Osteria Acquacheta is a very special place, even among all the good restaurants in Montepulciano. Why we like this eatery so much Prices are low for such tasty food, like 6 euros for a plate of fresh pasta al ragu (in 2019). Standard menu and the daily menu are both worth looking thru. Lots of …
What’s happening at Cinque Terre? By far the most popular hike in Italy connects the 5 fishing villages of the Cinque Terre, along the coast of southern Liguria. Some parts of this trek might have “Easy” labels, but you still need to take them seriously. Climbers report how they mistakenly thought this was an easy …
Card skimming has become a common crime in the US and now we should also be aware of this while traveling in Italy. Criminals steal our card details by attaching an illegal reader into the credit card slot at a gas pump. When you swipe or insert your card, this reader copies the information from …
Italian olive oil will run out ‘within weeks’ February 14 2019 in the The Times These ancient olive trees are very healthy at Casa Meleto in Sinalunga, Tuscany. Italy will run out of homegrown olive oil by April because of freak weather and a disease that has devastated olive harvests and will probably send supermarket …
Il Canto del Maggio is part of a farm stay (agriturismo) operation in the beautiful hills above Arezzo. The focus is on warm countryside hospitality and cooking with their own seasonal produce, while the restaurant welcomes everyone. Cooking by Chef Simona The chef-owner says her menu and cuisine are the mirror of the beautiful and …
Driving a car is necessary for arriving at your Italian villa. While modern trains can whisk you easily between cities, most villages and the countryside of Tuscany are out of their reach. The local bus service is for taking kids to school early in the morning and is no use to the tourists. We love …
Start your shopping by grabbing a cart from the ‘garage’ in the parking area. Supermarket carts require a 1 Euro coin to release them from the lock. Return the shopping cart and insert the key from the previous cart to get your coin back. Shopping baskets wait for you inside the entrance of the store. …
Cash is King! While giving money tips to travelers in Italy, we should probably first talk about cash. You need to have some Euro cash on hand always, because the open-air markets, some little shops, cafés and pizzerias may not accept your credit card. Carry some small bills and coins with you for small purchases. …
Italy is generally considered to be a safe country. Most Italians are courteous and helpful, especially in the countryside and small towns of Tuscany. You can see this just by looking at the way Italians care for immigrants arriving on leaky boats. If you are ever in trouble, people in Tuscany would probably go out …
Updated January 2019. This list is our personal recommendation for eating well in Siena Province and areas nearby. The restaurants where you should make reservations are noted with *. During the summer you should call at least one day in advance for dinner (cena) reservations (pre-notazione). Kitchen is typically open for lunch from 12:30 to …
Ristorante Pizzeria il Botteghino is an established road-house restaurant and pizzeria in Tuscany on the way from Torrita to Pienza, near the town of Montefollonico. Their good and simple cooking is very popular with locals and delivery truck drivers. Why we recommend il Botteghino This is one of our favorite Tuscan “truck-stops”. We have lunch here …
When your travels take you to Cortona, in the valley below is Cantanapoli, a superb seafood restaurant. Why we recommend Ristorante Pizzeria Cantanapoli It’s unusual to find excellent seafood this far inland, therefore this restaurant owned by 2 Neapolitan brothers should be on every seafood lover’s list. The shellfish was superb, featured first on the …
La Grotta used to be our top choice for fine dining in Montepulciano. This is still the most pleasant restaurant with courteous professional service. But their high cooking standards have slipped a little in the past few years. Why we recommend La Grotta? Go there to enjoy the splendid Vino Nobile wines of the region …
Tuscany Weather Forecast, for current conditions and 5 day forecast. Weather in Tuscany is generally mild and similar to another famous wine region, the Napa Valley in California. Summers are hot but the air is really dry, making the high temperatures bearable while you splash around the pool. Summer is the most popular time for …
The origin of Etruscans in Tuscany has been a matter of debate for many centuries, with Roman scholars such as Livy claiming they were either from central Europe or original and indigenous people of central Italy. DNA testing done in 2007 verified information coming from the Greek historian Herodotus, written around 450 BCE. According to …
