Tuscany villa rental by owner with restaurants in the Chianti area
Restaurants in Tuscany
Tuscan cuisine
The hearty cooking typical to Tuscany is something that Florentines are justly proud of, declaring that it influenced French cuisine when Caterina de Medici traveled to France with her beloved Florentine chefs when she became queen of France in the 16th century. Try local specialties like rich “fegatini“ (a chicken liver pate spread over toasted bread) and “ribollita” (vegetable soup with bread and beans) in characteristic, rustic trattorias. Or do like the locals do by taking a late-day break at a charming "enoteca" (wine shop or wine bar) where you can stumble upon lesser-known but outstanding Chianti and Super Tuscan wines, tasting to your heart’s delight.
Each of Italy’s 20 regions boasts an individual, traditional cuisine that can be found at every culinary level, from family kitchens to elegant restaurants. Italians share a true reverence for the pleasures of the table - the moment of gathering around the table is the most precious time of the day. At the same time, they share an appreciation for simple yet high quality ingredients - combined correctly, each ingredient shines.
In Tuscany, a typical meal begins with an antipasto of “crostini” (toasted bread with various toppings) or cured meats such as “prosciutto crudo” (thinly sliced cured ham) and “finocchiona” (salami dotted with fennel seeds). Next in the meal, the “primi piatti” (first courses) can include specifically Florentine dishes like the thick vegetable-and-bread soups “pappa al pomodoro” (bread and tomato soup), “ribollita,” and “panzanella” summer salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, vinegar, oil, basil and bread). Before digging in it is customary to grace these thick soups with a large C-shape drizzle of the lush Tuscan extra virgin olive oil. In Florence the queen of the “secondi piatti” (main courses) is “bistecca alla fiorentina” - a huge T-bone slab of the praised Chianina beef, topped with olive oil, salt and pepper, grilled over charcoal and served rigorously rare. Other local specialities include “trippa alla fiorentina” (tripe stewed in tomatoes) and “arista” (pork loin roasted with rosemary and garlic) along with various other roasted meats - all washed down with a glass of delicious Chianti. In Italy a “secondo” is often served with a “contorno” (side dish) of sautéed greens or white beans, naturally topped with more fresh green olive oil.
Restaurants near Villa Tuscany
Montespertoli
Bistrot Lo Zero
Restaurant - Via Taddeino Taddeini 70 - mobile 329 0241553 - open for diner from Tuesday to Saturday 7:30/10:30 pm and for lunch only on Sunday 12:30/2:00 pm - closed on Monday - to be reserved.
Mediterranean, traditional and creative cuisine from Sicily to Tuscany. Meat and fish. Nice atmosphere and excellent food. Local wines and noble wines.
Montespertoli
C'era una volta
Loc. Lucardo, via Certaldese 11 - phone 0571 669578 - Closed on Tuesday
First-rate cuisine based on fresh local ingredients and served in a typical family atmosphere. Stunning valley views from the terrace in summer. Fresh fish on Friday. Reasonable prices.
Montespertoli
I Locandieri
Restaurant - Pizzeria, Frazione Martignana, Via Orme 297, Phone 0571 608913. Monday to Saturday only diner. Sunday Lunch and diner. Closed on Tuesday. To be reserved.
First-rate cuisine. Very good fish menu and excellent wine list. Nice atmosphere. Reasonable prices. To be reserved.
ilocandierimartignana@gmail.com
Montespertoli
Artevino
Via S. Sonnino 28 - phone 0571 608488 - mobile 347 3360571 - open every day for lunch and diner
Located right in downtown Montespertoli, atop the hill. Small and intimate restaurant, with creative menu and quality dishes served with care. Reasonable prices.
Montespertoli
La Lombricaia
Via Colle a Montalbino 10 - phone 0571 608089 – 0571 669141 - mobile 328 6834255
This working farm or “agriturismo” uses its own produce as the base of its fresh and delicious farm-to-table cuisine. Set on a hill with gorgeous views, sunsets are as delightful as the food.
Montespertoli
Il Focolare
Loc. Montagnana, via Volterrana Nord 145 - phone 0571 671132 - Closed Monday
At this characteristic Tuscan restaurant, one of the area’s best “bistecca fiorentina” steaks reigns supreme. Besides tasty grilled meats, guests can find all the typical Tuscan dishes. Outside eating in summer.
Certaldo Alto
L’Antica Fonte
Via Valdracca 25, 50052 Certaldo Alto FI - 0571 652225 – 334 8648259 - Open every day for lunch and diner. From February to June, closed on Wednesday.
In the heart of Tuscany, in the splendid Valdelsa, a stone's throw from the famous Chianti hills, stands the charming medieval village of Certaldo Alto. In this place which is still intact and untouched by mass tourism, in a magnificent position, stands the restaurant L’Antico Fonte. A small charming restaurant with a panoramic terrace and pergola. The cuisine is typical Tuscan with local products and wines from the Val d'Elsa and Costa Maremmana farms.
Certaldo Alto
Osteria del Vicario
Via Rivellino 3 - phone 0571 667809 - Closed Wednesday
Located in the center of medieval hill town Certaldo, next to the ancient Palazzo Pretorio. The upscale restaurant, bar and inn is set on the grounds of a 13th century monastery. When weather allows there is open-air dining available in cloister, granting stunning countryside vistas.
Certaldo Alto
Osteria di Casa Chianti
Loc. Case Nuove 77 - phone 333 4108500
Typical Tuscan food. Truffles, porcini mushrooms, grilled food and boiled meat during the season.
