Ristorante Fellini | A Romantic Dinner During a Florentine Sojourn.

Ristorante Fellini is undoubtedly a great choice to enjoy a romantic dinner during a Florentine sojourn if you are planning to visit a stunning Italian region as Tuscany and especially its incomparable Capital Florence, a unique and more than wonderful city boasting a rich and endless historic patrimony eternally in the top list destinations for preferences and dream of every tourist.

There are millions of reasons to visit that magnificent and enchanting Tuscan Queen well known worldwide for its immense beauty and it is so easy to fall in love in front of  an outstanding place so famous to be the eminent and superb cradle of the Renaissance offering the opportunity to admire in that stunning centre relevant architectural masterpieces, prestigious and famed museums, a multitude of outstanding monuments and majestic palaces of great historic value.

 You will be in the core where born that incomparable movement which with its strong and deep philosophy highlighted by a superb artistic school  changed the history of art turning page in a period with protagonist the noble and aristocratic Court of a Great Duchy who desired new colours, innovative expressions and perspectives in painting, different sinuous lines and scenic fine layouts in architecture and sculpture exalting the human shapes in all its essence and beauty.

All the main and most relevant concepts developed in that artistic hub were related to the sublimation to magnify the finest art as a celebration of the most beautiful aesthetic grandeur but always with executions of a refined style never linked to bizarre or peculiar details. Including in music and literature there was a new wave which inspired more and more artists also in the following eras and artistic cycles.

Next to all that why not to have a special delightful meal in a fine restaurant which will satisfy your appetit in the centre of an unforgettable city. In a fantastic place as that extraordinary marvel with all those stupendous features in every corner of its boundaries a romantic dinner during a stay is certainly a must, something of essential, a magnificent mandatory to combine with a visit in a scenery among the most captivating and attractive in the international tourist panorama something to delight your palate.

In a beautiful starry night automatically starts in everyone once there the desire to look for and find an enchanting Florentine restaurant and that centre with its unmistakable divine spirit and incomparable charm is extremely sensitive to offer a large variety of options loyal to the finest Hospitality and Catering services  with the presence of several outstanding and fascinating restaurants to choose depending of your taste, preferences, position and style.

You can find there many inviting and appealing places, in corners in which  that magic aura which surrounds Florence in all its corners making them highly and extremely distinguished and unique in their kinds, there are several stylish, excellent, cosy establishments ideal to celebrate a great event enjoying a delicious meal and I   suggest you one for name, quality and location: Ristorante Fellini in Via Ghibellina, at the civic number 134. 

We can start from its name Fellini. The Restaurant Manager and owner is a great admirer of the unforgettable Master of the Italian and International Film Industry, the unforgettable Federico Fellini awarded with four Oscars and a further one achieved to honour his incomparable career and apart that an additional endless list of titles and awards that incredible man received worldwide.

As fan of that icon he decided to pay homage to that emblematic character who conquered the globe with his great movies transmitting to a multitude of people special emotions, wonderful sensations and incredible vibrations winning the critic of the most important Medias  for his talent and versatility and the restaurant in its kind is a hymn dedicated to that influential filmmaker of the 20th century.

That surname Fellini immediately inspires or reminds romantic times and it is enough to think to one of the most famed and celebrated works by that genius, lively artistic expression of the film industry  as La Dolce vita, that 1960 emblematic comedy-drama which won the Golden Palm at Cannes Film Festival and awarded with the Oscar for Best Costumes especially highlighted by that stunning and famed setting with that notorious scene filmed in the iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome with protagonists emblematic artists such as Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg.

Immediatetely all that transmits a special  feeling you are in a romantic place highly appealing and you can start as dreaming to think to the other many successful works by the Master from Rimini who also produced other prestigious movies rich of romantic scenes combined with messages of hopes, desires, dreams and realities. Sitting at a table of that Restaurant your thoughts will fly thinking in the great memories left by that icon in a masterly and inimitable way remembering other of his outstanding masterpieces such as the notorious L´Amore in città, Casanova, Le Notti di Cabiria to mention some of his many impressive creations among others.

Ristorante Fellini in its kind is a tribute to a great artist in a city where the most fascinating art is absolute protagonist and with the mission to delight the customers reliving part of the life of that legendary man in a splendid environment enjoying a meal accompanied by that sort of appealing atmosphere closely linked to the legend of the Film history.