Weather in Tuscany The weather in Tuscany is generally mild and similar to another famous wine region, the Napa Valley in California. Summers are hot but the air is really dry, making the high temperatures bearable while you splash around the pool. Summer is the most popular time for relaxing vacations, while spring and autumn …
Vita Nova is a good restaurant in the Province of Arezzo, located in the countryside near Castiglion Fiorentino. With a nicely furnished spacious restaurant and covered outside tables on a panoramic terrace, Vita Nova serves traditional Tuscan food with a modern touch. It’s located at a farmhouse estate in the hamlet of Brolio, in one …
The best value family meals are at Ristorante La Terrazza Chiusure (on Facebook) same as Osteria Pizzeria delle Piazze (on Tripadvisor). Serving classic Tuscan home-cooked meals on the north side of the village in Chiusure, with decent portions of inexpensive tasty food. Bring everyone with you, this is a great place for kids, too! 4 people …
Locanda il Paradiso (Facebook, Tripadvisor) has been in Chiusure for decades (10 km to Asciano and also Buonconvento). It’s located on a square inside the village and offers a simple menu of good food with starters, soups and pastas at fair prices. Why we like Locanda il Paradiso Francesca and her family will greet you warmly …
From the famous “La Pergola” restaurant in Rome, we are delighted to have the Michelin starred chef Heinz Beck open his “Seasons” at Castello di Fighine in southern Tuscany. You’ll find it just 15 minutes from the Fabro exit off the A1 Autostrada. Castello di Fighine is an imposing 11th century castle remodeled into a private home …
il Loggiato is our favorite tavern and eatery in the famous spa town of Bagno Vignoni. Why we like il Loggiato Since it’s a wine-bar or a tavern, not really a restaurant, therefore you don’t have to follow any rules of formal dining. Il Loggiato has a very tempting menu full of bruschettas, cheese plates …
The arrival of late autumn in Lucca, Tuscany, signals the season of the traditional olive harvest for pressing oil. Most of the area’s farmers are deeply committed to organic and biodynamic agriculture. They use the ancient method to cold-press the olives under a mill wheel on the day of the harvest. Have a look at …
Osteria di Ristoro is the only restaurant in Ville di Corsano. This is a small village just 15 minutes drive south from Siena. Why we like Osteria il Ristoro This is a perfect example of how good authentic local cooking can be in a modest Tuscan restaurant. Osteria di Ristoro is a charming country eatery …
The restaurant La Locanda del Castello in San Giovanni d’Asso is a magical experience. The elegant setting is in the ancient 16th century castle, where the restaurant opens up under the wide vaulted ceiling. Why we recommend Locanda del Castello During the warm season the outdoor balcony and the covered terrace are inviting places for …
Alicina Hosteria in Porto Ercole is an unmissable treat for the lovers of fresh fish and seafood. In this small and simple restaurant the menu is refined and interesting. This place is so popular, the line can be around the piazza for people waiting to get in. And because they stay open late into the …
il Poggio is a country hotel and a horse riding destination with an excellent large restaurant. The location is in the south end of Siena Province at the village of Celle sul Rigo. This restaurant is comfortable and furnished with well spaced out tables. There’s also covered outside seating with wonderful views. It’s the perfect …
Valserena is a local trattoria halfway between Siena and Buonconvento at Lucignano d’Arbia. Valserena is a neighborhood restaurant with the basic traditional menu, but it’s definitely the best simple eatery in this valley and visited by the locals for their grilled meats. Great atmosphere, loud conversations, and everybody seems to know everybody. Come here for …
Osteria La Porta is an excellent restaurant and wine bar in Monticchiello with a lovely terrace. It’s been recently refurbished and a popular Tuscany restaurant for the Italians who come to enjoy the fresh and creative interpretation of local specials at this spellbinding hilltop village. Excellent antipasto and homemade pasta courses. Ask for a table …
Musical evening in Tuscany by Lassi, a signer of Evergreen Music and offers unforgettable musical entertainment at your Tuscany holiday Villa. Lassi sings alone, with excellent backing tracks. The repertoire consists of Evergreen music by Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Procol Harum, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Abba … and also lots of popular Italian songs, such …
Lucignano is a charming town in Val di Chiana, where the exiting Ristorante il Goccino is known for excellent cooking, it’s creative and fun, one of the best in the region. Set inside the town walls, this is an eatery of high quality, both in food and service. The menu created by Chef Susanna is …
