Tuscany Restaurant Recommendations
Tuscany’s Chianti and Val d’Orcia regions have some trademarks of their own, but one thing is a guarantee no matter which you visit: you will taste some of the greatest cuisine of your life. Italy is known for its wine, pasta, meats and cheese, and the Tuscany restaurant recommendations boast some of the very best this land of rolling green hills has to offer.
Badia di Coltibuono
Loc. Badia a Coltibuono, Gaiole In Chianti 53013 – +39 057 774 481 – Website
Wander around the grand stone building and through the gardens to find yourself at dinner: either indoors within the elegant refurbished stables or outdoors under a bower of climbing roses and wisteria. The atmosphere sets the tone for your meal: local, authentic, and in turn with the seasons. With handmade pasta, local lamb, rabbit, or steak, cheeses from regional farms, as well as home-made tarts and cakes, the restaurant at Badia a Coltibuono is an experience no guest quickly forgets.
Il Ristoro di Lamole
Via Lamole, 6, Frazione, Lamole 50022 – +39 055 854 7050 – Website
With a panoramic view of Chianti from the terrace, Il Ristoro di Lamole is one of those Tuscany restaurant recommendations that charms guests before they even begin their meal. Our favorite dishes include pear and Pecorini Senese ravioli, pappardelle on wild boar, and tagliatelle with fresh porcini mushrooms. Choose your dish, select your wine, and relax with your loved ones with the golden Tuscan hillside at your fingertips.
Ristorante La Grotta
Via di San Biagio, 15, Montepulciano 53045 – +39 057 875 7479 – Website
For a really special meal, head down the hill to La Grotta – next to the glorious Renaissance church of San Biagio. In two 16th-century vaulted rooms (or, in summer, in the garden out the back) a gourmet menu is served, its creativity rooted firmly in local traditions and ingredients. The delicious malfatti are gnocchi-like balls of sheep’s-milk ricotta and basil, served with a taleggio sauce; this might be followed by brasato di cinghiale alle prugne su letto di spinaci – wild boar braised in plum sauce on a bed of spinach. The elegant table linen, service, and wine list as well as the elevated (but not exaggerated) prices make it clear that this is not your average Chianti-in-a-straw-flask experience. Closed Wednesday.
© La Grotta
Il Vescovino
Via Ciampolo da Panzano, 9, Greve in Chianti 50022 – +39 338 364 8446 – Website
With owners originally from Brazil, relocating to Tuscany and opening a restaurant was an easy choice; when you fall in love with the Tuscan countryside, there’s no turning back. With rolling hills laid out before you from the outdoor terrace, you can enjoy a glass of Chianti while meandering through the menu; there are so many excellent choices! From tender meats to hand-made pasta, what sets Il Vescovino apart is its attentive service, present owners, and welcoming atmosphere.
Osteria del Teatro
Via Giuseppe Maffei, 2, Cortona 52044 – +39 057 563 0556 – Website
Michelin-starred and immersed in the atmosphere of an ancient trattoria in the center of Cortona, Osteria del Teatro stands out for the refined technique of chef Emiliano Rossi in preparing exquisite Tuscan dishes. With only a few outdoor dining tables, this restaurant is sought after during the warm summer months; the front patio is tucked on the side of a narrow road, giving an authentic, historic city feel. If you’re visiting during the winter months, a number of rooms have open fireplaces to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Trattoria Il Leccio
Via Costa Castellare, 1, Sant’Angelo in Colle, Montalcino 53024 – +39 057 784 4175 – Website
This restaurant of a dozen tables is quaint and loved, with walls of stone, and an ancient, charming wine cellar. From spring until fall, opt for the tables outside in the town’s piazza. The sunsets are the best, so plan your dinner around it, while tasting some of the finest local Brunello in the adjoining wine bar. The food prepared by the father and son team of Gianfranco and Lucca, is always fresh and traditional with small elegant twists. The plate of appetizers is a must, as are the handmade ravioli with baby sage and handmade pinci with black cabbage, bacon, and tomatoes. Though it is not always necessary, it is best to call ahead for reservations. Closed Wednesday.
© Trattoria Il Leccio, Vanessa Rusci
La Fonte
Pod. Fonte Bertusi di Sopra, 73, Pienza 53026 – +39 057 874 9142 – Website
Set in the hills above the Val d’Orcia, La Fonte restaurant is housed within a 15th-century building that sits on a working farm. Surrounded by olive groves and cypress forests, this serene farm-stay restaurant offers the freshest raw materials, warm service, and a stunning atmosphere on the terrace. Seeking the best products for their cuisine, La Fonte sources all of its ingredients from the closest neighboring farms. There is a microbrewery also on site. Closed Tuesdays.
Sette di Vino
Piazza di Spagna, 1, Pienza 53026 – +39 057 874 9092
As local as it gets for Tuscany restaurant recommendations, Sette di Vino is family run, it offers traditional cuisine with large portions, and has an atmosphere of warm hospitality. With seating in the picturesque piazza, you can enjoy your grilled cheese (literally cheese that has been grilled), ricotta bruschetta, or Zuppa di Fagioli while admiring the charming surroundings. Closed Wednesdays.
Featured image: © La Grotta