We had our dinner here on the first night when we stayed at La casa di Adelina, Monticchiello. It…read morewas a public holiday. La Porta and La Guardiola were packed with locals and tourists. We preferred a little peace so we picked di Moranda. It is located a little bit further from La Porta. There were no outdoor tables and inside the restaurant which is built from stones centuries old, atmosphere was very cool. We really didn't know what to expect as there were only two tables occupied by two couples and the entire restaurant served by only the chef (husband) and wife. We were served by the lady owner who spoke English and her service was quite pleasant although not top notch compared to the others. We ordered lamb rack and some sort of local pasta from today's menu. We wanted to share as we were two ladies who don't eat a lot. She was kind to separate the servings of each one into two plates. The lamb rack had no sauce and was displayed very simply. But you could see the texture and and the colour of the meat perfectly cooked. It was so spectacular in taste that you felt all the fresh herbs flavours in your mouth. We never had such an experience with lamb rack before. The pasta was also melting in our mouth with all its fillings. We regretted being too full and not being able to try their chocolate dessert. Our next table's couple were joking and tempted us with theirs. It was their second visit and told us the dessert was to die for. All in all, it was our most splendid dinner during our stay in Tuscany.

This is one of the three best restaurants we have ever visited. The others are in Lucca and New…read moreYork City. A great experience.

Incredibly delicious food, and beautiful location. However, this place has gotten incredibly…read morepopular and that means you really need reservations. I did see several patrons being turned away, even though they asked to wait for a table. They were told none would be available even though several tables did become available in 30-40 minutes time. There were 2 servers and they seemed overwhelmed. They did not really check in between courses and I had to flag them down many times to be served. The service was pleasant but they seemed frazzled and our party felt neglected. Food and view/location are 5 star, service was 2.5 stars.

FYI, the name of this restaurant is now Ristorante Daria, named after the local entrepreneur Daria…read moreCapelli who helped put this lovely old walled hill town (back) on the map. Sadly, Daria passed away this past month, way too young. But she's left a great legacy. Ristorante Daria occupies a cozy but luxurious spot inside the old city walls. Two main dining areas, linked by a walk-through wine cellar. Tastefully decorated, and making for a lovely lovely experience. The food at Daria is best described as "upscale Tuscan": traditional dishes that have been updated in interesting ways, and well-executed. There are some who would say that Tuscan cuisine is best unadulterated (I would usually be one of those, I admit) but if it's done in harmony with the original dish and doesn't just add gratuitous frou-frou, it can be a real treat. Daria's dishes are somewhere in the middle. Some dishes were really nice; others didn't quite take flight. (We had some of each.) They have a great winelist. The wait staff is incredibly professional and knowledgable, although a bit smug and over-polished. They also, somewhat annoyingly, seemed very keen on getting our entire order in before we'd had a chance to really decide, and then brought "il conto" while we were eating our primi! It is unusual in Italy to feel like a higher-end restaurant is focusing on table-turns, so this was a bit off-putting. So....all in all, we end up being less entranced than we wanted or expected to be. However, they have all the makings of a really great experience if you're hankering after an upscale dinner in a lovely little hill town; perhaps our experience was just a one-off. The place gets busy, so reservations a must.

La Porta (as the name implies) is right in the main gate of the old castle walls surrounding…read moreMontichiello. It has both indoor seating and (weather permitting) outdoor terrace seating with killer views looking towards Pienza and over the Val D'Orcia. This is one of several noteworthy restaurants in town that have put Monticchiello (back) on the map as an "it" place. The cuisine is anchored in traditional Tuscan dishes, but upscale and prepared with panache and creativity. Our dishes were quite good, expertly-executed, although just a bit pricey. They have a great winelist, (predictably) rooted in all the great local wine districts, but also focusing on both Val D'Orcia wines and other areas of Italy. Service is very attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. It's become (justifiably) quite popular so reservations are likely a must, especially if the weather isn't great and the only available seating is indoors. We enjoyed our meal there, without being absolutely amazed or entranced. I think we're also very glad people are flocking to Montichiello again. I'd certainly take a look at this place if you're staying nearby. And...if the weather gods favor you, by all means get an outside table for the view!

Ordinary food. So-so service. Fantastic sunset view if one is lucky enough to have one of the three…read moreterrace edge tables. There is a small park right in front of the terrace where one can enjoy the view without dining at the restaurant. FOOD: 3.0. Ordinary. One diner described the taste as pre-made and then warmed up. Later when our agriturismo host heard that we dined here, he frowned and said "micro-waved" food. - Risotto orzo: 2.5 - Gnocchetti di patate: 3.0 - Guancia di manzo: 3.0 SERVICE: 3.0. One server was very considerate and worked hard to provide a good experience. When we entered the restaurant he had us wait while he cleared an edge terrace table that had just been vacated. The other two servers were indifferent. That balances out to 3 stars. AMBIANCE: - for those without an edge terrace table: 3.0 - for those lucky few who have an edge terrace table: 4.5

Such a lovely hidden find in the quaint hill town of Siena! We had a little trouble locating it in…read morethe alley on a rainy day, but the interior had a cute interior and covered patio, where we sat. After a few spritzes (15 euro each), we split an osso buco raviolo with seared fois gras and truffle flakes which was delicious and filling. We were hunkering for something other than pasta, pizza or steak, so had the delicious hamburger with pecorino cheese, served perfectly rare (20). It came with nice French fries and hit the spot. We were seated next to the owner, a pleasant New Yorker with the cutest dachound Julietta. The restaurant is a bit more expensive than the trattorias but well worth it.

