Northwestern Tuscany
Even those who initially find the idea of noshing on a hunk of pork fat off-putting are bound to be won over when sampling it melted over piping-hot…
Must-see restaurants in Tuscany
Ristorante Taverna Squarcialupi
Chianti
Interesting and highly successful flavour combinations characterise the menu at this huge taverna (tavern) in the centre of Castellina. The handmade pasta…
Florence
Pigeon, frogs legs, hare and guineafowl are among the roasts (count on an approximate 40-minute wait after ordering) at this old-fashioned inn – so…
Southern Tuscany
You can't get more Maremmese than this place. There are tables inside, but everyone prefers to sit in the garden, where there are trees and a children's…
Cortona
The interior walls of this long-standing favourite are adorned with B&W snaps of actors who've dined here after performing in the nearby theatre, and…
Chianti
Cucina contadina (food from the farmer's kitchen) is the mainstay of this pretty restaurant run by Carla Barucci – the kitchen garden is right outside and…
Southern Tuscany
Chef Moreno Cardone takes great pride in his dishes, using quality local produce to create tasty, attractively presented meals. There are fish and meat…
Southern Tuscany
Generous pourings of local wine are on offer at this cavernous restaurant and wine bar next to one of the panoramic viewpoints on Piazza della Repubblica…
Southern Tuscany
Traditional Tuscan dishes are reinvented with a contemporary sensibility by young chef Valerio Pulitani at this atmospheric restaurant in Pitigliano's…
Oltrarno
When the urge for a pasta-free evening in a minimalist interior strikes, consider this contemporary noodle bar serving beautifully sculpted platters of…
Val d'Orcia
Occupying a stylishly renovated building with two dining rooms featuring brick-vaulted ceilings and walls lined with bottles of wine, Daria's well…
Oltrarno
This excellent gelato maker, just off the Ponte Santa Trínita, produces a small selection of gelati that manages to achieve the perfect balance of…
Elba
Ignore the waterfront’s menu-touting waiters and instead duck down Largo Garibaldi to find this unassuming, no-frills trattoria. In business since 1930,…
Fiesole
Lounging over a tumbler of vino (wine) around long timber tables in a dimly lit, old Tuscan tavern-styled interior is the charm of Vinandro. Cuisine is…
Cortona
Hanging baskets of flowers mark the entrance to this tiny, deli-style fiaschetteria (simple wine bar), which is known for its budget dining and convivial…
Central Coast & Elba
The chef here buys fish fresh every day and cooks it however his fancy dictates – hence the compulsory set menu rather than an à la carte array. Tables…
Oltrarno
A spartan interior, complete with vintage ceiling fans and stools cleverly crafted from recycled wine crates, creates a shabby-chic vibe at this modern…
Panzano in Chianti
The flagship restaurant of celebrity butcher Dario Cecchini offers a simple but delicious set menu built around the famous bistecca (steak). There's also…
Southern Tuscany
Ultrafresh ingredients and budget pricing are the hallmarks at this hybrid restaurant and wine bar near the duomo. There are fish and vegetarian options…
Mercato della Terra di San Miniato
Northwestern Tuscany
Don't leave town without experiencing the foodie buzz of this vibrant farmers market, humming with fresh fruit, veg, meat, raw milk and other local…
Siena
There are more vegetarian, seafood and gluten-free options on the menu of this contemporary eatery than is usual in Siena, and the cuisine is less…
Cortona
Serving delicious cakes, biscuits and pastries since 1930, this popular pasticceria (cake shop) is a good place to sample treats such as spolette (sweet…
San Gimignano
Family run, this trattoria next to the church of the same name has a dining room made distinctive by its bright colour scheme, a profusion of tables on…
Southern Tuscany
Talented chef Caterina creates tasty dishes using local, seasonal produce, sensibly limiting the size of her menu and focussing on creative vegetarian…
Northwestern Tuscany
This friendly osteria within the castle walls is the best place in town to sample a dish made with the local Martelli pasta. If you're here during the…
Arezzo
A delectable array of local cheese and cured meats awaits at this popular alimentari (grocery store), which fills fresh panini (sandwiches) and foccacias…
Panzano in Chianti
A casual, lunchtime-only eatery run by Tuscan celebrity-butcher Dario Cecchini. The limited menu offers three quality fast-food options: two burger plates…
Santa Croce
This staunchly traditional eatery near the Basilica di Santa Croce is the archetypal Tuscan trattoria. It opened in 1966 and has been serving well-priced…
Central Coast & Elba
On busy weekends, staff here do an excellent job filling cups and cones with the house-made gelato. They also make coffee and serve it to customers on the…
Santa Croce
Simplicity is the buzz word at this pocket-sized pizzeria with marble-topped bar and three pizza types – margherita, napoli and marinara – and feisty…
Elba
A Portoferraio favourite, this harbourside restaurant has a long terrace overlooking a string of bobbing yachts. White napery and efficient service…
Southern Tuscany
A popular local hangout, this laid-back enoteca (wine bar) offers a limited menu of soup, lasagna and taglieri (cheese-and-meat boards). There's a good…
Val d'Orcia
Known for its zuppa di pane e fagioli (bread and white-bean soup), bruschette, crostini and range of local pecorino (sheep's-milk cheese), this simple…
Oltrarno
One glance at the constant line out the door of this bright green-and-citrus shop with exciting flavours (ricotta and pear, strawberry cheesecake, walnut…
San Lorenzo & San Marco
Queue at the back of the shop for hot subs, at the front for cold, at this busy student favourite. Choose your own or let chef Alberto Scorzon take the…
Pisa
A monster baguette stuffed with cured meat and salsa verde (green sauce) makes for an ideal lunch at this pocket-sized panineria (sandwich shop). Order…
San Gimignano
Set in an atmospheric vault under an ancient city arch, this trattoria serves modern cuisine inspired by local ingredients – try the fagottini (pasta…
San Lorenzo & San Marco
Traditional Sicilian gelato, granita (crushed ice made with coffee, fresh fruit or locally grown pistachios and almonds) and brioche (Sicilian ice-cream…
Arezzo
No artificial flavourings, emulsifiers, preservatives or food dyes are used in the creation of the gelato and frozen yogurt here, and this, combined with…
Panzano in Chianti
Shared tables, an informal atmosphere and a menu featuring anything from the 'muzzle to the tail' is on offer at this eatery run by celebrity butcher…
