NEW 8,000 Bottle Cellar in 15th century Florence Noble Home

Florence’s Golden View restaurant has emerged from a 14-month Covid-induced shutdown with a completely renovated design and mission as it prepares to celebrate 20 years of “golden views” over the Arno River and famed Ponte Vecchio in January 2022. Owner Tommaso Grasso teamed up with architect Nicola Maggiaioli from Studio Miarca to reimagine the 6,000 sq ft Golden View for the next 20 years, opening up the space to give every diner magical vistas of the river and to put the kitchen on full display for guests to see the artisan craftsmanship that goes into preparing an authentic Italian meal.

Photo: FlawlessLife

Besides the new open kitchen and incredible panoramas, the new Golden View boasts an 8,000 bottle wine cellar, making it the second largest winery in Florence, in the adjacent former 15th century home belonging to the Florentine family of Capponi. Renovated by architect Marta Sansoni the naturally temperature-controlled space is perfect for storage of the vast $1 million collection that includes extensive vintages of mostly Italian wines, with some Bordeaux for balance. Carefully managed by Golden View’s sommelier and “wine hunter” Paolo Miano, vertical selections of the great Super Tuscans like Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Solaia, Tignanello, along with those of “Brunelli” as Biondi Santi, Soldera, Poggio di Sotto abound underlining the love for tradition and territory. The wine cellar is available for private tastings, as well as intimate private dinners for up to 12 people.

“This place is a home to me, a space in which I express my passion linked not only to food, but to wine and the world of art,” noted owner Tommaso Grasso who has worked at every position in the restaurant. “With the renovation, I wanted to offer guests full transparency into the artistry that goes into creating an authentic Italian dining experience by showcasing our talented staff as much as the view.”

The 180-seat restaurant (140 under Covid rules) has been transformed to enhance the “golden” light coming from the banks of the Arno, as well as to shine a bright one on the culinary team led by chef Paolo Secci. The Sardinian-born chef takes pride in combining his love for seafood with the local Tuscan bounty of meat and vegetables. Highlights include: Suckling pig terrine, Salted potatoes and confit artichokes (€16); Aged Carnaroli risotto, saffron, forest mushrooms and 24 months aged Parmigiano (€22); Linguine with clams with Cabras mullet bottarga (€24); Tuscan suckling lamb: seared loin, roasted belly and kidney, with braised artichokes and vanilla onions (€34); Miso marinated white sturgeon with soutè potatoes, turnip greens and fish sauce with fennel flowers (€28).

The Golden View Wine Experience – a wine focused overnight stay

Owner Tommaso Grosso will share his love and passion for Italian wines as he guides guests on an exclusive two-day Golden View Wine Experience. The one-of-a-kind experience will woe even the most discerning oenophiles with two nights in a Golden View Suite complete with original frescoed ceilings, a private wine tasting for two in the 15th century cellar, a Wine Pairing dinner for two at Golden View and a special Vineyard trip to Montalcino with a wine lunch led by owner Tomasso Grasso. The limited Golden View Wine Experience starts at 2500 Euros per couple.

Open Wednesday through Sunday, reservations can be made via the restaurant’s website www.goldenview.it.