This small restaurant does require reservations, however we called ahead to see if they could accommodate 2 more. She was delighted to have us. I recognized the owners accent. A Polish descent and the food was incredible. All home-made. Down to the pasta. Which is why she needs to know how much to make. As I have a friend from Warsaw also, we enjoyed her history.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrea Baisová
I had the pleasure to dine here. As i am European I was intrigued by the thought of trying to see how an European meal in America looks like! Having read the reviews I noticed that the name Monika was spelled with a K and not C so I guessed that perhaps she comes from Europe. As I arrived - I had no reservation but was politely accepted because I was visiting out of season and indeed we bonded! I had the best duck ragu and it really tasted like an European meal! Thank you Monika and I hope we meet again soon. It was a pleasure. Highly recommend!
Andrew McLaughlin
Absolutely incredible!
In an age where most restaurants seem to get all their dishes from Cisco, few dare to take a stand. Monika is over here doing things the old way, the right way and making everything from scratch with local ingredients that are ethically sourced. Now that alone should warrant a trip here but she doesn’t stop, not only are her recipes authentic they are also delicious. I stopped in and had a bowl of borscht on the faithful day her culinary expertise graced my palate. A simple meal of soup, bread, pâté, and pickled pumpkin touched my soul in a way no meal has in many years.
If you find yourself hungry for more than food but life itself, I invite you to join Monika for a meal of culture and heart.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Liz Floto
I just had one of the best meals of my life here.
We started with a beet and goat cheese appetizer that was almost too beautiful to eat. The beets were sliced thin, layered with creamy goat cheese, figs, pine nuts, and a drizzle of balsamic—every bite was silky, bright, and perfectly balanced.
Then came the dill pickle soup. I had never tried anything like it, and I’m convinced I may never taste something that delicious again. Imagine the comforting warmth of a chicken soup, but with a deeper, richer flavor and an incredible tang from the pickles. Absolutely unforgettable.
For our entrées, we shared the duck ragu, slow-cooked for hours in red wine. The meat was so tender it melted in my mouth, served over fresh, homemade pasta that soaked up every bit of the sauce. Truly outstanding.
We also had a pear and Gorgonzola salad, and genuinely, I’ve never seen a salad this beautiful. Pears, Gorgonzola, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, raspberries, honey and balsamic over fresh greens—perfectly balanced and stunningly presented.
The chef and owner is Michelin-star-level talented, yet warm, funny, and deeply passionate about her craft. Talking with her was as memorable as enjoying her food. And Joseph, who served us, was wonderful—attentive, personable, and kind.
Important to know: This is not Taco Bell. You do not rush this meal. Plan to be here at least two hours and let yourself sink into the experience. Excellence takes time—and it’s worth every minute.
This was more than dinner—it was an experience. I cannot recommend this place enough.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dan Jones
Monika made us feel so welcome as we stopped in without reservations with our dog in tow. She set a table for us on her porch and served us one of the best meals we’ve had on our 3 month trip from Ohio. The Jewish dill pickle soup was unbelievably delicious. The breads were warm from the oven. The salad with sautéed peaches was sooo good. Pasta with smoke salmon and shrimp - outstanding! Very reasonable price for a truly homemade meal. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Laurie Meredith
We have been coming here regularly since opening. The customer who had a child and didn't get their food and did a long complaint did not have a reservation. Monika's restaurant is by reservation only. They pleaded for a seat and promised to be patient. Monika continually gave them something to munch on until she could get to them. The food here is amazing. She makes everything to order and puts a great amount of care in every dish served. It was never intended to be a quick turnaround meal. It is a slow and unbelievably fabulous dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maryo Ewell
We discovered them as they were closing, but they graciously remained open, served us an amazing meal in which everything was just right, and we so very much enjoyed a great conversation with the owners.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ian Eales
Best food in Florence. Everything prepared to order. NO FOOD TRUCK FROZEN ITEMS.
Huge portions.
