Seemor
Penta BistrotB+Worth Trying
V.le Filippo Strozzi, 16 Rosso, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
· Italian restaurant, Bistro, Pizza restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (928 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Reliable neighborhood Tuscan spot with excellent pizzas and solid steaks at fair prices, albeit with occasional service lapses and inconsistency.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Penta Bistrot delivers reliable neighborhood dining through excellent pizza and Tuscan steaks paired with friendly, efficient service, but inconsistent execution on sides and occasional service lapses prevent a higher grade. Fair pricing and warm atmosphere make it competitive with respected local favorites, though the modest setting appeal limits destination appeal beyond the immediate area.
Restaurant Summary
From the outside it looks modest, but inside the room feels warm and bustling with a pizza oven in view and staff who often come off as kind and quick. One traveler put it simply: "We ended up eating here multiple times because it just felt right." Service is usually smooth, though there are occasional reports of disorganized moments when busy. The cooking leans classic Tuscan and Italian: blistered pizzas with good chew, sturdy steaks off the grill, and straightforward desserts like tiramisu. It is more elevated traditional than experimental; think reliable flavors over showmanship. If you want a neighborhood spot for pizza, a bistecca, and a glass of house wine at fair prices, this hits the brief. Families do well here because the menu has kid-friendly anchors like Margherita pizza, fries, plain pastas, and simple grilled meats. There is no stated kids menu, but portions are shareable and desserts like panna cotta and tiramisu tend to win over younger diners. If severe allergies are a concern, confirm details carefully given one report of allergy miscommunication.
At a Glance
- Excellent pizza with many calling it best of trip
- Fair prices for the area, especially pizzas and desserts
- Friendly, efficient service most visits
- Inconsistent execution on some sides and occasional service lapses
- Allergy handling reported as weak in one severe case
What Sets It Apart
- pizza oven in view
- strong value near trade fair
- reliable Tuscan classics
What People Love
- Crust with blister and chew from the visible oven
- Bistecca with a proper char
- Comforting tiramisu and panna cotta
- Welcoming staff that makes it easy to return
- Prices that feel honest for Florence
Points of Concern
- Occasional disorganized service, especially for larger tables or peak hours
- Some dishes (risotto, sides) can be under-seasoned or arrive cool
- €2 per person coperto surprises some diners
- Isolated severe report on celiac handling; verify allergies with staff
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€28-45 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose pizzas in the €9-12 range for best value
- Share a bistecca cut (from €45) with sides to manage cost
- Finish with €6 desserts; tiramisu is a strong closer
Perfect For
- Casual pizza-and-wine night near Fortezza da Basso
- Travelers seeking a dependable bistecca without white-tablecloth fuss
- Families who need straightforward Italian crowd-pleasers
- Pre- or post-trade fair meals within walking distance
Location Insights
Area: Near Fortezza da Basso and train station fringe; mix of hotels, trade-fair visitors, and locals.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked near exhibition grounds; typical urban station-adjacent vigilance at night.
Nearby: Close to Pitti trade fair venue, hotels, and transit; convenient for visitors arriving by train or attending events.
Santa Maria NovellaSanta Maria Novella is a lively neighborhood centered around the famous basilica of the same name. It offers a diverse dining scene ranging from traditional Tuscan trattorias to modern bistros, catering to both tourists and locals seeking authentic and contemporary Italian cuisine. The area is accessible and safe, with a mix of historic charm and urban convenience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–15:00, 07:00–23:00
Tuesday07:00–15:00, 07:00–23:00
Wednesday07:00–15:00, 07:00–23:00
Thursday07:00–15:00, 07:00–23:00
Friday07:00–15:00, 07:00–23:00
Saturday07:00–15:00, 07:00–23:00
Sunday07:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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