Trattoria della Filiera is a new eatery in Castelmuzio, located under the large parking area facing Montisi in a light and bright building with an entire wall of arches filled with windows. The charming Daniella runs the dining room while her brother is the chef, cooking traditional dishes such as the excellent lasagne. They also …
Ristorante San Valentino is part of the Piccolo Hotel San Valentino just 2 miles from the Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey towards Buonconvento. From the road you drive up and around the back for parking. There’s a covered terrace that’s good for lunch, and inside a large dining room but step thru to the wide open …
With all this good food around, sometimes only one important thing can make a restaurant stand out. Now I’m talking about hospitality. Our recent meal (May 2015) in Chiusi was in the center of the old town, at Osteria Etrusca. Hospitality here is like magic; the charm, warmth and kindness of the owners, father and …
While driving past San Quirico d’ Orcia, you’ll see Ristorante il Garibaldi at the Tamoil Petrol stop on (SS2) Via Cassia. This is one of our all-time favorite road-house truck-stops. After a brief closure it has been remodeled and reopened. Still they carry on the excellent special fish and seafood menu! Don’t miss this special …
Ristorante Dopolavoro re-opened at La Foce a few years ago, and now it’s a spacious open barn-like restaurant and a recommended stop while touring the Val d’Orcia region. Come here for delicious food in a relaxing outdoor or indoor setting, with friendly service and English spoken. They are open all day and the location is next to …
Up in Colle Val d’Elsa, the spotlight is on Ristorante Arnolfo where the Trovato brothers offer the very best in Italian cuisine, with 2 well earned Michelin stars. For the fabulous tasting menu’s multitude of small courses, expect to pay over 100 euros per person, and you can also order a’ la carte. Peruse their …
Osteria La Solita Zuppa in Chiusi has a creative take on Tuscan cooking, serving good food in moderate portions. Closed on Tuesdays. Friendly service in a cozy restaurant. Via Porcenna 21, in middle of the old town where you should visit the wonderful Etruscan museum. Tel: 0578-21-006. ($$)* www.lasolitazuppa.it
One of the most memorable foodie experiences we’ve had is near Cetona, where Mondo X Ristorante La Frateria, located at Convento di St. Francesco, puts on a supreme culinary feast in one of the most elegant and historical settings, with pris fix tasting menus and a’ la carte options. It’s been a few years since …
Osteria del Merlo in Cetona is a superb restaurant and serious competition to the long-time best, the Osteria da Nilo. It has carved out a solid reputation among Italian foodies. You find Osteria del Merlo at the south-east corner of Piazza Garibaldi, almost a dozen steps to the left from Nilo’s. You see a large …
Ristorante da Nilo in Cetona moved a few years ago from the narrow alley to a much better location at the end of the main Piazza Garibaldi. Osteria Vecchia was the name before, but we have always known it simply as “da Nilo“, after the owner himself. This beloved local eatery is now proudly in …
When your travels take you to Cortona, in the valley below is Canta Napoli, a superb seafood restaurant just north of the town of Camucia. Gary and I had a memorable lunch here on 18 June 2014. It’s rare to have excellent seafood this far inland, so this restaurant owned by 2 Neapolitan brothers should …
In Celle sul Rigo is Trattoria La Pace where we go for delicious home-style cooking, like eating at grandma’s house! Come here to enjoy excellent hand-made “pici” at this friendly family restaurant. Besides the pici and the meats cooked “ai buglione”, the menu also offers specialties like tagliolini all’ortica (= ribbon pasta with nettle sauce), …
In the village of Bettolle, just 1 km from the Val di Chiana A1 exit you’ll find Betulia – a classic Tuscan eatery serving delicious home-style pastas and grilled meats. Seems that tourists have missed this establishment, which is a pity as this small restaurant serves constantly good meals. Closed on Saturdays. Via Vittorio Veneto …
In popular Bagno Vignoni, the 3 osterias La Parata, del Leone, and La Terrazza have all been there for many years and are well known eateries. Usually you can get a table even during the summer. But on holiday weekends they get very busy and both service and food quality suffer. We’ve had many good …
At Locanda Amordivino, enjoy lunch or dine at the best restaurant in Asciano, with a spacious well laid-out outdoor area in the back where you can see the chef grill steaks at a huge BBQ. Excellent pasta courses and good starters. Amordivino is located near our own home so we eat very well here. Last …
