About ten years ago I stayed in Montalcino, Italy.We took a short day trip to one of the smaller hill towns and all I remember is entering via a very small archway which had been pictured in one of my travel books. We ate at a friendly local restaurant which had a small terrace overlooking a beautiful valley. I cant remember the name of this town and none of the descriptions of the larger more well known towns seem to be it. Any Ideas??

Could it have been Montepulciano?

Montichiello? Guessing the restaurant was La Porta.

http://www.osterialaporta.it/en/

Montichiello? Guessing the restaurant was La Porta

www.osterialaporta.it/en/

You should go on Jeopardy and take "Tuscany for $500". That is exactly correct. I recognized the restaurant immediately even though I didn't remember the name or town name. What a wonderful spot. I am going back in June and am so glad the restaurant is still there.
Just out of curiosity how are you so familiar with it?
Thank you again.

Jamikins

Isn’t La Porta in Pienza?

Memory is failing me, time we dumped our son and revisited Tuscany!

No you’re right.

So can you remember which restaurant in Pienza is a little down the hill towards The direction of San Quirico has a little door and a good view at the back?

BritishCaicos you may be thinking of this place in Pienza

www.portalepienza.it/Siti_commerciali/ristoranti_e_trattorie/Latte_di_luna/latte_di_luna.html

jrozner - we have spent three weeks over the New Years period in Montepulciano. We were there this past New Years for a week.

our pics are here

www.flickr.com/photos/pug_girl/albums/72157639164500734

I am not sure about one down the hill in Pienza! Sorry!

Caffe Poliziano in Montepulciano?

Ristorante ? Caffè Poliziano

Arches you might walk through entering Montepulciano:

http://sumabeachlifestyle.com/wp-con...no-700x466.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/F...san_donato.jpg

Arch you drive through leaving Montepulciano:

http://www.alinamemet.com/wp-content...-italy-5-2.jpg

But FYI many/most Tuscan towns have one or more archway openings in the ancient city walls.

La Porta is our favorite place to eat when we visit that area. We always make a reservation, so we can sit on the terrace.

Thanks you for all of your replies. La Porta is a wonderful friendly restaurant in Monticchiello. Make sure you go if you are in the area. No tourists and a beautiful setting. Can't wait to get back.