Ristorante "Il Pozzo" in Monteriggioni ??????
 

This restaurant was recommended by a client of mine as one of their favorites. The closest thing I have found that we were planning on visiting is The Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore 10 km south of Asciano.

I was thinking maybe we could go to this restaurant for lunch. I don't want to go any further north, we will be staying in Monticchiello. Any suggestions as to other scenic drives, sights, towns in this area?

I have eaten there and it is not worth a side trip that far. You have better options in south Tuscany--even the ristorante at the gate to the Abbey, or at latte di Luna in Pienza.

I have never eated there but Bob is right- out of your way.

Ristorante Da Mario in Buonconvento is a good choice and fits into your itinerary.

The ristorante at the Abbey is good also.

wrenwood,
You don't have to go very far for a good lunch, try la Porta.
For places to see http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm

Hi Henry. We'll be having dinner at Osteria La Porta our first night, heard it's great!

I was just trying to find other reasons to go to as far as Ristorante "Il Pozzo" in Monteriggioni as the recommendation came from such a good client. I'd like to be able to say that we stopped for lunch, at least. But so far my itinerary doesn't go that far north, and Bob doesn't think it's worth the trip.

No other scenic drives, sights, "must see" towns etc to justify a day trip that direction?

wrenwood,
I liked the views from La Porta at lunch.
If you just want an excuse to be near Monteriggioni there is no problem. It is on the way to Volterra and San Gimignano. It is on the way to Chianti road (S222) and Greve, Castellina, Radda, and Gaiole in Chianti.

Monteriggioni is known to Italians as it was mentioned in Dante's Divina Commedia. I don't remember it for that but I do remember Il Pozzo for a divine pigeon in chocolate sauce!

nochblad ~ convince me pigeon in chocolate sauce tastes good :o

Follow-up

Osteria La Porta was great we went there 2 nights for dinner!

Our paty of eight or nine -- our travel "family" -- dined there for Sunday lunch with a room full of Italian families. The food was good, the experience was wonderful. It took an entire afternoon, and none of it was wasted.

Everyone dressed to the nines, by the way. Something you might not expect in a country restaurant.

It was a high point of that trip.