I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Belguardo Osteria, named after the Mazzei vineyard located in the south of Tuscany. The restaurant brings a taste of Maremma to Florence thanks to Marchesi Mazzei who together with Enrico Verrecchia has brought a taste of Maremma to Florence.

Having already opened some of Florence’s most popular restaurants – 13 Gobbi, Angiolino Trattoria, Marione & Trattoria Perseus to name a few, Florentine Enrico Verrecchia brings his hospitality experience, success and expertise to the Belguardo Osteria project. He has worked as a restauranteur since 1979 specializes in Tuscan cuisine and always following the same philosophy; promoting, enhancing and preserving traditional Tuscan cooking while paying particular attention to the quality of raw materials and seasonality of all ingredients. We asked Enrico what sets Belguardo apart?  “Belguardo is an elegant restaurant while also offering a casual atmosphere at the same time.  You can dine here in jeans or shorts in the summer.  It’s the perfect place for an intimate dinner for two or for a larger group, and the outside dining courtyard offers the perfect event space with stunning views across the Arno river.” 

Located in the heart of Florence on the Oltrarno side, the Osteria Belguardo is a benchmark for those who search for tradition as well as excellent quality food.  Here you will find the ever-popular bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak) as well as a beef tartare, prepared table-side according to taste. There are also specialities from other regions such as Ossobuco Milanese and fresh fish.  Enrico’s favourite dish on the menu is the ‘Aquerello’ risotto with saffron and ossobuco marrow and his favourite Mazzei wine is Siepi, one of the estates finest wines, made with Sangiovese and Merlot grapes which are handpicked and aged in small French oak barrels for 18 months.

I’ll be sharing the recipe for the Cappellacci above in my next post!

If you want more information about the Osteria di Fonterutoli, which is located across the road from the Mazzei winery, then you can read my recent post about it here.