Ora D’Aria is located in the beautiful city of Florence, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance. The name Ora D’Aria means ‘Hour of Air’ and refers to the time of day when prisoners were let outside for fresh air — a nod to the restaurant's former location near a prison. In 2011 the restaurant moved to its current site, on a side street just a few yards away from the Ponte Vecchio (old bridge), a large medieval bridge and one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The move proved decisive for chef Marco Stabile and his team, earning their first Michelin star that same year.
Marco’s cooking is often hailed by critics as imaginative and immaculately presented, with the Michelin guide describing his food as the perfect ‘blend of traditional skill and contemporary style’. The restaurant’s menu has a variety of vegetarian and seafood options but is primarily meat focused, with specialities such as Partridge with roasted Tuscan bread and hibiscus sauce, and the chef's signature dish 'The super tartare' (a beef tartare with truffle caviar). There are several tasting menus or à la carte options, and during the lunch service visitors also have the option to order full-size or tapas versions of all the dishes.
The restaurant's décor is modern and sophisticated, with wooden floors, minimalist furniture, and a large glass wall revealing the restaurant's busy open kitchen. Home of the Chianti regions, Tuscany is one of the great wine regions of the world. This is reflected in the restaurant's substantial wine list which features over 600 labels and includes many special vintages. Unusually for the region, the restaurant’s drinks menu also has an impressive list of artisan beers.