Sister wine bar to the acclaimed Il Santo Bevitore restaurant, offering outstanding natural wines from small Italian producers paired with superior small plates — lardo, aged cheeses, and the best crostini in Florence in a compact, candlelit setting.
Il Santino occupies a narrow converted shop front on Via di Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno district of Florence, directly adjacent to its sibling restaurant Il Santo Bevitore. Where Il Santo Bevitore operates as a full-service restaurant with a complete kitchen and broad wine list, Il Santino functions as a wine bar and deli counter — a more casual space that shares the same sourcing philosophy and quality standards while operating in a standing and perched format suited to a glass and a few small plates rather than a full dinner sitting.
The wine programme is the centrepiece. Il Santino has built its list around natural, biodynamic, and low-intervention wines from small Italian producers, with particular depth in Tuscan appellations: Chianti Classico, Maremma, Morellino di Scansano, and Montalcino all feature alongside Umbrian Sagrantino, Sicilian nero d'avola, and rotating selections of Northern Italian orange wines. Glasses are priced from around €8–15 depending on selection, with a broad range available by the bottle. The staff maintains genuine expertise about the producers on the list, and context about growers and methods is readily offered at the bar.
Small plates are calibrated to complement rather than overshadow the wine. Lardo di Colonnata on grilled bread, aged Tuscan cheeses, Italian charcuterie, and the house crostini that have become closely associated with the bar are the mainstays. Seasonal preparations use quality Italian ingredients selected with the same care as the wine producers. The kitchen is compact — this is not a full restaurant menu — but what arrives is invariably well-conceived and well-sourced.
The atmosphere in the evenings is candlelit and closely packed. Il Santino does not have extensive seating, and the small tables and bar counter fill quickly after 7PM. The crowd skews toward wine-conscious visitors and Florentine residents who use the Oltrarno regularly — the character is that of a local destination rather than a tourist-facing operation. Dress code is entirely informal. Reservations are advisable for the small seated area, particularly on weekend evenings.
Good to know
- Signature
- Natural Tuscan wines and small plates
Highlights
- Outstanding natural and biodynamic wine list with strong Tuscan regional depth
- Sister venue to Il Santo Bevitore, sharing sourcing standards and wine philosophy
- Signature house crostini and lardo di Colonnata among the best small plates in Florence
- Candlelit Oltrarno setting on Via di Santo Spirito, away from the main tourist zones
- Knowledgeable staff with genuine expertise in small producers and natural wine
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a table in advance for weekend evenings — the space is small and fills quickly after 7PM
- Ask staff for producer recommendations; the wine list is deep and guidance is freely offered
- Arrive at opening time for lunch, around 12:30PM, to eat at a relaxed pace before the evening rush
- Purchasing a bottle to take away is possible and often excellent value for the quality level
- Combine with a walk through the Oltrarno — San Miniato al Monte and the Boboli Gardens are nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Il Santino the same as Il Santo Bevitore?
Il Santino is the wine bar and deli counter next door to the restaurant Il Santo Bevitore. Both share ownership and sourcing philosophy, but Il Santo Bevitore is a full-service restaurant requiring reservations while Il Santino is a more casual wine bar with small plates.
Do I need a reservation at Il Santino?
Reservations are advised for seated tables, particularly on weekend evenings when the small space fills quickly. Walk-ins at the bar counter are generally possible on weekdays and at lunchtime.
What kind of wines does Il Santino focus on?
The list centres on natural, biodynamic, and low-intervention wines from small Italian producers, with particular strength in Tuscan appellations such as Chianti Classico, Maremma, and Morellino alongside a rotating selection from other Italian regions.
Is Il Santino suitable as a dinner stop?
Il Santino is a wine bar rather than a restaurant. The small plates — crostini, charcuterie, cheese — can constitute a satisfying light dinner for wine-focused visitors, but those wanting a full meal should book Il Santo Bevitore next door.
Where exactly is Il Santino in Florence?
Il Santino is on Via di Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno district, near the Ponte Santa Trinità. The Oltrarno location places it away from the main historic centre crowds, in a neighbourhood popular with Florentine residents.