Stefano Santo's Onice

To experience a simply amazing view, which extends over the whole of the Tuscan capital is just one of many reasons for paying a visit to Florence's Villa La Vedetta. The Villa is a romantic renaissance residence which has been transformed into a five star luxury hotel, strategically positioned right next to the city's Piazzale Michelangelo. In addition to its splendid park, with Italian garden and panoramic swimming pool, Villa La Vedetta is renowned for its gourmet restaurant. The Onice restaurant has become famous in the city, and beyond, for its stylish dining rooms, faultless service, and the fabulous cuisine which, in 2004, ensured the exclusive eatery was awarded its first Michelin star.

Chef, Stefano Santo has an impressive International reputation, having worked at the Peacock Alley in Dublin, the Square Restaurant in London, but also as sous-chef for Gaetano Trovato , patron chef of the Arnolfo restaurant in Colle Valle d'Elsa; for decades considered to be one of the finest restaurants in the whole of Tuscany.

The cuisine served at the Onice Lounge & Restaurant represents a perfectly balanced mix of traditional regional produce. These products are used to prepare deliciously contemporary Tuscan dishes, which are given that extra something by the subtle addition of tastes and aromas from other culinary traditions. Providing a unique eating experience, the "Ignis, Terra and Aqua" are a triptych of exciting seasonal tasting menus featuring such delicacies as Santo's "chick pea soup, with crunchy cabbage, and coconut flavored prawn tempura", or "warm chestnut cake with honey shot, and rosemary and sea salt ice-cream".

Irresistibly innovative and yet faithful to one of Florence's greatest traditions, the menu of the Onice restaurant never fails to include the city's legendary Bistecca Fiorentina (T-bone steak served vegetables, legumes and smoked salt). The wine list pays homage to the region's centuries old wine producing tradition, devoting ample space to the great Tuscan reds.

Onice Lounge & Restaurant
Hotel Villa La Vedetta
Viale Michelangiolo, 78
Firenze
Tel. +39 055 681631
www.villalavedettahotel.com