An elegant setting overlooking the waters of the Arno in Florence, Borgo San Jacopo—the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant belonging to the Ferragamo family’s Lungarno Collection—has unveiled the new River Room at its Picteau Bistrot & Bar, featuring a spectacular terrace overlooking the water.

Opened in 2004 and awarded its first Michelin Star in December 2015, the gastronomic story of Borgo San Jacopo—a culinary gem driven by the sophisticated cuisine of Chef Claudio Mengoni and the prestigious wine cellar of sommelier Salvatore Biscotti—saw the 2026 inauguration of the new River Room at its Picteau Bistrot & Bar, a venue already renowned for its spectacular terrace and breathtaking view of the Ponte Vecchio.

A place that celebrates the bond between Florence and fashion, featuring elegant 1950s touches and a prime view of the Ponte Vecchio.

The Atmosphere: Ferragamo style, 1950s flair, and the iconic table cantilevered over the river

Located in the charming Oltrarno district on the ground floor of Hotel Lungarno, Borgo San Jacopo welcomes guests into a chic atmosphere designed to evoke a refined private residence. The interior design, created by Florentine architect Michele Bönan, pays homage to the allure of 1950s Italy and the iconic aesthetic of Salvatore Ferragamo.

A centerpiece of this dramatic setting is an arched window opening directly onto the river, alongside the legendary private terrace cantilevered over the Arno—an intimate balcony featuring a single table for two. It is considered one of the most romantic and coveted dining spots in all of Florence, offering a chance to dine just steps from the water with a direct view of the Ponte Vecchio.

The Cuisine: Executive Chef Claudio Mengoni’s Philosophy

At the helm of the kitchen brigade since 2018, Executive Chef Claudio Mengoni (born in 1984, with a background that includes Trussardi alla Scala with Andrea Berton, Ristorante Arnolfo with Gaetano Trovato, Olivo at the Capri Palace, and Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence—as well as a Michelin star earned at Assaje in the Hotel Aldrovandi Villa Borghese) offers a cuisine that is grounded, accessible, and rooted in memory.

The chef’s culinary vision rejects technical self-indulgence in favor of deeply showcasing raw ingredients, seasonality, and great Italian traditions, all reinterpreted with a rigorous contemporary sensibility.

Complementing the tasting menu selection, the Michelin-starred restaurant has also introduced bespoke options that allow guests to curate their own experience by choosing either two courses plus dessert or three dishes of their choice.

Each creation is paired with wines from an extraordinary cellar curated by sommelier Salvatore Biscotti, featuring over 950 labels that range from rare Tuscan finds and outstanding Italian wines to prestigious international estates.

Picteau Bistrot & Bar

Adjacent to the Michelin-starred restaurant, Picteau Bistrot & Bar—a name born from the meeting of Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau, whose works adorn the space—extends the culinary narrative of Borgo San Jacopo with a more informal offering. The menu ranges from tempting choices like gourmet pizza and the signature burger to classic Mediterranean dishes, such as spaghetti with Mugello tomatoes.

At the heart of the bistro lies the new River Room, a panoramic space framed by expansive windows and featuring a wonderful terrace overlooking the Arno. Here, the day begins with Hotel Lungarno’s signature breakfast, before transitioning through lunch, aperitivo hour, and dinner.

At the bar, the cocktail list surprises with its variety: alongside the “Greatest Hits”—signature creations that trace the bar’s history and philosophy—are iconic “Vintage Cocktails.” These are crafted using authentic vintage spirits sourced through the Ferragamo family’s painstaking, ongoing search for rare items on the international market. Also noteworthy is the selection of drinks wittily named “For Drivers”—low-alcohol (under 7% ABV) or alcohol-free mixes perfect for those who wish to enjoy the pleasure of socializing and an authentic experience without compromising their well-being.

Borgo San Jacopo and Picteau Bistrot & Bar are part of the Lungarno Collection, the hotel management company owned by the Ferragamo family. In Florence, the group’s portfolio also includes Gallery Hotel Art, Portrait Firenze, the Lungarno Apartments and Palazzo Ottaviani residences, Caffè dell’Oro, and 701 Rooftop Bar.

The Secret

Within the walls of Borgo San Jacopo and Picteau lies a precious connection to the history of 20th-century art and fashion. The collection features original sketches, fashion photographs, and portraits of major figures from the 1950s, as well as signed drawings by masters such as Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso—all acquired thanks to the Ferragamo family’s deep passion for collecting.

Useful Info

Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo & Picteau Bistrot & Bar
Borgo San Jacopo 62/R

50125 Firenze

Tel. +39 055 281661

Restaurant
Tasting menu: from €170
Starters and first courses: €42 and €48
Main courses: €55–€68
Bistrot & Bar
Salads and club sandwiches: from €27
Pizzas: from €20
Cocktails: from €20
Limited tables; reservations required (indoor and outdoor)