Trattoria Sostanza

This past weekend, my husband and I had a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant in town. I ordered a cocktail that had Italian wild strawberries floating in it. I had never seen these tiny strawberries outside of Italy, so I was reminded of the first time I had these delightful little fruits -- the Trattoria Sostanza in Florence.

Trattoria Sostanza is a casual restaurant in Florence serving very traditional Tuscan fare that has been around since 1869. Its nickname is "Il Troia" -- "The Trough" -- due to the large wooden tables and benches lining the restaurant. This is not the place to come for cutting-edge cuisine, but if you want to taste authentic and amazing Tuscan food, Trattoria Sostanza cannot be beat.

It is definitely a "touristy" place -- they sit you at a big table with others that speak your language. My husband and I were at the American table, which was next to the Japanese table. However, across from us was the Italian table, so there definitely will be locals to mingle with as well. But, honestly, you will not care that you are seated with only Americans once you taste the food. It is simple, rustic and just unbelievably delicious.

The specialty of the house is the Petti di Pollo al Burro, which is simply chicken breasts fried in butter. But, wow is this dish amazing. It comes served on a cast-iron skillet, so it still piping hot when it reaches the table. The chicken is perfectly cooked inside and has got a great crispy crust. Your chicken sits in a bubbly pool of butter that is someone not nearly as greasy as it sounds. All in all it is a fantastic dish.

All of the other food items ordered by my husband and I or others at our table were fantastic. Plump little tortellini in a rich bolognese sauce. An artichoke pie with an amazing egg crust. A traditional Florentine T-bone. All of which come in generous portions.

Then, there is that wild strawberry dessert. Italian wild strawberries are tiny -- half the size of a raspberry -- and delicious. At Trattoria Sostanza, they are served as part of a meringue cake with tiny chocolate chips. Though you likely will be full by the time dessert comes, try the cake with the wild strawberries. I promise you will not regret it.

TIP: Trattoria Sostanza is small and is closed in August, so I would highly recommend making advance reservations. In addition, be aware that the restaurant is cash-only, so be prepared.

Trattoria Sostanza
Via Porcellana 25r
Florence, Italy
39-055-212-691