, 50137
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#20 of 25
expert-rated restaurants in Florence- Recommended for:
- Foodies, Stag / hen parties, Escaping the crowds, No fuss
Expert review of Povero Pesce
A lively, unpretentious fish restaurant near the football stadium.
If you feel like escaping the tourist hoards and joining the locals in suburbia for some good fish and seafood, the ‘Poor Fish’ is an excellent choice. We come here when we are feeling nostalgic for the sort of simple seaside trattorie that you find up and down the Tuscan coast. Evenings are particularly lively when noisy groups of friends tend to book tables and order enough food for an army; it’s all very Italian.
Food and drink:
The menu varies according to market availability and what the chef likes the look of that day, but the basic philosophy behind the place is to serve up un-fussy, well-priced fish dishes, and that’s just what it delivers. The chef is Sicilian, so flavours are sunny and intense. We always start off with antipasto misto (five or six little portions of starters which are served to a minimum of two people) before moving on to spaghetti alle vongole (clams) or with lobster. You can stop there, but mains include grilled swordfish or tuna steak and a deliciously crispy fritto misto (mixed, deep-fried seafood). A lemon sorbet will clean the palette beautifully. Wines are a bit limited and rather pricey though.
Ambience:
With its modern, vaguely nautically-themed décor, this is a contemporary take on a traditional trattoria. The atmosphere is young-ish and lively and there’s not a tourist in sight. Lunchtimes tend to be calmer and there’s a pleasant terrace for warmer weather.
Service:
the service can be a little brusque, but it works OK.
Location:
It's in a quiet (quiet, that is, when there's no match on), residential area near the football stadium. Catch a number 10 bus from Piazza San Marco and it’s a 10-minute ride.
Price advice:
A three-course meal for two costs around 60 euros without wine. If you’re hungry, the fixed-price five-course tasting menu, at 40 euros including house wine, is good value.
Tables to book:
I like to sit in the first room near the entrance; it’s a bit quieter in there and the back rooms always feel a bit airless.
More information on Povero Pesce:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Restaurant
- Food:
- Italian, Seafood, Traditional
- Address:
- Via Pier Fortunato Calvi 8R, Florence, 50137
- Telephone:
- 055 671 218
- Website:
- http://www.poveropesce.it
- Serves:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Opening times:
- Daily noon-3pm, 7-11pm.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Reservations:
- Essential at peak times
