We will be staying in Pienza and would like to celebrate my husband's birthday, either lunch or dinner, in Pienza or closeby. It will be on a Tuesday in June. We like good food but do not need a fancy or formal setting. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

My pick would be La Porta in the small village of Montichiello just south of Pienza. If weather is good they have a great outdoor patio. I would reserve.

Bob,

Thanks so much for the recommendation. I'm going to contact the restaurant for a reservation. It looks wonderful.

Sebina

Of course, individual experiences differ greatly but we did not at all enjoy our dinner at La Porta last fall and it was not an inexpensive meal. Example: my lamb chops, i.e., charred little bones, we 20 Euro. However, our lunch there in 2004 was wonderful. Again, it could have just been an odd night last fall, charred bones and all.

If I was to celebrate anything around that area, I would head to La Grota (google the name and check closing days) just below Montepulciano for a very special meal and gracious service. It will cost more but so worth it.

Anna Roz

La Grotta would be my other choice as well. Easy parking near the San Biagio church as you approach town.

Oooooo, we loved La Grotta. Two thumbs up on that. Great location and not too far from Pienza. The food was very special and so was the service.

Just back from Italy including 3 nights in Pienza. We had a wonderful dinner at Il Rosselino right in town. It only serves 12 people and is a husband and wife who own it. Just loved it there....

Just returned couple of days ago and stayed at an inn right outside Pienza for 2 nights:

-first night - La Grotta - was fabulous - right across from the church - very beautiful location and homey but elegant restaurant - rustic beams / fireplace and nice patio outside. The food was wonderful and service was great.

-second night Il Rosselino - (my husband's birthday) right a the main square of Pienza - felt like we were guests at their home - mom and pop - husband and wife were literally hosts, cooks and waiters - food was amazing and you could sense they had a passion for what they did. Very small place - nice but not fancy. Very memorable - felt like we got a nice authentic moment.

Enjoy - wish we were back....

10year,

We may have been there the same night--who knows but wasn't Il Rosselino a place you will remember always? I smile just thinking about it and was happy to see you had the same experience!

kathrynnj -

We were there on may 20th - the night the owner had trouble with the credit card machine...

Glad you had a nice experience too!

That's so funny---we were there the night before!

Kathy