Santa Elisabetta

Thought to date back to Byzantine times, the Torre della Pagliazza has had many uses over the centuries, including housing a women’s prison in the 12C. Today it is home to one of the most interesting gourmet restaurants in Florence, where chef Rocco De Santis creates imaginative Mediterranean cuisine which is precise and full of flavour, with influences from his native Campania and an emphasis on fish and seafood. At lunchtime, a tasting menu of just three courses (“Carte Blanche”) is also available. As there are just a few tables here, guests are advised to book well in advance.

Culinary Storytelling

• Santa Elisabetta emphasizes the narrative behind each dish, blending tradition with innovation to evoke memories and emotions through food.

Historic Setting

• The restaurant is located in an ancient stone tower, the Torre della Pagliazza, which adds a unique historical ambiance to the dining experience.

Exclusive Wine Selection

• It features a curated wine cellar with 250 Italian wines and is recognized as a Maison Recommandée Perrier-Jouët, offering a unique champagne experience.

Signature Ingredients

• Tuscan Olive Oil: Sourced from local farms in Tuscany, this high-quality olive oil is used to enhance the flavors of dishes, providing a rich and fruity base that is essential in traditional Tuscan cuisine.
• Fresh Seasonal Vegetables: The restaurant emphasizes the use of seasonal produce, often sourced from nearby markets, ensuring that each dish reflects the freshest flavors of the region.
• Handmade Pasta: Crafted daily by the kitchen team, the pasta is made using traditional techniques and local flour, providing a unique texture and flavor that pairs beautifully with various sauces.
• Wild Game: Featuring locally sourced wild game such as venison and boar, these ingredients are prepared with care to highlight their natural flavors, often accompanied by seasonal fruits and herbs.
• Truffles: Sourced from the nearby Tuscan forests, truffles are a luxurious addition to many dishes, adding an earthy aroma and depth of flavor that is characteristic of fine Italian dining.
• Local Cheeses: A selection of artisanal cheeses from Tuscany is featured, showcasing the region's rich dairy heritage and enhancing the dining experience with unique pairings.
• Fish from the Mediterranean: Fresh fish is sourced from local fishermen, ensuring that the seafood served is of the highest quality and reflects the flavors of the Mediterranean Sea.