Southern Tuscany
Talented chef Caterina creates tasty dishes using local, seasonal produce, sensibly limiting the size of her menu and focussing on creative vegetarian…
Must-see restaurants in Tuscany
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…
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…
Elba
A Portoferraio favourite, this harbourside restaurant has a long terrace overlooking a string of bobbing yachts. White napery and efficient service…
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…
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…
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…
Chianti
No fuss, no pretension, family-run Dante is a fine place to plonk down after a long day on your feet, especially if you're in the mood for bruschetta,…
Oltrarno
This unpretentious pizzeria near Piazza Santo Spirito redefines the word 'packed'. Arrive early to grab a bar stool at a wooden-barrel table and pick from…
Siena
Head to this popular chain near the Campo for a gelato, frappé, milkshake or hot chocolate (winter only). Gelato flavours change with the seasons, and…
Val d'Orcia
Famed for its succulent maialino da latte arrosto (roasted suckling pig), this much-loved trattoria is an excellent dining option, especially if you are…
Lucca
Join the crowd queuing in front of this excellent bakery to purchase fresh-from-the-oven pizza and focaccia with a variety of fillings and toppings. It’s…
Southern Tuscany
This store opposite the park's Alberese visitor centre stocks a range of groceries, wine and local produce. It also sells panini and pizza slices. Coffee…
Siena
Close to the Campo, this popular bakery and cafe offers filled panini and slices of pizza to take away, as well as pizzas and cheap meal deals to enjoy at…
Southern Tuscany
When strolling through the city centre, consider popping into this family-run gelateria to source a sweet treat: gelato, frozen yoghurt, smoothies and…
Val d'Orcia
The pretty terrace at this wine bar next to the historic gate is a popular spot for lunch, a merende (afternoon snack) or aperitivo.
San Gimignano
Enjoy a coffee or a light lunch and glass of Vernaccia at one of the pavement tables at this long-standing favourite near the duomo.
Oltrarno
Run by the hip hoteliers upstairs at SoprArno Suites, this retro-styled cafe sports vintage train carriage racks as shelving and a couple of highly…
Oltrarno
This rustic-style eatery in San Frediano has chef Arturo at the helm, who’s been whipping up fresh plates of pasta and succulent steaks since the 1970s…
Livorno
This bakery in the Mercato Centrale, at the start of the far-left aisle when entering the market from Via del Cardinale, specialises in gluten-free breads…
Southern Tuscany
Wine barrels turned into tables and benches set the scene at this casual trattoria and wine bar. Inside it's a mass of bottles, plastic grapes and the odd…
Oltrarno
Crostini topped with aphrodisiacal white-truffle shavings, deep-fried zucchini (courgette) flowers or artichokes and homemade walnut liqueur are a few of…
Oltrarno
With tables beneath parasols bang-slap on enchanting Piazza Santo Spirito and a traditional Tuscan kitchen that churns out the classics pretty much all…
Volterra
Volterra's best-known fine-dining establishment serves traditional Tuscan dishes on well-spaced tables in its vaulted 15th-century dining areas; there's…
Ristorante Il Chiasso dal 1973
Elba
Tucked down an alley (chiasso) enlivened only by the odd line of washing, Il Chiasso has been serving up simply cooked seafood since 1973 and has a loyal…
Elba
Staff shuck fresh oysters and prepare platters of raw seafood treats at a counter in the middle of this hugely popular osteria, taking care of the…
Val d'Orcia
Set just inside Monticchiello's main gate, this eatery has a wonderful terrace with a panoramic view of the Val d'Orcia. Inside, the dining room is…
Arezzo
This cosy bottle-lined room just off Piazza Grande offers a choice of Tuscan wine (by the glass or bottle), platters of cheese and meat, and rustic dishes…
Fiesole
Traditional Tuscan and Mediterranean dishes come out of the busy kitchen at this four-star hotel and restaurant on Fiesole's pretty main square. A classy,…
Siena
The atmosphere here is pure Siena neighbourhood osteria: gingham tablecloths, postcards tacked to the rafters, and pictures of Palio jockeys on the walls…
Oltrarno
Candlelit Gesto is all about eco-sustainability, so much so that all the furniture in the well-scrubbed vintage space is salvaged or upcycled and diners…
Arezzo
Local, seasonal produce forms the backbone of the regional fare served at this long-standing address, which is located beneath the porticoes of Arezzo's…
Livorno
The list of secondi is almost purely fish at this smart old-world osteria near the water. The traditional, home-style cooking lures the punters: many opt…
Northwestern Tuscany
One of many dining addresses with a colourful terrace beneath parasols on pedestrianised Via Stagio Stagi, Pinnochi stands out for its contemporary…
Chianti
Giving proud prominence to its list of producers (and gaining a Slow Food recommendation as a consequence), this small trattoria in the main square serves…
San Gimignano
There's nothing traditional about this newcomer to the San Gimignano dining scene. Located on the major pedestrian spine, it has an attractive modern…
Montepulciano
An unfussy dining room sets the scene for hearty Tuscan cooking – homemade soups include potato and pici (a type of hand-rolled pasta); polenta comes with…