Loc. Rignana / Greve in Chianti
La Cantinetta di Rignana
Loc. Rignana, 50022 Greve in Chianti FI Tel. +39 055 852601 - +39 055 8560200 - Cell. +39 347 4534884 - 45 minutes drive from Villa Tuscany
Vineyards, woods, olive groves: These are the sweet hills of the Chianti region that can be admired from the large terrace of our restaurant. La Cantinetta is located in Rignana, in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, between Panzano and Mercatale Val di Pesa,in an area that still fascinates because nature and man live there together in harmony. The first settlements of the town date back to the 10th century, when the Fattoria di Rignana (Rignana Farm) is mentioned in several documents as one of the castles that made up the Lega di Val di Greve (Val di Greve League). At La Cantinetta time seems to have stopped: created in an ancient construction that was formerly used as an oil mill, the restaurant preserves its ages-old appeal. Born from a skilful restoration which respected the original structure, every detail illustrates our dedication to offering you, every day, quality service and an environment to which it is a pleasure to return.
Montelupo Fiorentino
Osteria Livornese
Viale Umberti I, 2 - phone 0571 542611 - closed Monday
Good option in center of Montelupo Fiorentino, specialized in fish and seafood. Small outdoor patio over river, open in summer. Reasonable prices.
Cerbaia
La Tenda Rossa
Piazza del Monumento 9/14 - phone 055 826132 - closed all day Sunday, Monday lunch and during the month of August
Excellent high-end restaurant with one prestigious Michelin star. The comprehensive and sophisticated wine-list pairs perfectly with the food. A gourmet experience in the heart of Tuscany. Expensive.
Montefiridolfi
Trattoria Fonte de Medici
Via S. Maria A Macerata, 31 - phone 055 8244700 - 055 8244026 - closed Monday
Situated in the ancient hamlet of Fonte de’ Medici, this refined trattoria is part of an estate that includes an agriturismo/inn and vineyards belonging to the renowned Antinori family. On the vines surrounding the hamlet grow the Tignanello and Solaia grapes, producing two of the estate’s best-known Super Tuscan wines. The menu is a perfect mix of classic and innovative cuisine, presenting Tuscan flavors that pair well with the estate’s wines. Topped off with the stunning panorama surrounding you during the meal, this restaurant offers a truly memorable experience.
Tavarnelle Val di Pesa
Ristoro L'Antica Scuderia, via di Passignano 17, 50028 - Tavarnelle Val di Pesa - +39 055 80711623 - + 39 055 8071957 - Cell. + 39 335 8252669. Open every day from 12:30 to 14:30 am and from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. Closed on Tuesday.
Tuscany Typical cuisine. The excellence of Tuscan gastronomy. Menus change every six weeks and every menu centers on the best ingredients Tuscany has to offer. All the ingredients are seasoned by imagination and enhanced by innovative cooking techniques that keep the flavors intact. A harmonious menu – plus impeccable preparation and plating – are accompanied by wines list featuring the top Italian and French labels.
info@ristorolanticascuderia.com
Tavarnelle Val di Pesa
La Fattoria
Via del Cerro 11 - phone 055 8070000 - closed Tuesday
Great food served in a typical Tuscan countryside farmhouse setting, with a nice old-fashioned ambience.
Tavarnelle Val di Pesa
Osteria La Gramola
Via delle Fonti 1 - phone 055 8050321 - Closed Tuesday
Tavarnelle Val di Pesa
Osteria di Passignano
Via Passignano 33, Loc. Badia a Passignano - phone 055 8071278 - Closed Sunday
The Osteria di Passignano is set in another Antinori wine estate, this time surrounding the ancient Badia di Passignano abbey dating back to the 4th century and still inhabited by Vallambrosian monks. In the vineyards the Chianti Classico Reserve wine “Badia a Passignano” is produced and aged in the cellars under the monastery. At the osteria you can dine on updated versions of traditional fare, paired with excellent Antinori wine which you can also purchase in the fully-stocked wine shop/enoteca next door.
Tavarnelle Val di Pesa
Cortefreda
via roma 191. loc. Spoiano - phone 055 8073333 - closed monday
Excellent cuisine, made with fresh ingredients and well-priced for quality. Friendly service rounds out this attractive choice.
Tavarnelle Val di Pesa
Borgo antico
Strada della Pieve 1 - phone 055 807097 - mobile 348 3043184 - closed Wednesday
Located just outside Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, this restaurant provides the pleasing combination of superbly prepared dishes, warm and friendly service, and an appealing quality/price ratio all in a lovely country setting. When weather allows you can dine outdoors under the stars. Faithful local following. In autumn months during the olive harvest season, the charming owner offers olive oil tastings.
San Gimignano
Dorando
Vicolo dell'Oro 2 - phone 0577 941862 - closed Monday
This elegant restaurant, marked by stone walls and alabaster platters, is considered one of the finest restaurants in the medieval hill town of San Gimignano. The menu is based on ancient Tuscan cuisine, with a mix of Etruscan, Roman and medieval influences balanced with a modern palette.
San Gimignano
Le Terrazze
Piazza della Cisterna 24 - phone 0577 940328 - closed Tuesday. No lunch
The view is the main draw here - and it is truly stunning. The restaurant is located in a rooftop terrace atop a medieval tower in the main square of town, providing fantastic views of the countryside in every direction. Seasonal classics can be had during the year, with mushrooms and grilled meats highlighted next to handmade pastas.