One of my definitions of ′joy′ is an evening spent at Il Santo Bevitore (read the article here), and the sister space two doors down via di Santo Spirito is equally delectable. Opened in 2008, Il Santino is an “enoteca e gastronomia” that focuses on typically Tuscan food and wine, mainly sourced from small local producers.
A former wine cellar, Il Santino is a small yet cozy space featuring exposed brick, wooden beams and shelves stacked full of local produce. Behind the central bar, cured meats hang from hooks. At the same time, beneath the marble countertop, a glass cabinet displays a range of meats, marinated vegetables, and an array of cheeses from across Italy, France, England, and Belgium, which you can pick from.
Il Santino has an intimate feel
With only four small tables and a collection of iron stools at the bar, the limited seating adds to Il Santino’s cosy ambience. This isn′t a place to be packed with patrons but rather a relaxed space to enjoy a glass of wine and a selection of treats from a regularly changing seasonal menu. Owners Stefano Sebastiani, Marco Baldesi, and Martina Baldesi wanted to create a Tuscan tapas bar in Florence that hadn’t existed until now.
They′ve created a place to savour fine cuts of local meats and a range of the finest European cheeses on small plates, ranging from beef carpaccio salad to pecorino and pancetta crostini or typical Tuscan dishes like pappa al pomodoro or terrina di fegatini di pollo (chicken liver pate). The menu also offers wine pairing suggestions from an extensive list served by the glass or bottle. You can also be adventurous and pair an artisan beer with your food selection.
In summer, people spill into the street to enjoy the warm evenings, adding to the atmosphere and numbers the bar can accommodate. It also acts as a takeaway deli should you live or stay locally, so be it day or night, Il Santino is a great choice any time of the year.
Photo credit: Raissa Damergi
