Spectacular Restaurants in Tuscany
 

Hi Everyone

I am staying in a villa near Certaldo for the last week of June. One of the things I'm most looking forward to is going out for dinner. I just love Italian food. My favourite restaurant is Cane et Gatto in Siena. One of the best meals of my life. No menus, no wine list, 6 courses, everything picked for you. Amazing.

Does anyone have a favourite restaurant they would recommend I try in the Tuscany region?

Many thanks in advance

TG

I have a whole list but most of them are at least an hour from Certaldo. The closest is Arnolfos in Colle.

A bit far from Certaldo, but I love Ristorante Da Delfina in Artimino. Wonderful food and a gorgeous outside seating area under vines with a view of the a Medici villa and the green hills northwest of Florence.

Bob: I'd love to have a look anyway. Planning on doing a few day trips while we're there. Could be near some of the restaurants you're suggesting.

Grinisa: Thanks that restaurant is written in my moleskin info book

OK--here it is.I hope it copies well--the tabs may mess up. Good luck !

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 suggested for most:
* inexpensive ** moderate *** expensive
__________________________________________________ ____

FLORENCE: Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco ** Borgo S. Jacopo 43

SIENA: Osteria le Logge * Just off Il Campo?great for lunch
Cane e Gato *** A fixed menu feast that takes 3 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

MONTEFOLLINICO: La Chiusa *** Creative Tuscan cuisine

MONTEPULCIANO: La Grotta ** Excellent?near San Biagio Church
Osteria Acquacheta* In the village?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

PITIGLIANO: Osteria Il Tufo Allegro * A treat in this ancient village

Agree with Buca di San Antonio in Lucca. Very good. Not too pleased with Il Giglio in Lucca. Not as good but passable. For really good eats geton the train and go to Bologna.

If you are interested in something good but not pretentious try Osteria dei Cavalieri, via san frediano 16 in Pisa. Had the best lunch on our trip to Italy last year there. Walkable from the Field of Miracles but off the usual tourist path.

Thanks Bob for the list... wonderful.

PaulR: We are staying in Ravenna later on in the trip and am planning to pop into Bologna either on the way in or out for lunch and a stroll. Wanted to stay there but it was a little expensive.

We enjoyed LaGrotta and LaChiusa last month. Both were wonderful!

Another vote for Da Arnolfo in Colle di val d'Elsa. One of the highlights of my family's trip to Italy two years ago. A real driving adventure getting there, too!

Travelgirl: In response to a recommendation I happened on here at Fodors, we enjoyed a fabulous meal right in Certaldo. In the Alto part of town, there is the Osteria del Vicario. We happened to be in Certaldo and found it by chance, lucky us. The view from the terrace dining area is beautiful, I would say the food was "gourmet", the service attentive, and the prices just a bit higher than average, but well worth it. My husband can be so annoying with his video recorder, but we LOVE viewing what he taped that afternoon. He went from table to table, ( we were ten people at four tables and were just about the only diners) and we spoke about our meals in front of us. Spectacular. Highly recommend it. Desserts were fabulous and we got to meet the young pastry chef newly transplanted from Uruguay (Italian descent)Hope you get to enjoy a meal there. Will look for your post when you return. Enjoy the area, it's beautiful.

Osteria le logge in Siena..absolutely!