Wine tasting while the kids make fresh pasta? In Tuscany?!! Ummmm, yes please!! This place was a…read moredream! An absolute dream! I didn't book a cooking class in advance because I had no idea on our last trip just when we would be in Tuscany, but I knew I HAD to get my kids one! Wasn't leaving without one. Luckily, I came across this place who snuck me in a private class for the same day, at the time of MY choosing! Amazing! (Especially in prime time tourist season!) Communication was a tad iffy at first, but the owner himself called me and spoke English well enough to explain everything to me....the €50 per person price and they even send me the coordinates to this, one of a few locations of Torciano on Whats App. We were greeted so warmly by all upon arrival. The kids were told to wash up and then they were suiting in aprons. They were regular sized but the staff folded them just so to fit. I was immediately handed a glass of rose' and thought to myself "yaaaaaaassss". The kiddos were brought back to a professional kitchen with a chef who spoke pretty fair English. She had the kiddos mixing the flour for their own dough for pasta, chopping herbs and peppers with huge knife that honestly had me a tad nervous, but I trusted her. They boiled and peeled tomatoes for their sauce and rolled out their dough. They cut it by hand and not in a pasta making machine, which I personally loved! I actually loved the in consist shape and size of their noodles! It gave the dish such a rustic organic feel. I was such a proud mama!!! They mixed cheeses and plated their tri pepper crostini and their bruschetta. Not without a taste first. They also mixed sugar with marscapone for their tiramisu! It was a different type of tiramisu than I've seen. It was simply placed in a bowl. No fancy layers, just uber thick, creamy cheese with a powdered cocoa top. Since the kids are vegetarians they nixed making the white wine pork chop dish, which is usually included in this class. The chef did however still show us how to make it from afar and replaced that entree with a hearty omelette instead when it can time to chow down. All the while I was given a sample of the most incredible balsamic I have EVER tasted as well as many different wines. This was even before my proper tasting! They made me feel like royalty! We were soon seated at a lovely table where my tasting official began with a super informative, friendly sommelier!! I didn't try a wine I didn't like! I wound up purchasing the rose' and the prosecco, which is usually too sweet for me. This was actually on the drier more subdue (in a good way) side! I also bought an incredible cab sauv/Merlot Tuscan blend and their Vernaccia, a delicious crisp white. I was actually gifted a bottle of their All You Need Is Love, which retails at €120! It was fascinating to not only learn the process for making each specific variety, but also to hear which regions in Italy each grape grows and the reasons for the locations such a temperature etc. They also served us the 4 course meal the kiddos made! Everything was outstanding and that pasta I'm still dreaming about. Thick tagliatelle cooked perfectly al dente. It was UNREAL!! Our super kind waiter suggested I tried some pepporcini oil to drizzle atop the simple pomodoro covered pasta. It made the dish even more delicious, if you can imagine! It was the perfect amount of heat and flare. I bought a bottle of this to take home also. He said it was fantastic just drizzled over grilled veggies. It is!! I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone!! I appreciated them treated my nature 7 &9 year olds like adults in the kitchen. The class wasn't "dulled" down for them and they learned a ton. Since we've been home they've had a desire to help in the kitchen even that much more than they did before. They know how to properly chop veggies and use real knives. We plan on hosting a big family dinner making exactly this menu and popping open a bottle or two of their incredible wine. Overall such a wonderful experience for both my children and myself! Come VERY hungry and make sure to leave some room in your luggage for all the wine and oils you'll want to purchase. (I actually ditched most of my large toiletries and my hair dryer in exchange for these wines ((covers eyes)).) They do ship charging only a flat rate but you must buy a case of each type of wine, at a 30% discount though! Once I enjoy MOST of these bottles, I'm certainly placing a international order! It all just fantastic!

From the owner: Vieni a gustare la cucina toscana a Bottega Torciano! Bottega Torciano si trova a Poggibonsi, a…read morepochi minuti da San Gimignano dove gustare ottima carne alla griglia, pasta fresca fatta da noi e i vini della nostra azienda. Fatevi coccolare dai nostri antipasti, con i migliori salumi e formaggi toscani. I primi piatti comprendono pasta al ragù tradizionale o di cinghiale, la classica ribollita e la pappa al pomodoro. Oltre al menù stagionale, fatevi consigliare i piatti del giorno dal personale di sala! Durante le stagioni del tartufo, potrete gustare ad esempio piatti a base del tartufo che raccogliamo nella nostra Tenuta. Potete scegliere se accompagnare il vostro pranzo o la vostra cena con un bicchiere di vino o con una bottiglia ad esempio di Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico o Vernaccia di San Gimignano, tutti di nostra produzione, che potrete anche acquistare al ristorante. Infine potrete deliziarvi con uno dei nostri dolci, sempre fatti da noi. Vi aspettiamo a Bottega Torciano!