Below the Amiata mountain, in the village of Pescina is the surprisingly good Ristorante Silene, offering fine dining and is worth a detour to this famous country Inn. Refined cooking and local specialties (truffles, mushrooms, game), also vegetarian selection. Enjoy delicious hand-made pasta and my favorite, the baked chocolate desert. Extensive wine list, professional staff, …
Ristorante l’Angolo, in Acquaviva di Montepulciano serves classic Tuscan cuisine in a pleasant restaurant with good service. Go for lunch while touring the Vino Nobile vineyards. They now have 2 sides to this place, the established restaurant and at the adjacent refurbished space is a modern fusion style new restaurant. Have a look at the …
La Bottega delle Nane, excellent food at this highly recommended restaurant in Piazze, just south of Cetona. Some of the best meals in the area with lots of daily and seasonal specials. Last time no written menu for the specials – they tell you what’s available, waiter speaks some English. No house wines by the …
In the village of Piazze, just south of Cetona, there’s Ristorante La Vigna, with outdoor seating in the back opening to lovely views towards the Fighine castle. Run by a charming elderly couple, Flavio and Savina have made this into a traditional cozy place where you eat very well. They specialize on fresh fish Thursdays …
Trattoria Latte di Luna in Pienza, Tuscany Latte di Luna is our favorite restaurant in Pienza for delicious local cooking. This is the perfect place to eat the original pasta of this area, the homemade pici = hand-rolled spaghetti. You would usually have it with ragu or with aglione, the garlic-tomato sauce. Last time I tried …
For a good Tuscan meal in Pienza, go to Ristorante dal Falco, an established local restaurant where we always eat well. On our last visit in October 2013 we had seriously good homemade pasta, grilled lamb chops, and delicious desserts. We like the outdoor tables in the front courtyard. This classic local restaurant doesn’t rate …
In the spa town San Casciano dei Bagni, the Ristorante Daniela serves updated Tuscan cuisine restaurant-style. Highly recommended by our clients. Closed Wednesdays. Piazza Matteotti 7, center of town. 0578-58041. ($$)*
Trattoria Osenna, highly recommended restaurant in San Quirico d’ Orcia, with a wonderful setting for outside dining back in the courtyard under the enormous wisteria sheltering the terrace tables. Historical hints tell us that this location has served food for travelers since the 14th century. Certainly a lot has changed over the centuries and the …
Located on the main street of San Quirico d’ Orcia, Osteria del Cardinale took this spot 3 years ago from il Tinaio. This is an excellent restaurant serving high quality Tuscan food, much care is taken in presentation, food is both delicious to taste and attractive on the plate. There’s a high-vaulted dining room downstairs …
While driving past San Quirico d’ Orcia, you’ll see Ristorante il Garibaldi, which is one of our favorite road-house truck-stops. After a brief closure it has re-opened with new management and remodeling. Still they carry on the excellent Friday & Saturday special fish and seafood menu! Located at the Tamoil Petrol stop on SS2, Via …
The Guide highlights 130 restaurants and lifestyle sites across Italy. (ANSA) – Rome, April 29 – A travel guide devoted to vegetarian and vegan restaurants as well as veg-friendly hotels across Italy is poised to make its debut. ‘Viaggia Vegan’, or Travel Vegan, is aimed at travelers who seek cuisine and lifestyle options by highlighting …
Osteria Da Gagliano in Sarteano features fresh seasonal cooking by Chef Angela who trained under the Michelin starred chef Alain Ducasse. Menu is inspired by recipes from her grandmother. Angela’s husband lent his name to the place, and you find Gagliano there meeting and greeting the guests. Order anything with truffles! Closed Tuesdays. Via Roma …
Osteria Le Logge is a well-known restaurant in Siena serving excellent Tuscan cuisine in an elegant old-world setting with best tables on the ground floor (we like the corner table), also outside seating. The chef’s here put real finesse into their dishes. It’s our top restaurant for delicious fresh pasta and fabulous desserts! Closed Sundays. …
Osteria il Grattacielo in Siena is a classic little corner Osteria that seats few people inside and more at outside tables under the high arch of the covered alley. They put together very good antipasto platters, salads and sandwiches. Order at the counter and ask them to prepare a big sharing platter for your group, …
il Ceppo is a B&B with a restaurant about 10 minutes north of Siena along the Via Cassia. This is a really good restaurant serving classic Tuscan cooking, with rustic pasta dishes and even game on the menu, antipasto selection laid out for self-service. Very popular with locals. Closed Tuesdays. See il Ceppo on the …
