Tucked within the Gucci Garden museum in Florence’s iconic Piazza della Signoria, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura is a one-Michelin-starred restaurant that blends haute couture with haute cuisine. Since opening in 2018, this vibrant dining spot has become both a destination for food lovers and a glamorous centerpiece of fashion-meets-hospitality innovation.

For contrast with more traditional Tuscan dining, see our review of Cosimo – Florence at the Westin Hotel.

History & Founding

Gucci opened the Osteria inside Palazzo della Mercanzia in 2018 as part of its Gucci Garden concept—an immersive brand experience combining fashion, art, and gastronomy. The Florence location earned its first Michelin Star in 2019, cementing its place in the global culinary scene.

Chef Profile

The kitchen is helmed by Karime López, the first Mexican woman to receive a Michelin star, alongside her husband and sous chef Takahiko Kondo. López brings a poetic, global sensibility to Italian cuisine, shaped by her time at Noma (Copenhagen) and Pujol (Mexico City). Under the mentorship of Massimo Bottura, she has transformed Gucci Osteria into one of Florence’s most innovative dining destinations.

Menu & Signature Dishes

Gucci Osteria’s menu reinterprets Italian classics with a multicultural twist:

• Tortellini in Parmesan Cream — Bottura’s signature dish, delicately executed. 
• Cannoli-Inspired Spaghetti with pistachio pesto (The Infatuation). 
• Ceviche Tostada — a nod to López’s Mexican roots. 
• Japanese Pork Belly Bun — soft bao with Italian pork belly, umami and indulgence combined. 
• Risotto Disguised as Pizza — playful and unexpected, a favorite among diners (Reddit Review).
  

The balance between whimsical presentation and culinary rigor echoes other Michelin creativity we’ve documented, such as at Le Comptoir de La Mère Germaine – Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Beverage Program

The wine list leans Italian, with a focus on Tuscany’s finest, while also incorporating Burgundy and Champagne. Guests can also explore cocktails at the Gucci Giardino 25 lounge nearby (Condé Nast Traveler).

For deeper Tuscan context, see our winery coverage of Castellina in Chianti.

Dining Experience

Gucci Osteria is as much a design experience as a dining one. The interiors burst with Gucci maximalism: green velvet, ornate porcelain, and herbarium motifs create an immersive brand universe (Condé Nast Traveler).

Guests describe the service as polished yet warm, with staff eager to explain the culinary storytelling behind each dish. Still, as one diner noted, “the food was very good, not mind-blowing, but the imagination behind each dish was incredibly fun”

Ambience

The space is intimate—just 30 seats—and richly adorned with Gucci’s design DNA. Dining here feels like eating inside a curated fashion exhibit. The synergy between setting and plate elevates the experience beyond cuisine into performance.

If you prefer understated ambiance, you might find more comfort at Cucina del Teatro – Rome, where rustic charm takes precedence.

Neighborhood Context

Located at Piazza della Signoria 10, Gucci Osteria is perfectly positioned in Florence’s historic center. The restaurant sits within steps of the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio, making it ideal for visitors combining art, culture, and gastronomy (Wikipedia – Gucci Garden).

Reviews & Reception

• Michelin Guide praises its creativity and global flavors.
  
• The Infatuation calls it “fine dining that’s not stuffy.”
  
• Condé Nast Traveler highlights its exuberant décor and fashionable clientele.
  
• WineThologist notes that portions can be small for the price.
  

Closing

Gucci Osteria embodies the high-fashion energy of Florence, merging culinary art with Gucci’s aesthetic identity. While not everyone will find the portions or flavors transformative, the Michelin Star, Karime López’s creative direction, and the immersive Gucci Garden setting make it a destination restaurant. For travelers seeking bold creativity and cultural storytelling, it is one of Florence’s most distinctive dining experiences.