Wander L.
Yelp
This is one of the coolest Michelin star restaurants that I have been to. The name "Ora d'Aria", or "Hour of Air", comes from the one hour each day that inmates were let outside to exercise in the prison that used to be located across from the restaurant. In modern times, this restaurant is tucked away off the busy streets of Firenze, has no prison across from it, and has the grandiose interior that seem as far removed from the grizzly interior of prisons as can be found anywhere.
The restaurant doesn't have many tables, and given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended. The chef and the sous chefs can be seen from every table as the kitchen is put on display in front of you, so you can watch your meal being prepared in the most spotless kitchen. It's a wonder to watch how immaculate they are and how they make no mess at all while preparing these highly curated dishes.
You have options for 3 prix fixe menus each one catered according to your dietary wishes: one for those who love seafood, one for those who prefer meatier options, or one for those who prefer a vegetarian meal. The prix fixe are on the more expensive side, but the restaurant offers a 35 euro tasting menu during lunch where diners can choose up to five dishes or an ala carte option (which is not necessarily any cheaper than the prix fixe if you order the same amount of food).The 35 euro lunch menu seems a little on the smaller side given the sizes of the portions. The 3 prix fixe menu options don't suffer from that even if they have the same sized portions, as it has more items on the menu.
The wait staff is as attentive as any in any other Michelin starred restaurant. There is also a female sommelier, who is well versed in all things related to wine, and can educate anyone knowledgeably as to the perfect wine to get from the surrounding region, if one prefers such.
I got the vegetarian prix fixe...was every dish my favorite - no (especially the grilled peaches - not my thing), but I can absolutely state with confidence, I have never tried any dish like the ones that I tried here and isn't that part of the experience going to these Michelin starred places - to push your palate to try something new or unique? There were some highlights...the potato soup was delicious, as was the risotto and the desserts.
Overall the experience, the food, the waitstaff and the chef who comes personally to every table to greet the diners, made it a memorable dining experience.