Everyone will tell you to order the burger here, and they're absolutely right. Surprisingly, the…read morebest burger I've ever eaten was the Bandita Burger at this Pienza restaurant. While the beef patty itself is exceptional, what elevates this dish is the generous layer of melted pecorino cheese on top. The truffle butter pasta is equally outstanding. The pasta tastes unmistakably fresh and handmade, with rich truffle butter coating every strand perfectly. Together, these two dishes easily satisfy two diners, especially since the burger comes with a side of fries. La Bandita Townhouse is a must-visit when in Pienza. Just remember to make a reservation in advance, particularly for dinner service.

I hate to give away my great restaurant finding, but this place is a must go if you are in Pienza…read more You definitely need a reservation. Service and food were wonderful.

This little restaurant is a gem! They have both an upstairs and downstairs section. The food was…read moredelivered quickly and everyone was very attentive. For antipasti we ordered the cheese with the radicchio , walnuts, and apples. This was really yummy. For our primi we ordered the local pasta with tomato and garlic. For secondi we ordered the grilled lamb and the rabbit. Both were good but the rabbit was definitely different and what I'd order again. Of course we ordered the house wine, which I recommend.

We arrived in Montepulciano mid week in November. This was the only restaurant open near our…read morehotel. We didn't expect much... Instead, what we found with this restaurant was one of the best dinning experiences I've ever had. The food was wonderful, and the owners were so friendly. We also learned much about wine from them. Among our dishes were lamb chops, beef cheek, and beef and pork tagliata. The meat was so tender. We also had their fondue as an appetizer, and a first dish of pasta ragu. Both were fantastic. They had a huge selection of local Montepulciano and Montecino wines and knew what to recommend and helped us properly taste them. We laughed with them and left both full and in the happiest of moods! We wish them success and we hope to return when we next come back to Italy!

The staff are so friendly, quick to smile and laugh. Very attentive working as a team. Beautiful…read moreview from every angle. Would you believe the food tastes better than it looks?

Great service. Right next to our hotel. TheAperol Spritz to start. My husband had the grilled…read moresteak cooked to perfection. I had pici cacciò e peppe. I would have eaten it all but it was so rich. The peppers are amazing. Not like those in the South at all. Great service and prices too. We recommend it as a must.

I was on a bus tour of Tuscany with my family and this was a place suggested by the tour guide…read more Turned out to be one of the best meals, possibly the best meal while in Italy. We started with the bruschetta assortment (mista) which was almost a meal unto itself. Every piece was amazing. From the simple (olive oil) to the heavier (pate'). Hard to describe, but every piece was just packed with flavor. Sister ordered the Florentine bisteka. It was well seasoned and tender, but lacked the sear and smokiness of some other places. But also a good deal at 18? euro. Mom ordered the braised wild boar. The meat was super tender and flavorful. It was a bit salty and would have gone great with a starch of some sort which we didn't order. I had the chicken stewed in tomatoes (cacchiatore). Probably the best version I've had of this dish. I would normally say, I'll be back but probably won't get the chance to. But it is a meal that I'll remember forever.

This restaurant should really get 10 stars for its food. My mom and I had a lunch reservation when…read morewe first arrived in Montepulciano and we got the Pici all'Aglione della Valdichiana which was phenomenal. It was actually so good that we inquired about a reservation for dinner the next day! And again we got the same exact thing. I was too full to finish mine so we took it back to the hotel and I ate it at 10:40 pm cold and it was still amazing! Everyone was so friendly and it was such a great find. I cannot recommend enough!

The service and food was outstanding! They even asked me if I wanted the restaurant's Wi-Fi while I…read morewaited!

Pienza is known for its local pecorino cheese, but Trattoria La Bucca delle Fate is known for its…read moretraditional Tuscan dishes! Every year we travel to Tuscany, a trip to Pienze for lunch at La Bucca delle Fate is a must! My go to is Tagliatelle Al Tartufo or Pici Al Tartufo, delicious and reasonably priced!

Truly the pici of dreams!!! I don't think it's possible to order something and have it not be…read moredelicious here, but if you aren't eating pici in Tuscany, you're missing out. The place was crowded but that is to be expected at such a tasty spot in a small town. We sat a communal table where we were able to meet other travelers in addition to friendly local Italians. The biggest surprise here is the bathroom...take a peek before you leave!

For 10 years whenever we passed through Tuscany we made certain to have at least one meal at…read moreMassimo and Francois's old restaurant in Monticchiello. It was always the most delicious of our trip, and they were an important part of our beginning love affair with Italy. We lost track of them when they began a new restaurant, but by luck found them again, this time in Sant' Albino, just south of Montepulciano. We've eaten there twice this week. The restaurant is warm and welcoming inside, and the food is as perfectly delicious as ever. This is not a place to breeze through, because everything is made fresh for you, and the owners pride themselves in making only the best. Massimo makes the savory foods, and Francois the desserts. We consider them the best chefs to cook for us in our 18 trips to Italy. If you get to experience their artistry, you're a very lucky person.

I came a long way to eat here, at a time that they are publicly listed to be open. And they are…read moreclosed. So unprofessional.