We went on a recommendation from someone we met in Radicondoli. This restaurant is in top five that…read morewe have visited in Tuscany. Very quiet little street, low profile but first class ambiance inside. The service was very attentive and timely, great menu suggestions and always checking in at the right time! We loved this place! Now to the best part - the food was excellent! Amazing detail, a little different approach to traditional Tuscan foods but delicious. Also, the wine is excellent. Great wines at value prices. We highly recommend!!

The first time visiting, we just happened upon the little restaurant on our way passing through. It…read morewas so good, I remembered where it was and made certain to stop by years later. And the food was still par excellent. We took time to have coffee. A must as it is served in a Moka pot. For coffee nerds this is just the kiss of perfection. A really hearty Moka Pot Java boost after such a nice meal. Book mark it and thank me later. But be warned, the hours are very in keeping with the village life.

The service was amazing. For each wine they explained which grape it came from. All the meals were…read moremade fresh in house and came with truffle oil. BEST RESTARAUNT EVER

A winery in Tuscany under blue skies and warm sunshine. It's not just the stuff of dreams and…read moremovies. We experienced it at Sant' Appiano. First we received a tour of the wine cellar and then had what they call a "light lunch" and wine tasting. The lunch was anything but "light" but it was fabulous. It included an "appetizer" of meats including prosciutto and cheeses including Parmigiano Reggiano, a first course of the best Tagliolini Bolognese I've had that made jarred Ragu sauce look like red water compared to a sauce with depth, flavor, texture, and a meaty taste that seemed illegally good. In fact, it was better than the many Tagliolini Bolognese pasta dishes we tried in various restaurants in Italy. The next course in our "light lunch" was roasted Pork loin with creamy beans, followed by the best Tiramisu I've ever had. Sorry to keep using the word best, but it was creamy and satisfying in a way that I have not experienced previously with Tiramisu. Oh. I forgot. This was a wine tasting! It included six wines including chianti, as well as other varieties of red and white wine. including what are called Super Tuscans. Overall, it was an idyllic experience which we enjoyed immensely.

Best pasta we have had in over a week in Italy. Delicious. Service was ok, not excellent, but…read morebetter than many other places. They were short staffed and I felt they did a great job given the circumstances and how busy they were. My husband and I are vegan and they gave us spaghetti al pomodoro. It was truly outstanding. They also have great wines and I felt the price was great. Highly recommend.

I wanted to have a bite here because I liked the name of the restaurant. Good excuse as any. I…read moreusually opt for outdoor seating in Italy and this was no excuse. The restaurant is along one of the many narrow brick roads of the hill town and it's on an incline so the outdoor seating is a little tilty but adds to the ambiance. A bit of a splurge, this restaurant had prices on the high side of what we usually pay. Everything was nice, the food, the service, the wine. San Gimignano is so charming.

The chef at San Martino 26 could be cooking anywhere. I did not expect to find an elegant…read morerestaurant with such fine preparations on a side street in a hill town in Italy. What a happy surprise! The rustic dining room is overlaid with elegance as there are fine little touches in every detail. The food was superb, from the bread through dessert. Traditional foods are given a modern finesse. For example, the risotto was served with shrimp and lard. Lard? Really? I was told this is traditional. I couldn't imagine ordering something with lard, let alone eating it, so I ordered the risotto thinking I would pick out the lard. Silly me! There were a small number of small cubes on the risotto that were crisped and tasted like pork belly. So this is lard! Sometimes you just have to try something out of your comfort zone when you are in the right setting. I am glad I did! If you are traveling in Tuscany and visit San Gimignano, I highly recommend San Martino 26 for dinner--it is an elegant and delicious end to the day.

My husband, children and I enjoyed every bite of every siah we were presented! The service, the…read moreambiance amd the food were incredible! No wonder thisnplace was given a Michelin in 2020!! I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who doesnt mind spening their time and enjoying exquisite food!

This place was hands down the best part of my ef tour that was optional for a price to eat…read moreauthentic Italian food, see the vineyard and olives that that they are producing. The service was world class and the ambiance was amazing.

My husband and two other couples had lunch at Fattoria Poggio Alloro. Our tour guide, Luca…read morerecommended this place to me after I asked about a place to eat out in the country side with views and good food and wine. They had a Menu del giorno della fattoria, a menu of the day. It consisted of antipasti (bruschetta with perfectly ripe tomatoes and wonderful olive oil, and what I believe was farro with tomatoes and other vegetables), farm ham, salami, and local cheeses, a garden salad, pasta with a Chianina beef sauce, dessert (cantucci), coffee, water, wine, and vin santo. They brought out more bottles of red and white wine during our meal. We were honored to be introduced to the proprietor of the place. He's 90 years old and still working! Luca surprised my husband and me with a bottle of champagne to toast our 36th anniversary and a HUGE glass to have a sip and toast. What a treat! The grounds are beautiful with fantastic scenery all around, with rolling hill and vineyards, especially with San Gimignano in the distance. We sat outside under umbrellas and it was a beautiful day. Reservations are a must! The next time we are in the area, we'll be back for another great lunch.

