Beloved Tuscany – one of Italy’s crown jewels – is synonymous with beautiful wine, incredible food, and stunning, rolling hills of rustic countryside. Florence and Sienna may well be the first stops when visiting this stunning region dotted with art, history, and fine food, but the true taste of Tuscany isn’t found within these cities’ limits.
Nestled among rolling hills, charming villages, and lush olive groves and vines, are establishments that rank among some of Italy’s best eateries. These are destinations in their own right, worth seeking out by gastronomy tourists for their well-recognised excellence and dedication to celebrating the region’s culinary heritage.
Arnolfo – Colle di Val d'Elsa
Arnolfo is a celebration of Tuscan heritage and the Italian culinary arts. Helmed by Chef Gaetano Trovato, this two-star Michelin restaurant is renowned for its interpretations of traditional flavours from the region, with a modern twist. The menu changes with the seasons through ingredients sourced from the surrounding countryside, and every dish is presented with exquisite attention to detail, as in Italy, food is rightly seen as an art form in itself.
There are several, seven-course tasting menus at Arnolfo, including one vegetarian option. The staff are very relaxed about adding extra dishes to each sitting, with some guests ending up with as many as ten delicious courses to dine on. With panoramic views of the Tuscan hills, it’s the perfect spot to savour a meal before or after soaking in the charm of Colle di Val d’Elsa, a town famed for its crystal glassmaking and peaceful atmosphere in this tranquil part of Tuscany.
Bracali – Massa Marittima
In the picturesque hilltop town of Massa Marittima, the brothers Francesco and Luca Bracali have realised their childhood dreams with one leading the kitchen, and the other orchestrating the service at their delightful two-Michelin-starred dining spot. Innovation and artistry are evident on every plate, as they combine classic Italian techniques with modern twists producing dishes like veal medallions with caramelised onions and saffron-infused risotto to showcase their talents and proficiency with the regional cuisine.
The restaurant's intimate dining room provides an ideal setting for a memorable meal, but the town of Massa Marittima itself is a hidden gem. Offering beautiful medieval and renaissance architecture with scenic views complementing the food, Bracali is a must-visit destination.
Caino – Montemerano
Tucked away in the idyllic village of Montemerano with its charming cobblestone streets, Chef Valeria Piccini’s approach to the food of the region is rooted in her passion for local ingredients. Signature creations include traditional dishes such as slow-roasted wild boar with chestnuts, and tortellini stuffed with delicious fresh ricotta and spinach, paying homage to staples of Tuscan cuisine. The food is just as delicious as it sounds and Michelin has recognised this by awarding the restaurant two of their coveted stars.
Guests can enjoy an intimate dining experience in the effectively rustic restaurant which encapsulates the charm of Tuscany’s Maremma region. In the summer, the terrace is open for dining al-fresco – there’s no better way to sample the delightful flavours of this fertile land. For those seeking a genuine taste of Tuscan tradition, Caino offers an unparalleled journey through the region’s flavours from a chef that loves to keep things simple, yet sumptuous.
La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini – Castiglione della Pescaia
It’s not all about those rolling hills – Tuscany does have a very delightful (and equally rugged) coastline for visitors to see how the seafood option fares in this region. In the scenic coastal town of Castiglione della Pescaia, La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini provides a Tuscan take on Mediterranean cuisine, where chef Enrico Bartolini’s elevating dishes with simple ingredients have seen his restaurant rewarded for its efforts with a highly sought Michelin star.
Fresh seafood creations and vegetable-forward plates that celebrate the region’s abundance of produce are the highlights on the menu, which serves as a testament to Bartolini’s philosophy of “elegance without excess.” The restaurant’s location within the lush grounds of the L’Andana estate adds to its allure, and Castiglione della Pescaia itself is a delightful town known for its pristine beaches and historical fortifications, making La Trattoria a perfect stop during a tour of the Tuscan coast. Visitors should take note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays, and is open from 19.30 - 22.30 only between the 17th of May and the 30th of September.
Castello di Fighine – San Casciano dei Bagni
Nestled in the tranquil village of San Casciano dei Bagni, Castello di Fighine offers a unique dining experience within a historic castle, with a menu from Chef Antonio Strammiello that reflects the essence of Tuscany, while incorporating subtle international influences. Dishes such as handmade pici pasta with truffle, and roasted lamb with herbs are notable highlights from a chef who shows dedication to quality and flavour, on every plate.
The setting and atmosphere at Castello di Fighine is nothing short of enchanting. Surrounded by the rolling hill of Tuscany and with lush gardens that make up the castle grounds – it is a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable meal. The town of San Casciano dei Bagni, famed for its thermal baths is an unmissable stop either before or after a meal, and dining at Castello di Fighine is as much about the enchanting location, as it is about the wonderfully executed cuisine on offer.
Il Pievano – Gaiole in Chianti
Chianti, typically referred to as the wine capital of Tuscany and Il Pievano, is a destination for both oenophiles and foodies alike. Housed within the historic Castello di Spaltenna, the restaurant combines medieval Italian decor with modern fine dining and has well-earned its Michelin star. Would-be-diners should note that this fine-dining establishment is usually closed from late October until the beginning of April, and with demand for seats high and the premises closed on Wednesdays, planning is required to ensure visitors are accommodated.
Chef Stelios Sakalis creates dishes that celebrate Tuscan flavours, often incorporating the estate’s wine into his recipes, with signature offerings including slow-cooked beef cheek a la Ragu, as well as classic regional staples such as ricotta-stuffed ravioli. The perfect setting for a romantic evening – with a dining room that opens onto views of the surrounding vineyards – the village Gaiole in Chianti itself is an ideal base for exploring Tuscany’s wine country in all its glory.
Tuscany’s incredible blend of outstanding restaurants, vineyards, and beautiful towns to visit is the perfect invitation for an unforgettable food-focused foray into one of Italy’s most beloved provinces. Tuscan countryside has all the romance and appeal that food and wine lovers need to fall in love with eating all over again.
