Trattoria Cammillo

It’s a common point everywhere, whether in New York, Lisbon, or Porto; places try hard to recreate the spirit of an authentic Italian restaurant. Often, these places serve good food, nothing against that, but they usually fail in their attempt to recreate the atmosphere found in an authentic Italian restaurant.

In their defense, it’s impossible to recreate and modernize a certain patina that makes the ristorantes and trattorias of Italian cities unique. From the smell to the arrangement of tables, from the flavors to the service masters who seem to have been born within these spaces, and, of course, to the regular customers who become part of the history and life of the place.

We feel this with each visit to Trattoria Cammillo, which has been open since 1945. Despite the name, it is an authentic Tuscan ristorante located in the Oltrarno district – literally, the other side of the Arno – in Florence.

The founder’s granddaughter, Chiara Masiero, is now in charge of the commands at the restaurant. She passionately divides her time between the tables and the stoves. One of the best things about this classic Florentine place is that we recognize the faces of the people who work there, who are older but always welcoming with the same smile, fun, and efficiency every year. It feels like family at these restaurants.

The menu reflects the essence of Tuscan cuisine, with many dishes that tempt us to try everything, changing according to the market, the season, and, of course, the chef’s will. But as you don’t change a winning team, the restaurant always has iconic dishes that endure over time.

On the table, we are greeted by the boring packaged grissini, quickly joined by good homemade olive oil and Tuscan bread (unfortunately always without salt). Choices made, we are presented promptly with beautiful fried zucchini flowers – without filling, without excess fat, and a thin batter that rivals the best Japanese tempuras. An addictive appetizer to which we decided to join some delicious Tuscan Prosciutto.

White fish ravioli, saffron
Following a daily suggestion, we start with white fish ravioli with a light and fragrant saffron sauce. Delicate flavor, impeccable texture, and high marks for the first pasta dish.

Tagliatelle, cream, prosciutto and peas
Tagliatelle with cream, prosciutto, and peas may seem like a combination of American italian and homemade cuisine. However, it is one of Cammillo’s most famous dishes, and everything about it is perfectly balanced, from the cooking of the fresh pasta to the creaminess of the sauce, and the sweet and salty flavors. It’s definitely a dish worth trying!

Pigeon ragù Papperdelle
A must when available, with this rich, comfortable, and full-flavored pigeon ragù enveloping fresh pappardelle. Pure gastronomic finesse.

Veal Milanese cutlet
A regular in Italian cuisine with a thin and well-fried, tender, and succulent cutlet well accompanied by the freshness of arugula and tomato.

Veal Scallopine al Marsala, chips
Another regular on Italian menus. Scallopine are thin and tender veal steaks prepared in this case with an excellent Marsala wine sauce. Accompanying them are some dry, crispy, and tasty potato chips.

Tiramisù
It’s a delicate version of Tiramisù, with a cream full of flavor that highlights the quality of the mascarpone, without excess sweetness or coffee. Very good!

We had a 2021 Riecine Chianti Classico, elegant, very precise in fruit, and delicate on the palate, working very well with the meal.

As for the service, there’s not much more to say – professional, informal, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft, something rare these days…

Final considerations
It’s no wonder that it’s considered an institution in the city, and at its tables, you find a mix of local customers, almost daily, and informed tourists. A visit to Cammillo is a journey through the simplicity (not always simple) and the taste of the most authentic Tuscan cuisine, which comforts us and makes us feel at home like those places we have been visiting for years, where they indulge us, and we treat the staff like friends. So yes, if you want an unpretentious and genuine place, Camillo will be your refuge in Florence – it has been ours for several years, and we have always been happy!