What an INCREDIBLE experience. Not only was the food top-tier, but the atmosphere was stunning and…read morethe service was out of this world. Our servers Carolina, Andrea, Francesca, and Selvaggia were friendly, warm, and attentive and made sure that we were well taken care of our entire visit, offering suggestions on wine and checking in between courses to make sure we were happy. The chef even made accommodations for the pescatarian in our group, making sure her meal was every bit as well thought out and delicious as ours. 10/10 would recommend -- if we're ever in the Castellina In Chianti area again, we will definitely be back!

Tavola Di Guido is located within the Locanda Le Piazze hotel. The roads in the area can be a…read morelittle dark and scary at night (especially after a glass of super tuscan), so if staying at the hotel this is a wonderful and convenient option. Everything was so delicious that we ate here twice in a row. In fact, my husband also had the lamb shank twice in a row because of how amazing it was. Each meal starts off with a complimentary basket of bread and butter and some crackers and dip. The meal also ends with a complimentary platter of mini desserts. I tried the pappardelle with wild boar ragu and seared steak with arugula, parmesan and potatoes. Both of these dishes were absolutely standout -- especially the steak which was perfectly rare and juicy. The menu doesn't have too much pasta and mainly features various selections of meat and seafood. Despite this being a gourmet, michelin star (all the things) the portions are quite large. The prices are definitely a little bit high, but the quality of food and convenience really can't be beat. If you are staying at the hotel I strongly suggest making a reservation.

Absolutely delicious!! Love the model where you can select dishes you want for a fixed price…read more Service was fabulous and the building is transformed from an old mill. Very unique and romantic setting.

Loved this fabulous ristorante, when we were in Tuscany!! It is an AMAZING RESTAURANT!! The River…read moreruns through it, under it!!! The chef, his wife and the food!!

Food was delicious! Wine recommendation from the waiter was excellent! Ambiance was typical…read morefamiliar run Italian restaurant and just love that! Would definitely go back and might before we leave San G!

We came here onto mother-in-laws recommendation. She said they had the best gnocchi she has ever…read morehad. This being my wife's favorite, decided to make a special trip to San Gimignano just to try them out! We made reservations and I am glad we did because by 8pm, every table was full. The place is very small and dark, but they add a small LED light at each table giving just the right amount of light to read the menu. We reviewed the menu only to find that they no longer have gnocchi. She was disappointed at first, but absolutely loved her entree. We weren't vey hungry so no starters tonight, but they brought bread and some sort of potato fritter that had bits of octopus in it. I loved it, my wife stopped eating it when she found out about the octopus! She was fine before I told her. We order a nice bottle of Pinot Grigio and I went for the wild boar ragu while the wife tried I Fagottini Del Contadino, pasta stuffed with pears & pecorino cheese in a saffron and pecorino sauce. Spectacular! The pear had a little sweet and the pecorino a little salt and the sauce was velvety smooth and delicious! My ragu was very hearty with lots of pork. Simply delicious. They had crème brûlée, which is my wife favorite. We still had a little wine left, so she ordered that and I got the double chocolate cake with orange marmalade. We both enjoyed our deserts very much. While they didn't have gnocchi, we both thoroughly enjoyed our meal and will definitely come back the next time we are in town.

The best pizza in Tuscany…read more I came here on a summer night and it felt like a foreign film; Italian families dining amongst the rolling hills of Tuscany, toasting one another with wine and generally enjoying life in a way that's somehow so effortless in Italy when the weather is warm. My Florentine companions tried to keep the constituent ingredients of the lardo pizza from me, thinking that I might be turned off by cured strips of fatback. (Boy, were they wrong!) When I squeezed the secret out of them I was even more excited to eat this pizza (which you should not miss). One of the most magical nights I've spent in Italy was dinner at Palazzo Pretorio. Absolutely worth the short trip from the center of Florence!

This charming restaurant tucked into a side alley of one of Chianti's most picturesque villages,…read moreSan Donato in Poggio, has a wonderful terrace overlooking a gorgeous view of the Tuscan hills. The menu is by and large neopolitan, which is fine by me because I happen to love the food of the South and it's a welcome change from the local fare. This is the best - I repeat: The Best Pizza in the entire area, bar none. If pizza is your thing, this is your place when you are in Chianti! My only criticism here is the service. While Giovanni, the pizziaiuolo, is an artist and all 'round great guy, the waitresses are slow and about as disineterested as can be. Try and get one of them to even pretend she cares! If the owners could clamp down on them, they'd have a perfect spot here (and 5 stars from me!)