The charming historic location of the restaurant is undoubtedly unique and it is a great additional feature to take in high consideration.Located in the historic and wonderful neighbourhood of Santa Croce,  that quarter highlighted by the stupendous Basilica with the same name erected between the late 13th and 14thcentury boasting a sublime silhouette combining Gothic, Neo-Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. 

That iconic site also notorious to contains the rests of illustrious characters such as Michelangelo, Macchiavelli, Alfieri and Galileo Galilei  flanked by the statue of Dante Alighieri elevated on a wonderful square which also hosts a beautiful Baroque fountain of the 17thcentury by Pietro Maria Bardi. In addition seat in June of that renowned event called Calcio Fiorentino, or Historic Football born in Florence in the  16th century.

Simply that presence two steps from Ristorante Fellini is a superb incentive  and that quarter is also famous because it is the only one in the city extending on both shores of the Arno River.

Al that superb and iincomparable frame around that establishment is simply wonderful and in addition  the Restaurant is housed in a captivating Palace dated the 14th century and also that feature corresponding to the local environment is definitely something more than special and fascinating.

To complete the sublime scenery that charming building is next to some of the most emblematic palaces of the old Florence such as Palazzo Del Bargello, that superb building started in 1255 highlighted by its majestic tower and crenellated front side so famous to contain the largest Italian collection of Renaissance and Gothic sculptures since 1865 date of its inauguration with stunning works by Donatello, Michelangelo, Ghiberti, Giambologna, Cellini and Ammannati among others.A great occasion before your dinner to visit something of absolutely outstanding.

Another one very close is Palazzo Borghese at the civic number 110 one of the most scenic and distinctive constructions of the Florentine neoclassical period, former residences of notable noble families such as Salviati and Borghese and it was for a period also home of Paolina Bonaparte, sister of Napoleon.

Just some minutes walking from the Restaurant that spectacular setting is also characterised by the presence of  Palazzo Guicciardini Corsi Salviati visible at number 71 one of the most stylish palaces of the late 17th century boasting a superb symmetrical composition of series of framed windows with spectacular outlines.

Furthermore as a great additional detail is that on the same artery is situated Casa Buonarroti corresponding to the civic number 70 which hosts the museum dedicated to the life of Michelangelo containing some works of his young period as some sculptures among them the Madonna della Scala and some of his draws as that representing the facade of St. Lawrence Basilica or at the civic number 89. 

You can admire very close the house where lived Giovanni da Verrazzano, that famed navigator who in the early 16th century explored New York Bay, Narrangasset Bay, Maine and New Scotland. 

Via Ghibellina is situated in the heart which lived wonderful historic and wonderful artistic times which conquered millions of people worldwide and the presence of other representative emblems such as Palazzo Sebregondi, Palazzo Gherardi respectively located at the numbers 88 and 81 also where also is situated  the Cappella di Santa Maria della Neve which is said was a project of Michelangelo in the late 14th century are all together superlative attractions.

Ristorante Fellini is also situated in front of the Teatro Verdi at the civic number 95, a famous Theatre opened in 1854 with a capacity of 1538 spectators which during its history was the set of many important artists such as Wanda Osiris, Antonio de Curtis alias Totò, Carmelo Bene, also Opera exhibitions and venue of many shows with ballet performances by Maurice Béjart and Roland Petit among others.

That notorious site offers a vast calendar of events delighting the most varied tastes so also an excellent choice apart the magnificent historic setting to enjoy after a romantic dinner in a romantic restaurant that brilliant chance to have a splendid combination with a great show continuing to admire after it around you all the beauty of Florence in a magnificent starry night.

Once you are entering in the establishment you will discover how that establishment is a sort of sparkling cocktail of elegance, style, creativity and taste and able to surprise at first sight the customer.

The restaurant is arranged on two elegant classy wide halls highlighted by the presence of Murano glass chandeliers, a very pleasant and refined combination of ivory gold and burgundy colours giving the walls a stylish tonality  and all that is in perfect harmony with a classical slatted floor. 

A further surprising detail which immediately delights all people is certainly the fabulous presence of elegant velvet chairs and classic tables placed with taste in superb positions and other fine and scenic features which complete the remarkable fascination of the interior is an outstanding choice of selected splendid furniture which perfectly blend the rooms and  another great feature is the perfect subdivision of the spaces in the layout.

