The best Italian food in Tuscany can be found, in my opinion, at Da Sandrino, in the mountains above Pescia near Lucca. Here, since 1863, the same family has prepared homemade country food such as papardelle alla lepre (pasta in wild rabbit sauce), roasted wild boar and sliced steak in mushroom sauce. The trattoria is located near Sorana, and of course serves the famous DOCG beans of Sorana - delicious!!
When you arrive, you will be graciously welcomed by Attilio Marsili, great, great grandson of the founder. If you look closely, you may catch a glimpse of Attilio's mother making fresh pasta in the kitchen. The service is friendly and knowledgeable. My cousin, who lives in nearby Montecatini, calls Da Sandrino "The kitchen of my grandparents" because of its old world recipes created to perfection.
Specials, which are not always available, include the absolute best gnocchi con tartuffo (gnocchi in truffle sauce), risotto con funghi (risotto with mushrooms) and fried mushrooms I have ever tasted.
The drive to this beautiful trattoria is as exciting as the food. You will take a winding, mountain road north of Pescia, past Pietrabuona. Follow the Pescia river and signs to Pietrabuona, then follow the signs to Da Sandrino. read more