This is my field report on Trattoria 13 Gobbi—one of my top picks in Florence for pasta and bistecca. A foodie Italian colleague recommended it, and it delivered on price, flavor, and atmosphere. It’s still a bit of a hidden gem in Japanese guidebooks and blogs, so bookmark it!
Essential info for Trattoria 13 Gobbi
✓ Key details
- Address: Via del Porcellana, 9R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
- Hours: 12:30–15:00, 19:30–23:00
- Closed: irregular
- Booking: online (TheFork) or phone (+39 055 284015)
- Official site: Trattoria 13 Gobbi
- Budget: €20–30 pp (with bistecca: €50–60 pp)
✓ Access
About a 5-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella toward the Arno.
My visit — what it was like
Booking & getting there
My colleague insisted: “Reserve.” I booked via TheFork in advance (the site is in Italian, but Chrome translation makes it easy).
It sits on a characterful side street just off a main road near Ponte alla Carraia—an area packed with good spots. You know that sixth sense when a place feels right? That.
Atmosphere
It was buzzing and nearly full. Eclectic décor that somehow looks effortlessly stylish (so Italian!). The warm, dim lighting sets a relaxed mood—right up my alley.
The entry room is just the start; there’s a larger space in the back where we were seated.
Cozy, almost like a hideaway. You’ll also spot framed photos and a signed jersey from local Serie A club Fiorentina.
What we ordered & how it tasted
Prices below are from January 2025. Except for the steak, photos are from the official site or TheFork.
I nostri famosi Rigatoni (rigatoni with tomato & mozzarella)
✓ Price
I nostri famosi Rigatoni — €16
(English menu: Our rigatoni with mozzarella cheese and tomato)
Literally “our famous rigatoni.” It arrives in a clear bowl—presentation won’t win awards—but the flavor sings: bright tomato, fresh mozzarella creaminess, and basil aroma. Simple, classic, spot-on.
Must-order dish.
Pappardelle al sugo di cinghiale (wild boar)
✓ Price
Pappardelle al sugo di cinghiale — €15
(English menu: Pappardelle with wild boar)
Wide ribbons with boar ragù—a Tuscan staple. Nicely prepared with no gamey notes, but flavor-wise it’s a familiar ragù profile. If you’re craving boar or ragù specifically, go for it; otherwise you can skip in favor of the rigatoni.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
✓ Price
Bistecca alla fiorentina per due persone — €70
(English menu: Fiorentine steak for two people)
The exterior looks deeply charred, but inside it’s juicy rare—textbook Florentine steak. Lean enough that ~500 g per person goes down easily. Even the baked potatoes on the side are delicious, and I love the plates.
If you haven’t tried bistecca in Florence yet, do it here. If your top priority is the lowest price, you may find slightly cheaper options elsewhere.
Wine
✓ Price: forgot to note
We chose a mid-range Chianti Classico. Unsurprisingly perfect with bistecca.
Grappa
✓ Price: on the house
We hit it off with the staff and they poured a grappa riserva (barrel-aged, amber). I usually don’t love grappa, but the riserva drank almost like a whisky—really nice.
Service
A Japanese staff member looked after us—super helpful. The Italian team was friendly too. I’ve seen mixed online reviews about service, but my experience was positive.
Some reviews mention “cash only,” but I paid by card in Feb 2023 without issue. Of course, machines can fail or a busy lunch rush might prompt cash requests—so bring some cash just in case.
Overall verdict & who it’s for
✓ Rating
Trattoria 13 Gobbi — ★4.5
Convenient location, strong value, and a great atmosphere. Very much my kind of place.
✓ Best for
Travelers who care about both value and ambience—not bargain hunting alone.
✓ Good occasions
Casual family or friends’ lunch/dinner; relaxed business meal.
✓ Notes
- Reservations are essential. Book via TheFork or call +39 055 284015.
✓ Key details (again)
- Address: Via del Porcellana, 9R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
- Hours: 12:30–15:00, 19:30–23:00
- Closed: irregular
- Booking: online (TheFork) or phone (+39 055 284015)
- Official site: Trattoria 13 Gobbi
- Budget: €20–30 pp (with bistecca: €50–60 pp)
That’s my Trattoria 13 Gobbi report!
Want more Florence restaurant ideas? Start here:
Related reading
- Florence Cheap Eats (Sit-Down): 5 Affordable Restaurants Locals Love
- What to Eat in Florence: 7 Must-Try Dishes & Where to Go
- Ultimate Guide to Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Thanks for reading!