Food!
 

Does anyone have restaurant recommendations for lunch in one of the following?<BR><BR>-Greve in Chianti<BR>-Siena<BR>-San Gimignano<BR><BR>There are about 15 of us, which makes things a bit challenging for some restaurants. We're looking to make a Sunday day trip out of Florence.<BR><BR>Thanks!

Ann - you have a VERY specific question and "Food!" is a VERY general title. It doesn't say what country you are looking let alone what kind of "food". I'd suggest you start a new thread with a title something like "Restaurant Recommendations for a large group lunch in Chianti, Siena or San Gimignano"

Janis: Anyone reading Fodor's Europe forum knows where Siena is--and Ann also mentions she will be on a day trip out of Florence. Is that enough of a clue to you as to country?--and type of food?<BR>Ann--I'm not much of a help, however, since there wer only 3 of us on our last trip around Tuscany. There are many restaurants that could accomodate a group in Siena, but I don't recall any in San Gimignano. You might start by trying a search on Yahoo or Google for Siena. Goodluck--you will love the hill towns and the drive from Florence (try to stay off the autostrada) and whereever you lunch will be delicious.

If at work I get an e-mail with a "Food!" subject line it means there is something for everybody in the lunch room. Not too nice to mislead people like this at the end of the day!

My all time favorite restaurant in the world is Fori Porta in Siena. It is a few hundred yards down the road from Hotel Santa Caterina, just outside the Roman Gate, near the psychiatric hospital. Paulo is the owner and treated us like we were in his home. And the food was fabulous.<BR><BR>My first time there, there was a large party celebrating a First Communion so large parties seem to be fine.

Winner: For sure "Anyone reading Fodor's Europe forum knows where Siena is--and Ann also mentions she will be on a day trip out of Florence. Is that enough of a clue to you as to country?--and type of food?" The problem is NONE of that information was in the title and most people will not even read the thread. There is no specific Italy board. All threads are lumped together. I think Janice was only trying to help Ann who is obviously a newbie. Food! is a pitiful title for Ann's questions.

My apologies and thanks for your responses.<BR><BR>I'm sorry I teased you to think it was snack time at the office. I will be more specific with the subject line of future correspondence. But I did think I was posting a question under "Italy" under "Europe" in the Travel Talk page. <BR><BR>I think this is a very important place for information, and yes I am new to using it, but I know the best recommendations are from those who have actually tested the waters.<BR><BR>Many thanks.

Cane E Gatto restaurant in Siena. Great food, but with 15 you could take up the entire restaurant for a night.

Although I have no specific restaurant for you I think the above poster's on to something... With 15 people you COULD take up an entire restaurant. I would do some checking around town once you arrive (if you have the time) and see if a small restaurant would be willing to take you all on (even if it filled their place). Might be fun. If anyone in your party speaks Italian, send them out for this search.<BR><BR>A second, and maybe obvious idea, when traveling in groups that large - is to split up. Even if you go to the same restaurant if you are willing to sit as 4-somes, wouldn't make such a big hub-bub with the staff.

Osteria Tamburina in Siena was wonderful. Excellent fresh food. The chicken breast here was the best I've ever eaten. Usually chicken breast is not something to rave about but the one I had here was absolutely delicious! <BR><BR>I don't remember the address but you can find it in Rick Steeves' Italy guide book. It is maybe 10 or 15 minutes from the Campo.

IN Greve I would recommend the Trattoria Montagliari for great hearty Tuscan food. In San Gimignano Osteria Le Carcere for lunch featuring wonderful soups. It is a bit small so you may need to go in two groups. In Siena I liked the Trattoria Papei.

In San Gim I would recommend La Mandragola. Excellent food, friendly service, and large enough to accomodate your group. Be sure to make an advance res.