Reservations required. Book early.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brittany B
I’m honestly shocked this place has so many 5-star reviews. We arrived at 6:30pm and didn’t receive our dinner until 8:30pm — and there were only four other guests in the restaurant. The delay completely cut into our evening and we missed the sunset views we had planned.
When we first sat down, I ordered a simple buttered pasta for my 4-year-old — something quick and easy. An hour later, after asking where it was, we were told it had been forgotten. When the rest of the entrees finally arrived, there was still no pasta for my son. They had forgotten it again. At that point, we told them to forget it entirely because we were just eager to leave.
It gets worse. Only 3 of the 5 entrees we ordered actually came out. Mine was completely missing. After two hours of waiting, I gave up and didn’t even get to eat.
If the food had been amazing, maybe we could’ve forgiven the delay — but it was just okay. Nothing special.
To be clear, the staff was friendly, but that doesn’t make up for how poorly the evening went. My son never got a real meal and ended up just eating buttered bread. We couldn’t even take him out for ice cream after because by the time we left, everything was closed.
This experience wasted a night of our vacation. I wouldn’t return and unfortunately can’t recommend it.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
E A
The food was extremely flavorful and fresh. This is a smaller place so they only take reservations to make sure they cook enough food for the night, but have great outdoor seating and no microwave insight. This meal will be a highlight of any evening.
Wonderful hostess and amazing food!!! Loved the place!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Creamy Soup, Pasta with Scallops and Shrimp, Asian Style Pork Tenderloin with Rice
Dixie Boggs
OMG, delicious and intimate! Maple Street Bistro is unique, as there is a personal touch from Monika and her husband. Maple Street Bistro has a small and quaint room for dining and has a limited menu with excellent food and wine choices. The atmosphere is very different than most restaurants, as the proprietor (Monika) does the cooking and she takes time to talk to her customers at each table. We enjoyed a glass of wine while listening to Billie Holiday and taking time to enjoy our appetizer. There is time to appreciate each bite of an appetizer (or soup) while waiting for your incredibly delicious entree. Make reservations, You won't regret it!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jay Straley
Nothing special.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pasta with Scallops and Shrimp
Eric S
Wonderful food, home-made, with many dishes bringing in an eastern European flair. Really worth a trip.
This small restaurant does require reservations, however we called ahead to see if they could accommodate 2 more. She was delighted to have us. I recognized the owners accent. A Polish descent and the food was incredible. All home-made. Down to the pasta. Which is why she needs to know how much to make. As I have a friend from Warsaw also, we enjoyed her history.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had the pleasure to dine here. As i am European I was intrigued by the thought of trying to see how an European meal in America looks like! Having read the reviews I noticed that the name Monika was spelled with a K and not C so I guessed that perhaps she comes from Europe.
As I arrived - I had no reservation but was politely accepted because I was visiting out of season and indeed we bonded!
I had the best duck ragu and it really tasted like an European meal!
Thank you Monika and I hope we meet again soon.
It was a pleasure.
Highly recommend!
Absolutely incredible!
In an age where most restaurants seem to get all their dishes from Cisco, few dare to take a stand. Monika is over here doing things the old way, the right way and making everything from scratch with local ingredients that are ethically sourced. Now that alone should warrant a trip here but she doesn’t stop, not only are her recipes authentic they are also delicious. I stopped in and had a bowl of borscht on the faithful day her culinary expertise graced my palate. A simple meal of soup, bread, pâté, and pickled pumpkin touched my soul in a way no meal has in many years.
If you find yourself hungry for more than food but life itself, I invite you to join Monika for a meal of culture and heart.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I just had one of the best meals of my life here.
We started with a beet and goat cheese appetizer that was almost too beautiful to eat. The beets were sliced thin, layered with creamy goat cheese, figs, pine nuts, and a drizzle of balsamic—every bite was silky, bright, and perfectly balanced.
Then came the dill pickle soup. I had never tried anything like it, and I’m convinced I may never taste something that delicious again. Imagine the comforting warmth of a chicken soup, but with a deeper, richer flavor and an incredible tang from the pickles. Absolutely unforgettable.
