Obika, or Obica is Napolitana for “Here it is”.
Silvio Ursini, the founder of Obika says that is how they describe something that is happening before your eyes, like a freshly made mozzarella, still dripping from its brine and ready to be eaten.
Obika in Florence is in a stunning building in Via Tornabuoni. It has an open courtyard and a series of modern eating areas.
The restaurant pairs fresh Mozzarella di Bufala with simple products sourced from the best producers. On my first visit I chose anchovies and semi dried tomatoes to have with my mozzarella.
On another visit I ordered a pizza. Obika chooses the best stone ground wheat flour. The dough is left to rise slowly over 48 hours and cooked on a refractory stone ensuring crispiness and lightness.
I can report that the pizza dough was delicious. My topping was a light smoked mozzarella with vegetables…take a look.
On a trip to the restrooms I discovered a series of delightful rooms where private functions are held.
Obika is a great place to eat in Florence…Via Tornabuoni 16…drop in after you have been to Max Mara next door, or Roberto Cavalli across the road.
There are other restaurants in Milan,Rome, Palermo and in the UK, USA, Japan and Dubai.
What a lovely place to visit! Hehe it is quite different to our picture of Florence when we visited. There were SO many people! 🙂
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on December 6, 2014
at 7:50 am
I was there quite early, it became busy soon after.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 7:53 am
That looks a wonderful place – may get there next trip to Italy. The Mozzarella looks delicious.
By: Dianne Cant on December 6, 2014
at 8:29 am
It is great and just a hop, skip and a jump from Giacosa
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 9:21 am
Definitely will become a regular port of call after Cafe Giocosa
By: Liz Litzow on December 6, 2014
at 8:31 am
Perhaps a little walk between the 2 would be good.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 9:22 am
Love Mozzarella- especially the way you had it served. Bet it was delicious .
By: Dianne Cant on December 6, 2014
at 9:53 am
It was great, I can’t wait to go back.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 9:59 am
Thats looks live heaven to me; very elegant. That Pizza must have been made by and angel it looks so good. Another good reason to go Firenze.
By: chris oconnor on December 6, 2014
at 10:31 am
It is an excellent reason to go to Florence, not that I need one.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 9:59 pm
It’s a date!!! 😉
By: janinevasta on December 6, 2014
at 11:24 am
It is just up the road from Hotel Scoti. My brother will be staying there soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 10:58 pm
Sounds and looks great, Debra, thank you for the tip. I love those old courtyards turned into open air restaurants.
By: Mulino Dominillo on December 6, 2014
at 12:08 pm
It is a great location and I am sure you will like the food.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 10:59 pm
Will try it next time I’m in Florence. I’m particularly attracted to that lovely mozzarella-anchovy plate. Yu-um.
By: The Daily Cure on December 6, 2014
at 1:34 pm
There is one in Milan too.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 11:00 pm
I want to visit this restaurant. Thank you for your tip
By: cigarafterten on December 6, 2014
at 1:41 pm
I’m sure you will like it.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 10:57 pm
It looks lovely, the Italians do style and food so well.
By: Just Add Attitude on December 6, 2014
at 5:58 pm
They certainly do. The food is simple and delicious and the setting is lovely.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 10:57 pm
Mmmmmm looks so incredibly good!!!
By: thirdeyemom on December 6, 2014
at 6:03 pm
The food is excellent. I go to Florence regularly and this is a great place for lunch.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 10:56 pm
I need to get back to Italy!!!! The food, the wine, the views, the culture….!!!
By: thirdeyemom on December 9, 2014
at 4:33 pm
Oh, your pizza pics just made me really hungry. Looks delicious, Debra. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on December 6, 2014
at 6:14 pm
I didn’t want that pizza to end.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 10:55 pm
I’ve been to the one in Rome. The decor is not as nice but the food was amazing. So much so we went twice.
By: Our Growing Paynes on December 6, 2014
at 7:05 pm
I must look for the one in Rome on my next visit.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 10:52 pm
It’s tucked away in a very tiny piazza. Maybe a 15minute walk across the river from The Vatican. Cross near the castle that the popes would take refuge in.
By: Our Growing Paynes on December 6, 2014
at 10:56 pm
We loved eating at Obika but I think they have changed location since we ate there, I recall there is one in Rome also.
By: tastetravel on December 6, 2014
at 9:31 pm
I’m not sure how long they have been in this location, but it is very handy for me.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2014
at 10:52 pm
Looks fab….and convenient if staying at Hotel Scoti.
By: Jim & Kerry on December 7, 2014
at 2:07 am
I know, it is my favourite street in Florence.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 7, 2014
at 8:55 pm
Very interesting. Very nice. I like the presentation of the food and the actual place looks fabulous
By: Lyn on December 7, 2014
at 10:44 am
It really was one of the best pizzas I have eaten.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 7, 2014
at 8:56 pm
Sounds like a fabulous choice Debra! Bookmarking for a future trip that 🙂
By: Madhu on December 7, 2014
at 6:30 pm
We should go together one day.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 7, 2014
at 8:56 pm
Hi Debra…I’m back….blogging that is….and hoping to get to Italy again soon. Looks like you’re still having a marvellous time. Hope you can spare a little time to have a look at what little ol’ me is up to in Brissie!!! Focus of the relaunched blog will be …….. Brissie!!…and praps some other interesting places too. Ciao, Robyn
By: Paris Rendez-Vous and Beyond on December 7, 2014
at 8:18 pm
I received your post out of the blue as I still subscribe. Good luck with writing about Brisbane, when I do, nobody much reads it. I think Brisbane is lovely but there aren’t many of us who think so apparently.
We must have coffee one day soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 7, 2014
at 8:54 pm
We read, but do not reply that often….. Sorry!
By: Nicolet on December 11, 2014
at 2:32 pm
Quite the chic venue!
By: aFrankAngle on December 8, 2014
at 1:33 pm
It is very stylish and the food is good too.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 11, 2014
at 7:57 pm
Beautiful post!
By: Nicolet on December 11, 2014
at 2:33 pm
Thank you.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 11, 2014
at 7:58 pm