Looking for the best hamburger in Florence.
Florence is a destination I’ve been visited frequently during my Italian travels (also because my wife’s parents live there!). If you are foodies, Florence it is a kind of paradise; tasty soups, crispy bruschettas, high quality products, and juicy steaks (click here to read how to cook a Florentine T-bone steak). It is missing only one single thing … a good hamburger with fries! Throughout my last foray into the Florence, my American spirit needed to be fulfill by a delicious burger with fries, but I knew it would be tough challenge satisfy my wish. Luckily I was wrong! After some research and a few failed attempts, I found a place that offers an innovative solution; Delicious organic burgers prepared with local ingredients combining the taste of one of American classics with a touch of Tuscan cuisine.
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A HAMBURGER IN FLORENCE
Walking into San Frediano district in Florence, eager to taste something new. In the last days I have savored every possible dish that Florence can offer (read my article about Florence and its cuisine!). Now, timidly my stomach asked me something that brings it home for a few hours. Yes, although with a bit ‘of shame, despite the gastronomic paradise that surrounds me, I want a good burger with fries! My experience tell me eat a good hamburger in Florence is a big challenge, so I make a few phone calls to my friends who live in town and find out that right here near opened a few months ago a new restaurant that is just for me!
On Via Camaldoli 2 / r, I find “Gnam”. The name of this place comes from the exclamation the Italians make when they eat something tasty; it can be translated in “Yum!”. I enter into the restaurant with big curiosity. The interiors are modern, soft lighting, and casual atmosphere. I sit and take a look at the menu.
ORGANIC, LOCAL, INNOVATIVE!
A glance at the menu, and I notice I not entered in the usual Burger restaurant. Appetizers and soups make me in peace with my conscience; local products such as cold cuts of cured “Cinta Senese” (a particular breed of Tuscany pig); Recipes inspired by traditional Tuscan cuisine like onion soup alla Fiorentina, pumpkin soup (by the way, take a look at my personal pumpkin soup recipe!). It do not miss the most creative dishes as the Panzerotti with cod or the beet flan with Parmigiano Reggiano cream. I order the pumpkin soup to start and move to choosing my hamburger.
A NEW IDEA OF HAMBURGER
The burgers menu is very unique and has many options; About the bread, choose from a classic sesame bun to an Italian flatbread, throughout special option like spinach schiacciata. The toppings belong to the Italian tradition: dried tomatoes, mozzarella, chestnut honey, Gorgozola cheese cream. The meat is top quality, and every sandwich includes a mixture of meat and herbs chosen to enhance the taste of the other ingredients. This is a surprise, because in Italy unfortunately hamburger is often prepared as a little importance dish, linked to the fast food chains culture, and a quality product it’s hard to find. Of course, it’s also possible to choose the classic cheeseburger, but while why don’t give a try to something new! My personal choice is a burger with pears and honey with Tuscan flatbread.
FRIES AND SIDES
All hamburger are accompanied with a choice of sides; spinach sautéed with crispy bacon, mozzarella bites, ginger carrots and other tasty freshly prepared vegetables. Of course, it can’t miss the fries; Gnam proposes fried spiral potatoes, a new and tasty way to savor a classic!
VEGETARIAN AND GLUTEN FREE
If you are vegetarian or have any problems with gluten, Gnam offer excellent alternatives. The veggie burgers are not the usual seitan patties, but studied mixture made from spelt flour and almond, very tasty (I tried it just for you, and I loved it!).
DRINKS
Savoring your burger you can drink excellent craft beers, but of course, also enjoy a glass of wine (we are in Italy after all …); Gnam is supplied by “Dalle nostre mani”, a local company that produces excellent organic wines. To end the meal as an Italian, order an excellent limoncello or a regenerating grappa branded “Tre laghi”. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option , do not worry! Gnam has a small, but careful selection of organic soft drinks.
INTO THE KITCHEN
After dinner, I chat with Lapo, one of the four Parters of Gnam. Lapo let me take a ride into the kitchen, where I meet the chefs and I can see with myself the preparation of the food. Observing the mise en place I’m able to check the quality of the food, and the great professionalism that reigns in the kitchen. The plates are assembled quickly, in great detail. The ingredients are fresh and genuine, and there is not any sign of product-mix.
WHY DINE AT GNAM?
If you fell nostalgic home, but you also want to discover Italian flavors, drop the Yum! This place convinced me; The energy of the staff, cleanliness of the room and the quality of the food are excellent. If you’ve already been there instead, write you opinion in the comments section.
See you at the next restaurant!
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