Sun breaks through the late winter clouds, illuminating the refined outdoor sitting area with its signature dusky pink tablecloths. Crossing the threshold into the historic establishment, through the glass-fronted door, the restaurant manager and his team offer the warm- est of welcomes, easily remembering names and faces. There’s a feel of a gentleman’s club with the immaculate parquet floor, wooden wall mouldings and the allure of a fully stocked vintage bar bedecked with the words “Eccellenza storica fiorentina” (historic Florentine excellence).
Having weathered the pandemic storm, Harry’s Bar Firenze is seeing a change of the old guard as regular customers are becoming younger, undoubtedly boosted by a well-maintained Instagram profile. Florentines in their ‘30s and ‘40s lounge on the outside deck for a cocktail – the Bellini, Martini, Negroni and the establishment’s very own Pink 53 are among the favourites – before indulging in an unhurried dinner. Regular clientele return time and time again for the guarantee of iconic dishes such as fettuccine baked in the oven with parmesan and ham, steak tartare, and curry served with pilaf rice and mango chutney. The menu changes with the seasons, however, as seen in the new spring specials: a delicate saffron and artichoke risotto; warming French onion soup; and a refreshing March salad of cabbage, fennel and asparagus.
