I've been doing so much research my head is spinning. We are planning a trip in mid-April for 8 days and will be flying in and out of Pisa. We have been to Florence and don't plan to go back on this trip. We would like to find one or two small charming places to stay that are convenient for day trips to the sights but most importantly also have good food options close by. We love food markets, food shops and casual restaurants frequented by locals. So where should we stay? Thanks.

This may help. I would stay in Montalcino or Pienza:

GOOD EATS IN TOSCANA !
I have never been labeled as “ BOB THE GOURMET”. However, here are some of the best places to eat in Tuscany based on feedback from my clients and others. Reservations are mandatory for most:0
* inexpensive ** moderate *** expensive
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FLORENCE: Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco ** Across the Arno & good.

SIENA: Osteria le Logge ** Just off the Campo—great for lunch
Cane e Gato *** A fixed menu feast—allow 4 hours.

LUCCA: Buca di San Antonio ** Near San Michele—very pleasant
Il Giglio ** Piazza del Giglio—a favorite with locals

COLLE VAL D’ ELSA: Arnolfo *** Excellent gourmet cuisine

SAN GIMIGNANO: Le Vecchie Mura * Good Tuscan fare—not fancy

MONTERIGGIONI: Il Pozzo ** Rustic taverna in ancient fortress

CASTELLINA : Al Gallopapa** Varied menu in heart of Chianti

MONTEFOLLINICO: La Chiusa *** Remote, but best in Tuscany.

MONTEPULCIANO: La Grotta ** Excellent—near San Biagio Church
Caffe Poliziano * Great for lunch

PIENZA: Latte du Luna ** Best choice in this lovely village

SAN QUIRICO: Trattoria al Vecchio Forno * Authentic Tuscan fare

MONTALCINO: Boccon di Vino** Excellent—fixed menu at lunch
Grappolo Blu * You will find the locals here

BAGNO VIGNONI: Osteria del Leone* Good choice in this spa hamlet

SANDRA: Since no one has any suggestions for you regarding Tuscany, I will nominate a couple of locations in Umbria. My wife and I visit Umbria spring and fall.

First, we have stayed at Albergo Rosati, a few km south of Orvieto. A wonderful place hosted by a man who orchestrates the communal dinner and the grappa flows on and on. Orvieto is a terrific town with a beautiful duomo and a world class (IMO) restaurant: I Sette Consoli, run by a young woman chef.

An alternate would be the Bevagna area of Umbria where I can suggest, if you have an interest, a coupld of excellent places to stay and several fine restaurants.

Oops, Bob the Nav. You beat me by a minute or two.

Incidentaly, I spent a few days in Pienza last month and found Il Rossolino superior to Latte di Luna. A mom and pop place with only twelve seats. Memorable.

Hi sandra,

If you decide to visit Orvieto, lunch in the garden of I Sette Consoli is not to be missed. 40E pp for the fixed menu.

I would definitely recommend Trattoria Fonterutoli near Castellina - excellent food and wine. You can stay nearby at Hotel Belvedere di San Leonino, which is very charming and convenient to Castellina. In Montepulciano, we liked Ai Quattro Venti, near the main square. Food was very good, reasonably priced and the place was definitely favored by locals.