In the extraordinary Renaissance courtyard of one of the most prestigious palaces in Florence, where the Medici and even the family of Beatrice, Dante’s muse, lived, we find a romantic bar and bistro orchestrated by the starred chef Vito Mollica, where you can treat yourself to a gourmet break, an aperitif or a coffee surrounded by legend.

Crossing the threshold of Palazzo Portinari Salviati is an exciting experience, where you immediately perceive an atmosphere rich in history and nobility. It might be the “presence” of Cosimo I de’ Medici, immortalized in an imposing statue that dominates the center of the ancient court, the beautiful floral installations and the charming furnishings, or the soft lights that soften the environment, fact is that the impact it is undoubtedly breathtaking.

Inaugurated in 2022, after an important conservative renovation that involved the entire building, highlighting its ancient and precious soul, the bar & bistro is undoubtedly the perfect address for an elegant breakfast, a business meeting or a very special aperitif.

Here everything has a meaning: the floors, for instance, are inspired by those represented in the fourteenth-century fresco Madonna with Child displayed in the courtyard portico.

(Spagnulo&Partners, Architects)

The Palace has welcomed all the most illustrious personalities of the past Florentine history; from Lionardo Salviati, founder of the Accademia della Crusca, to Popes, cardinals and nobles of all ranks including Maria de’ Medici, daughter of Lorenzo the Magnificent and queen of France, and even king Frederick IV of Denmark.

Today owned by the Taiwanese art collector Nelson Chang, Palazzo Portinari Salviati has undertaken a conservative restoration entrusted to the Milanese studio Spagnulo&Partners which, with great sensitivity, has created very elegant environments.

Among precious period furniture, chosen directly by the owner, Rubelli fabrics, checkered floors in gray Bargiglio and white Carrara marble and plenty of natural light that illuminates the room through the large glass skylight, the bistrot is a real city lounge to be enjoyed all day.

The proposal of Salotto Portinari is curated by chef Vito Mollica, the soul of the starred restaurant Atto di Vito Mollica in the adjacent, and beautiful, Court of the Emperors. While Atto comes alive at dinner, the Bistrot was designed to welcome guests since the morning, for a refined à la carte breakfast, for a sophisticated lunch break or for an aperitif.

The menu, strictly seasonal, is a journey through Italian excellence, from Culatello di Zibello to White chicken from Valdarno up to the ravioli del plin (typical stuffed pasta) served in the napkin, as per tradition. For those who want a quick snack, the offer includes sandwiches and salads prepared, of course, artfully.

Salotto Portinari is undoubtedly the perfect address for those looking for a sophisticated yet informal environment, where you can take refuge from the frenzy of the city and enjoy a break of taste and beauty in the most authentic heart of the cradle of the Renaissance.

The Secret

A legend tells that Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, to have a prediction on the future character of his son Cosimo I, asked his wife, Maria Salviati, to throw him from a first-floor window, while he waited in the middle of the street ready to catch him. The child never cried, so Giovanni delle Bande Nere understood that the future Grand Duke of Florence would have definitively been a brave man.

Useful Info

Salotto Portinari Bistrot
Via del Corso 6
50122 Firenze
Tel. +39 055 535353

Entrées: from 9 to 30 euro
First courses: from 18 a 35 euro
Main courses: from 30 to 42 euro