Hi! We are thinking of having a meal here next week. Will be staying in Montepulciano and Latte di Luna sounds like it is one of the best places to eat in the area. I would love to hear further details from anyone who has dined here. Also, since we are staying in Montepulciano and do not like to drive at night on dark, unfamiliar roads, I would like some info on just how long a drive it is from the Pienza restaurant to Montepulciano. Not so much how many k's, but how long a drive in time? How important are advance reservations in January? Any other food-related info, info on visiting Avignonesi Winery, and any other tips will be very welcome. Thanks again.

Hi Ekscrunchy,

I did the route between the two towns several times in Sept. It seems to me it was about 20 minutes, but I wasn't paying that much attention since I wasn't in a hurry!

I had lunch (without reservations) at Latte di Luna. I was very gudgingly given a table inside at the back near the kitchen and the same man waited on me in a very rude fashion. I don't know if this was because I was a single female. I had a simple paste with truffles and it was very good. I would not return.

I would HIGHLY recommend Traverna Grappolo Bue in Montalcino, but they are only open for dinner. I don't think at this time of year you would need reseverations if you go early - 7pm.

Re driving at night, I don't think you need to worry about driving this stretch at night. There is really only 1 main (2 lane) road between the 3 towns and traffic is very light.

buon viaggio!

I have eaten there a few times and the food was excellent and service, er, friendly to put it mildly. Roberto, the owner, and his mother put on David aprons and joked around with us while we took their photos. Another time Roberto started a dance line around the outdoor seating area.

You just never know when you will get a grumpy waiter, altho it should never happen in the best of circumstances. It can ruin a meal, like Dayle says.

If you stay after dark, just drive those roads slowly and you should be fine.

A second recommendation for the Taverna Grappolo Blue in Montalcino. Last Sept. DH and I spent 12 nights in Tuscany - 5 of those were in Montalcino. We had 2 dinners at the Grappolo Blue and they were 2 of our best meals on the whole trip. The place is so cozy and charming, and the food is fabulous! Also very friendly helpful staff. The owner of our hotel gave us the recommendation. If you go, be sure to get the chocolate flan for dessert - absoulutely delicious. Happy Eating!

We ate at Latte di Luna the first week of May and loved it! We're returning when we go to Tuscany again this next May. While I'm unable to help you regarding reservations in January, the drive from Montepulciano to Pienza is easy. I'd allow 30 minutes for the drive & parking. When you reach Pienza, you'll want to turn to the left and find parking on the right hand side next to the city walls. We ate dinner outside, so I can't speak to the atmosphere on the inside of the restaurant. I remember eating a delicious soup, grilled lamp chops, pici - hope you have a great dinner there as well. If you're interested in another restaurant in Pienza, we ate a wonderful meal at Il Rosselini (spelling is wrong, I think) and it was a splendid evening. The husband/wife owners were gracious, food was delicious, atmosphere superb. There are only about 5 tables at this indoor restaurant. Happy travels!

Such great info! I wish I had more time there. I did not put Grappolo Blu on my list for dinner cause I know my partner will not want to drive so far in the dark. I think I can get him to Pienza one night, though! I have searched on Montepulicano but if anyone has some recent info on eating there, please let me know! I should say we like great regional food in a non-stuffy atmosphere; willing to splurge on vacation so does not have to be budget. Thanks so much, everyone!

We had gelato sundaes on the little balcony overlooking the valley at Cafe Polizano in Montepulciano. Really a good place to relax in the afternoon.

http://www.valdichiana.it/expo/caffe.../index.uk.html

If you visit Pienza during the day prior to your dinner, you might stop in and make a reservation for later that night (or week or whatever your timing requires). I found that just making the effort to make a reservation results in a better table. (That seems to work EVERYWHERE, not just Italy).