In Florence, under the extraordinary sixteenth-century vaults of the homonymous building, Cantinetta Antinori is a jewel that embodies the aristocratic atmosphere of the “noble city” for excellence, as it was nicknamed by Dante himself in his masterpiece Inferno.

At the crossroads with via de’ Tornabuoni, in the small square that bears the family’s name, Cantinetta Antinori is one of the most noble addresses in Florence, a restaurant of rare elegance which since 1957 has given its guests a dip into the history of one of the oldest and important families in Tuscany.

The owner of the Cantinetta is Albiera Antinori, the eldest daughter of the Marquis Piero Antinori, whose noble family that has been dedicated to wine production for more than six hundred years, since when, in 1385, Giovanni di Piero Antinori became part of the Florentine Art of “Vinattieri” (wine makers).

Our family has always worked to preserve and spread the art linked to the Tuscan territory and the wine culture.

(Antinori Family)

Palazzo Antinori, an authentic symbol of Florentine Renaissance architecture, was built between 1461 and 1469 by the architect Giuliano da Maiano, a pupil of Brunelleschi. On 2 February 1506 it was bought by Niccolò di Tommaso Antinori, one of the most influential Florentine men of the time, becoming the historic home of the family and, later on, also a venue for exhibitions and artistic events.

On the ground floor, Cantinetta Antinori carries on, in a more contemporary guise, one of the ancient traditions of the city which saw noble families sell the products of their estates to the public through a small window called the “porticciola”. Characterized by an enveloping and refined atmosphere, the décor combines the flavor of the inns of the past with the elegance of noble living rooms, including wooden paneling, terracotta floors and tiles that reflect the colors of the family crest.

The details of Cantinetta Antinori reveal both the history of the family and its important winemaking tradition that includes masterpieces appreciated all over the world such as Solaia, Tignanello and Brunello di Montalcino produced in the company’s 9 estates.

In the kitchen, seasonal and local products are preferred, coming mostly from the Tuscan territory such as vegetables from hillside gardens and the exquisite meats of Chianti, all seasoned with the excellent extra-virgin oil produced on the family estates. Among the most famous dishes are the crostini della Cantinetta, pappa al pomodoro or raw artichoke with prawns which, during the summer, can also be tasted in the suggestive internal courtyard of the Palazzo.

After Florence, Cantinetta Antinori opened other branches in other European cities such as Zurich, Vienna, Moscow and Montecarlo, becoming an ambassador in the world of the best, and most noble, Tuscan tradition.

The Secret

The coat of arms of the Marchesi Antinori, who have always been patrons and lovers of art in all its expressions, was created at the beginning of the 16th century in the Florentine workshop of the famous sculptor and ceramist Giovanni della Robbia.

Useful info

Cantinetta Antinori
Piazza Antinori 3
50123 Firenze
Tel. +39 055 292234

Entrées: 13 — 19 euro
First courses: 17 — 23 euro
Main courses: 28 — 29 euro