Hello everyone,

I'm curious what are 2 or 3 of your favorite restaurants in Tuscany (not florence). I'm open to all suggestions!

Also, this is my first trip to Tuscany and I'll be there 4 nights, 5 days. I'll be in Northern and southern tuscany.

Thanks in advance,
Natalie

Osteria La Porta in the tiny medieval village of Monticchiello near Pienza is absolutely fabulous. We had two incredible meals there that were to die for. They have a lovely terrace overlooking the Val D'Orcia that makes for a very scenic as well as delicious meal.

Thank you!

natc,

Two we try to never miss:

Osteria La Porta in Monticchiello...agree with hazel

Conte Matto in Trequanda

Three votes for La Porta...we had the Gnocchi with pecorino and the artichoke hearts with melted pecorino.
My mouth still waters just thinking about it.

We had a very good meal at the Grappo Blu in Montalcino as well.

Hello again Natalie !
Have you not seen this list? Hope it helps.

GOOD EATS IN TOSCANA---2006
I have never been called “ BOB THE FOODIE” , but here are some of the best places to eat in Tuscany based on feedback from many of my clients. Reservations are suggested for most!

$=inexpensive $$=moderate prices $$$= expensive

FLORENCE:
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco $$ Across the river & very good.
La Giostra $$$ Excellent, but you must book in advance

SIENA:
Osteria Le Logge $$ Great place for lunch and near Il Campo
Cane e Gato $$$ A fixed price & menu for a true feast—allow 4 hours

LUCCA:
Buca di San Antonio $$ Best in town and near San Michele
Il Giglio $$ In the piazza of the same name---favorite with locals

SAN GIMIGNANO:
Il Pino $$ Very good typical Tuscan fare
Le Vecchie Mura $ Good value for a tourist town

MONTALCINO:
Taverna Grappolo Blu $ Popular with locals as well.
Ristorante Poggio Antico $$ Excellent cuisine 5km south of town at winery location

MONTEPULCIANO:
La Grotta $$ Near San Biagio church & very good
Café Poliziano $ Great place for lunch on shopping street

PIENZA: Latte du Luna $$ Best choice in this charming village

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

MONTICCHIELLO: La Porta $ Charming place with outside terrace

SAN QUIRICO: Trattoria al Vecchio Forno $ Good food & fair value

CASTELLINA: Al Gallopapa $$ Creative & varied menu in Chianti

La Porta sounds perfect for us. Would you think you need reservations for a Thursday night dinner in late May?

Thank you everyone and THANK YOU Bob! I did find your list on an old post and saved it. I'm compiling a list of 4/5 BEST and highly recommended restaurants and of course comparing it to what you've included.

I'm thinking the following restaurants appear most LOVED by this board:

1 Osteria La Porta Monticchiello
2 Grapolo Blu Montalcino
3 La Grotta MONTEPULCIANO:
4 Cane e Gato SIENA:

Can you recommend any other northern tuscany restaurants?

I see numerous recommendations for San Gim. Can anyone recommend one of the following:

SAN GIMIGNANO:
Il Pino $$ Very good typical Tuscan fare
Le Vecchie Mura $ Good value for a tourist town
Ristorante Il Pino Located in S. Gimmy Closed Thurs Order: pasta/meat dishes
Le Vecchie Mura In S. Gimmy Low cost Closed Tues Good Tuscan fare; not fancy; view
Arnolfo Colle di Val d’Elsa High cost Closed Tues &Wed lunch; www.arnolfo.com; gourmet
Il Pozzo Monte-Riggioni Mod exp. Closed Sun evening & Monday Rustic taverna in ancient fortress
Piazza della Madonna 1, just inside the main entrance to San G)
Taverna Paradiso: just off Piazza del Duomo in San Gimignano

Thanks in advance,
Natalie

jgraham--With regard to La Porta, it is closed on Thursdays, so plan to visit it another evening!

In general in the summer, it's always better to book a table in advance, and if your plans change, don't worry, just call and cancel. these are small restaurants, and you don't want to be turned away!

Secondly, they all close for one day a week, but not the same day...so Latte Di Luna in Pienza is closed on Tuesdays, La Porta is closed on Thursdays, and a number of them are closed on Mondays. SO its always better to check in advance!

John

I second the recommendation for Osteria Le Logge in Siena. I don't remember what I ate (which means it was very good) but I'll never forget the wonderful staff. The waiter was drawing maps on the napkins of what we should see, and the maitre 'd spent a significant amount of time chatting with us about the vineyards we had visited.

For La Porta, it would be advisable to make a reservation. We showed up without one and we able to get a seat inside but the restaurant was full. If you want a seat outside, I would reserve ahead. The restaurant is small so it fills quickly.