Trattoria Mario

A market trattoria since 1953

Trattoria Mario is at Via Rosina, 2r, on the corner with the Piazza del Mercato Centrale, in the San Lorenzo district. It was opened in 1953 by Romeo, Amelia and their son Mario as a wine shop for those who worked in the market: porters, butchers and gardeners. In 1957, when Mario married, it became a trattoria, with tables and hot dishes. Today it is run by his children and the rest of the family, and it is recognised as a historic business of Florence. The oak-beamed ceiling dates from the mid-16th century and belonged to the old stables of the palace next door.

How it works

It is open at lunchtime only, Monday to Saturday, from 12:00 to 15:30; Sundays and public holidays it is closed. On Fridays, except in July, it also opens in the evening. At lunchtime there is no booking: you give your name at the door and are seated when there is room, at tables shared with other customers. For Friday dinner, book by phone, best between 7:00 and 11:00, or by email.

The website does not publish prices. It is everyday cooking, but the bistecca is charged by weight and raises the bill.

What to order

The menu changes every day, but there is always bistecca alla fiorentina, which they serve only rare, a first course with its ragù, which they cook for at least four hours, and ribollita, the vegetable and bread soup with black cabbage, when it is in season. The dishes of the day follow the week:

• Monday: tripe alla fiorentina, grilled liver and beans all'uccelletto.
• Tuesday: veal peposo and lampredotto.
• Wednesday: veal stew and braciola in sauce.
• Thursday: potato tortelli with ragù and baked rabbit.
• Friday: chickpea soup, cod in winter and lampredotto.
• Saturday: peposo and veal ossobuco.

When to go

Arrive at 12:00 or after 14:00 to wait less. It fits well with a morning at San Lorenzo, the Mercato Centrale or the Accademia, and it is about five minutes' walk from Santa Maria Novella station.