Osteria Lornano is located in a small hamlet just north of Siena, they serve excellent Tuscan cooking at a very pleasant outdoor seating area – it’s a nice looking place inside, too. Closed Mondays. Stop by here for a delicious lunch on your way to the Chianti. To reach the village, take Badesse exit just …
Locanda dell’Amorosa near Sinalunga serves some of the best food in Tuscany, under wide brick arches of the converted stables, where they can accommodate large groups. Delicious experience in every way, we really enjoyed our last visit few years ago. Part of a charming country hotel. Restaurant is closed on Mondays and also no lunch …
Pizzeria La Compagnia restaurant Torrenieri Tuscany Pizzeria La Compagnia in Torrenieri has the best thin-crust Roman style pizza in Tuscany! I really mean this, we crave their pizza when away from Tuscany. The pizza menu has over 30 choices, but I urge you to try my favorite, the gorgonzola and onion pizza, it’s amazing. We …
Ristorante Conte Matto in Trequanda is one of our all-time favorites, they serve excellent meals at good value. Why we like this restaurant so much? You can choose from a seasonal menu in addition to the regular one. We often have an antipasto that’s based on asparagus, zucchini or other vegetables depending …
It’s no surprise that location is everything for guests who book an WP Rentals. But what was surprising for us was the conundrum this topic created in our recent post What guests really want. On one hand there’s travelers: they want to know everything about where they’re going right away—it helps them decide where to …
Elle put together some easy steps every host can follow to prevent hosting from becoming more of a chore than a reward. “Some of our most enthusiastic hosts are so dedicated to their guests having an exceptional stay that they’re challenged to find their own time and resources for themselves,” says Elle. “They’re givers and …
The 27+ shortcodes WP Rentals features are accessible from the Admin Editor and you can add them to any page or post. The structure of each shortocode is simple and intuitive so you can edit its content easily. Column shortcodes have a unique feature: border. There are 4 different borders available to play with and …
In spring 2013, ahead of her parents’ two-week visit, Dawn decided that a makeover was in order. She incorporated color and pattern, yielding an interior more in line with what one might expect in a beach town in Southern California: sun-kissed yellow walls; a swath of Kelly green in the kitchen; a long table, topped …
A scenic drive 8km up from Castiglion d’Orcia brings you to Ristorante I Lecci , still our best value (quality/price) restaurant in the Orcia Valley and Amiata areas of southern Tuscany. You reach sublime heights of culinary nirvana with Chef Rita’s fresh melt-in-your-mouth pasta with delicious sauce of truffle-walnut cream or porcini mushrooms, to-die-for! Tortelli …
A very pleasant place for lunch and dinner in the center of Buonconvento, very good local seasonal fare including home-made pasta, daily specials, big salads. Inside lot’s of room for even big groups, outside a few tables. Closed on Tuesdays. Last visit in July 2014. Friendly service and English spoken. Via Soccini 53, 53022 Buonconvento. …
Travel & Leisure in Feb 2015 had a list of ‘best views in Tuscany’, naming the towns of Chiusure, Talamone, Rocca d’Orcia, Montepulciano, and Sant’ Angelo in Colle http://www.travelandleisure.com/local-experts/tuscany/best-views-in-tuscany
Please read thru these helpful hints for a happy holiday! PERSONAL SAFETY Italy is generally considered to be a safe country. Most Italians are courteous and helpful, especially in the countryside and small towns of Tuscany. If you are ever in trouble, people would probably go out of their way to help you. Just look …
ARRIVAL AT YOUR VILLA Plan to arrive as close to 4pm as possible and please read the arrival details that are included at the bottom of your driving directions. Upon entering, please take a look at all the appliances and ask the Manager to show you how they work. Ask them to show you where …
Locanda di Casal Mustia is a good family-run trattoria, bar and small hotel on the small central piazza in the village of Castelmuzio. The young waiters are fun and helpful and the restaurant offers standard Tuscan menu at reasonable prices. We especially like the big antipasto platter that you can share. They have 10 tables …
Ristorante l’Angolo serves classic Tuscan cuisine in a pleasant restaurant with good service. Go for lunch while touring the Vino Nobile vineyards. They now have 2 sides to this place, the established restaurant and at the adjacent refurbished room is a modern fusion style new restaurant. Have a look at the different menus, share an …
Osteria Nonna Gina, best authentic home-style cooking in Siena.