To honour the great Federico Fellini you will notice some fragments reminiscent some of his most celebrated movies such as the previously mentioned La Dolce Vita and Amarcord which come to life with projections of drapes on the stylish chandeliers creating a fantastic and special effect generating a captivating and magic atmosphere surprising every guest who immediately enjoy all that as in a sort of dream.

The result of all that is a charming image of a more than inviting environment and that scene is just like to enjoy a dinner at Theatre with sublime memories and divine memorabilia of an unforgettable filmmaker who conquered with his movies the heart of millions of people.

The restaurant is absolutely a hymn to the most refined hospitality & catering service creating in all its spirit something of extremely special, more than perfect to welcome and satisfy the most demanding clients who can enjoy a charming environment delighted by those superb surprises and naturally by a great cuisine.

The service is excellent with a very professional staff, attentive and always ready to suggest all the best including the choice of a selected wine. Splendid is the presentation of the plates, the food quality is superb with outstanding starters, entrees and main courses and the main highlights are of course the supreme and exquisite fish and seafood.

The restaurant boasts a classical, traditional but at the same time creative culinary art offer loyal to the trendiest Nouvelle Cuisine with touches of aromatic flavours using the typical Mediterranean ingredients characterised furthermore by the iconic Tuscan extra virgin olive oil  protagonist next to fresh vegetables and obviously worth a mention the notable talent of  the Chef. 

You can start your dinner with a starter which include a variety of sea products delights Oysters from Bretagne, Warm Cous Cous with Lobster, Pistachios and Eggplant, Stewed gobbets of Octopus with Potatoes cream, Smoked and Marinated Sea Bass Carpaccio with Orange and Fennel salad and much more.

As first courses you can continue with delicious Spaghetti with Lobster and fresh and dried tomato sauce, an exquisite dried cod homemade Ravioli with Sicilian fresh tomato sauce, a spicy cream of Pumpkin soup with Red Prawns or homemade Gnocchi with minced Scampi and Squills.


As main courses the list is very rich with Scampi, Red Mullet fillets, Red Prawn and Zucchini Tempura, Turbans of Sea Bass fillet on a Eggplant cream with Zucchini seasoned with mint, The Fellin's Classica Catalana consisting in Lobster served with Vegetable and Fruit crudites or the Fellini's Imperiale similar to the previous but with an addition of Scampi and Red Prawns. 

The list about desserts id highlighted by small Sicilian Cannoli with Pistachios ice cream, Pumpkin Creme Caramel, Coffee Tiramisu and also Apple Strudel served with Almond ice cream among others.
 

Very ample is the offer of selected wines with Tuscan, Italian and also French wines ready to satisfy all the most demanding requests of every customer.

What is also great in Ristorante Fellini apart the high gastronomic qualities is also that careful touch of style  which is certainly a plus in terms of good manners, an aspect always researched and loved in a choice generally highly appreciated by all those who want to be served in the best way.

A romantic dinner in a place like that can have a continuation if it is not in that previously mentioned famed Theatre or admiring all the beauties in the borough of Santa Croce at night after an unforgettable time in that establishment taking maybe as example an inspiration coming from a famous literary masterpiece by Dante you can continue the evening enjoying the atmosphere of the romantic Florence in a magnificent and simple way... a walk.

 Dante Alighieri, the major Italian poet of the late Middle Ages and father of the Italian language, an illustrious son of that marvellous centre in his great work the Divine Comedy which was originally called Commedia with the adjective Divina added by Giovanni Boccaccio, that writer and humanist who created other literary masterpieces as The Decamerone.

That artist narrated next to the nostalgia and sentiments towards his beloved birthplace during his exile also that impossible and romantic love for that famous lady called Beatrice Portinari who was in that work his principal inspiration despite that woman was married with the wealthy banker Simone dei Bardi but always lived in the memories of his Florentine times always protagonists in that stunning literary masterpiece.

You can start from the majestic and marvellous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore highlighted by the emblematic Brunelleschi Dome, a diamond of the most refined Gothic and Renaissance styles ended in 1436.

Erected in marble and brick as main materials, it is definitely one of the most shining architectural Florentine jewels also in terms of size with its 114, 5 metres of height and 153, 0 metres in length and a facade absolutely astonishing without equals in the globe thanks to several works masterly made by great artists in different cycles starting from Arnolfo di Cambio who designed it in 1296 the former project in an original Gothic style.