For our entrées, we shared the duck ragu, slow-cooked for hours in red wine. The meat was so tender it melted in my mouth, served over fresh, homemade pasta that soaked up every bit of the sauce. Truly outstanding.
We also had a pear and Gorgonzola salad, and genuinely, I’ve never seen a salad this beautiful. Pears, Gorgonzola, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, raspberries, honey and balsamic over fresh greens—perfectly balanced and stunningly presented.
The chef and owner is Michelin-star-level talented, yet warm, funny, and deeply passionate about her craft. Talking with her was as memorable as enjoying her food. And Joseph, who served us, was wonderful—attentive, personable, and kind.
Important to know: This is not Taco Bell. You do not rush this meal. Plan to be here at least two hours and let yourself sink into the experience. Excellence takes time—and it’s worth every minute.
This was more than dinner—it was an experience. I cannot recommend this place enough.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Monika made us feel so welcome as we stopped in without reservations with our dog in tow. She set a table for us on her porch and served us one of the best meals we’ve had on our 3 month trip from Ohio. The Jewish dill pickle soup was unbelievably delicious. The breads were warm from the oven. The salad with sautéed peaches was sooo good. Pasta with smoke salmon and shrimp - outstanding! Very reasonable price for a truly homemade meal. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We have been coming here regularly since opening. The customer who had a child and didn't get their food and did a long complaint did not have a reservation. Monika's restaurant is by reservation only. They pleaded for a seat and promised to be patient. Monika continually gave them something to munch on until she could get to them.
The food here is amazing. She makes everything to order and puts a great amount of care in every dish served.
It was never intended to be a quick turnaround meal. It is a slow and unbelievably fabulous dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We discovered them as they were closing, but they graciously remained open, served us an amazing meal in which everything was just right, and we so very much enjoyed a great conversation with the owners.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best food in Florence. Everything prepared to order. NO FOOD TRUCK FROZEN ITEMS.
Huge portions.
Reservations required. Book early.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’m honestly shocked this place has so many 5-star reviews. We arrived at 6:30pm and didn’t receive our dinner until 8:30pm — and there were only four other guests in the restaurant. The delay completely cut into our evening and we missed the sunset views we had planned.
When we first sat down, I ordered a simple buttered pasta for my 4-year-old — something quick and easy. An hour later, after asking where it was, we were told it had been forgotten. When the rest of the entrees finally arrived, there was still no pasta for my son. They had forgotten it again. At that point, we told them to forget it entirely because we were just eager to leave.
It gets worse. Only 3 of the 5 entrees we ordered actually came out. Mine was completely missing. After two hours of waiting, I gave up and didn’t even get to eat.
If the food had been amazing, maybe we could’ve forgiven the delay — but it was just okay. Nothing special.
To be clear, the staff was friendly, but that doesn’t make up for how poorly the evening went. My son never got a real meal and ended up just eating buttered bread. We couldn’t even take him out for ice cream after because by the time we left, everything was closed.
This experience wasted a night of our vacation. I wouldn’t return and unfortunately can’t recommend it.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
The food was extremely flavorful and fresh. This is a smaller place so they only take reservations to make sure they cook enough food for the night, but have great outdoor seating and no microwave insight. This meal will be a highlight of any evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Everything was served beautifully.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful hostess and amazing food!!! Loved the place!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Creamy Soup, Pasta with Scallops and Shrimp, Asian Style Pork Tenderloin with Rice
OMG, delicious and intimate! Maple Street Bistro is unique, as there is a personal touch from Monika and her husband. Maple Street Bistro has a small and quaint room for dining and has a limited menu with excellent food and wine choices. The atmosphere is very different than most restaurants, as the proprietor (Monika) does the cooking and she takes time to talk to her customers at each table. We enjoyed a glass of wine while listening to Billie Holiday and taking time to enjoy our appetizer. There is time to appreciate each bite of an appetizer (or soup) while waiting for your incredibly delicious entree. Make reservations, You won't regret it!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nothing special.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pasta with Scallops and Shrimp
Wonderful food, home-made, with many dishes bringing in an eastern European flair. Really worth a trip.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
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