Oysters in Florence: Golden View Open Bar and the Search for Great Oysters in Italy
By Rand Hoch, Travel Editor
Last New Year’s Eve, my friends Tim, Liz and Katy invited me to join them for part of their extended trip to Italy. They had rented an apartment in Florence, and it quickly became clear this would be the perfect base for exploring the city—and continuing my ongoing search for great oysters.
After all, with so much coastline and so many lakes, I’ve often wondered: why doesn’t Italy produce more great oysters?
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Oyster Knife Oyster Glove Oyster ShirtFinding Oysters in Florence
On our first afternoon exploring Florence, Katy and I crossed the Ponte Vecchio and wandered into the Oltrarno district. That’s when we spotted a sign for “Goldenview Open Bar.”
Between the name and the seafood display in the window (complete with oysters), we knew we had found our place.
We returned the next evening and were seated on a terrace overlooking the Arno as the sun set behind the Ponte Vecchio. It was easily one of the best views I’ve experienced in Florence. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The Oyster Experience at Golden View Open Bar
Golden View Open Bar is not strictly an oyster bar, so when we asked about oysters, the waiter brought over a manager to guide us.
They didn’t have Italian oysters that day, but they did offer Fines de Claire oysters from France—widely considered among the best in the world.
At €3.5 each, we were more than happy to begin.
The oysters arrived alongside Champagne, focaccia, lemon, and a light cucumber sauce.
- Fresh and clean flavor
- Subtle hazelnut finish
- Beautiful presentation
- Perfect pairing with Champagne
I typically prefer oysters “naked” to fully appreciate their flavor, but the cucumber sauce was worth trying—once.
What Makes a Great Oyster Experience
Whether you’re in Florence or at home, the best oyster experiences share a few simple elements:
- Fresh oysters
- Minimal but thoughtful accompaniments
- Good tools for shucking
- A relaxed, social atmosphere
Recreate the Experience at Home
While Florence may not be known for oysters, the experience itself is surprisingly easy to recreate anywhere.
Essential for any oyster setup.
Adds safety and confidence.
Because the vibe matters.
Final Thoughts
Golden View Open Bar delivered an unforgettable evening—great oysters, incredible views, and a relaxed, elegant atmosphere.
And while Italy may not yet be known for producing its own oysters, it certainly knows how to serve them well.
Start Your Own Oyster Night
Bring a little Florence home with a simple oyster setup.
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