Dining Al Fresco in Tuscany with a view
Apr 7th, 2012, 02:13 PM
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Dining Al Fresco in Tuscany with a view
It's cold here in New England today so that just sounds so nice! 
DH and I will be traveling to Tuscany for a week at the end of June into early July. We've been several times and are familiar with the region and we'll be staying just outside of Pienza. One of our favorite things to do at this time of the year is eat al fresco and a few of our favorite restaurants in the area are Boccon di Vino in Montalcino, La Grotta in Montepulciano and The Loggia at the Villa San Michele in Fiesole.
We're not gourmet diners by any means. I would love to try a few new restaurants during our trip. Does anyone have any favorite restaurants in this region that also offers a view as well? We'd be willing to travel within an hour of Pienza and of course we have car.
I thought I remembered seeing a thread on this but I couldn't find it.
Thank you in advance!
DH and I will be traveling to Tuscany for a week at the end of June into early July. We've been several times and are familiar with the region and we'll be staying just outside of Pienza. One of our favorite things to do at this time of the year is eat al fresco and a few of our favorite restaurants in the area are Boccon di Vino in Montalcino, La Grotta in Montepulciano and The Loggia at the Villa San Michele in Fiesole.
We're not gourmet diners by any means. I would love to try a few new restaurants during our trip. Does anyone have any favorite restaurants in this region that also offers a view as well? We'd be willing to travel within an hour of Pienza and of course we have car.
I thought I remembered seeing a thread on this but I couldn't find it.
Thank you in advance!
Apr 7th, 2012, 02:18 PM
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Apr 8th, 2012, 06:17 AM
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Last spring, we stayed between Pienza and Montepulciano. One afternoon's activity was to go to Ristorante Conte Matto in Trequanda for lunch. Outdoor terrace, view and absolutely delicious food. The owner is the chef. It was a delightful afternoon.
Apr 8th, 2012, 10:11 AM
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Again, need to be clear that it was 10 yrs.....but our dinners (we ate there 2X) in Panzano were superb. I remember a pork dish that was so great. Only years later did DH read the New Yorker article feature on the Butcher of Panzano. This town was so tiny, we thought we had discovered it----but here was the New Yorker knowing about it! Anyway, since the town's butcher is so word renowned, it is not a surprise that I remember outstanding meat at a restaurant there.
We were staying at an ancient house that had been turned into a B&B, just outside of the town, which is how/why we happened to eat at the restaurant twice.
--but here was the New Yorker knowing about it! Anyway, since the town's butcher is so word renowned, it is not a surprise that I remember outstanding meat at a restaurant there.We were staying at an ancient house that had been turned into a B&B, just outside of the town, which is how/why we happened to eat at the restaurant twice.
Apr 8th, 2012, 10:34 AM
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socialworker - Panzano is in Chianti north of Siena and Pienza is south of Siena in southern Tuscany. They are not near each other. We were in Panzano when they had a wine festival; it was a lot of fun. I know the butcher that you refer to. We had read about him before we went. He is very well known.
Apr 8th, 2012, 12:10 PM
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According to Trip Advisor, Il Ristoro di Lamole is coming in at #12 of ALL restaurants in Tuscany. Is it really THAT good? Just curious because TA is a good tool but, often not a perfect science. I'd consider driving that far for one night. Just making sure this is THE restaurant worth driving for.
Many thanks to all of you.
Many thanks to all of you.
Apr 8th, 2012, 04:02 PM
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Over 3 hours round trip for a good meal in Italy? After a big dinner with wine, a 20 minute drive is enough for me. There are so many wonderful restaurants in the area where you'll be staying. Consider staying in Chianti on another trip.