Immediately next to that majestic masterpiece you can also admire the outstanding Baptistery, a gem of the most divine Romanesque style built between the 11th and 12th century, a superb work established on an octagonal plan, highlighted by a stupendous cupola, extraordinary mosaics, fabulous external decorations and that building was furthermore dedicated to St. John Baptist the Patron of the City. 

 Situated next to two other unique landmarks you will be delighted by another one consisting in the impressive Giotto´s Campanile, a wonderful tower with a height of 84, 7 metres, a great work by the architect Giotto di Bondone from which took its name, a marvellous construction so fascinating for the rich presence of hexagonal panels, polychrome marble decorations, statues in the niches and lozenges.

Those three stupendous monuments which deserve to be contemplated and admired hours and hours are undoubtedly unmatched artistic diamonds unique and inimitable and it is not a case they were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

At short distance you can move in a while the iconic square Piazza della Signoria which also at evening is a sort of explosion of stylish and striking charm also with artificial lights, distinctive emblem of the most divine Renaissance architecture.

That great and unique L-shape square cradle of the history of the Florentine Republic in which the protagonist is Palazzo Vecchio, the Town Hall one of the shining pearls of the architecture of the 14th century, a fortress-palace highlighted by a stylish and elegant facade, a superb crenellated upper section and its iconic tower, a historic complex greatly combined with the adjacent fabulous Loggia dei Lanzi fantastically characterised by a stunning gallery of statues.

From there you can cross the nearest majestic passage corresponding to the marvellous Galleria degli Uffizi heart of the most celebrated art in Renaissance times, a sumptuous hallway which also at evening is simply extraordinary with shades and lights falling on the sculptures of the emblematic characters who elevated that city at its maximum splendour placed on the walls of both sides of one of the oldest museums in the world .

That site was originally wanted by the Florentine Lord Cosimo I de Medici in 1560 to accommodate the offices of the Magistrates with the works started in that concrete year by Giorgio Vasari and completed in 1581 by Bernardo Buontalenti.

From there in just a couple of minutes you will reach the charming Lungarno, the striking riverside highlighted by the reflections of endless lights and old captivating old houses on both shores of that scenic waterway.

The sight of the scenic Ponte Vecchio that magnificent bridge over the River Arno is certainly one of the of the most romantic pictures of an unique and wonderful city born to donate magic dreams and stupendous inspirations.

That closed-spandrel segmental stone arch masterpiece 30,0 metres long and 32,0 metres wide it said that it was originally built during the times of the Roman Empire and appeared in a historic document in 996 before to be destroyed by a flood and totally rebuilt and well known because it always hosted merchants and shops.

Along that river totally illuminated you will enjoy from there an image among the most suggestive and divine existing in the world and in a while contemplating all that you will understand how Florence can be so able to emanate and radiate all its charming essence and beauty any time including at night.

In just some minutes walking you will be at the stunning gate of the fabulous Giardino dei Boboli well known to be a marvellous park containing stunning sculptures dating back a period extending between the 16th and 18th century.

The striking view of Palazzo Pitti, Pitti Palace, will be another marvel facing you admiring that imposing Renaissance building erected in 1458 and approximately bought one century later by the influential Medici Family, ruler of the Gran Duchy of Tuscany and well known because it bewitched Napoleon Bonaparte who chose that magnificent Palazzo as power headquarter during his stays in Florence.

It said that such image dominating a scenery of a spectacular green lung highlighted by statues, fountains, flowerbeds, trees and scenic steps packing that stylish large garden was one of the favourite sites in the Italian Peninsula of that French leader.

All that is a romantic walk in a simple itinerary during a Florentine sojourn, an evening meal in a restaurant can be easily combined with magnificent tourism any time including at night breathing different sensations but equally magic and all that in approximately 1, 0 kilometre or a bit more you will feel around you that inimitable aura in an everlasting Florence which with all its unique and superb appeal conquers all and after a special meal is highly and magnificently inspiring.

If you are planning to visit that wonderful Tuscan marvel, Ristorante Fellini could be a very nice idea also for all that and more, a splendid place for an unforgettable dinner in a magnificent and romantic city which also offers to enjoy a tourist visit in that simple way, something you will remember for a long time or probably forever.

Francesco Mari

Useful links

 www.ristorantefellini.it

www.florencetaste.com

 www.firenzerestaurant.it

www.firenzespettacolo.it 
www.firenzeturismo.it