I will start on a positive note. The food was AMAZING, we had the Gorgonzola pear gnocchi and it…read morewas the best I have ever tasted BUT be prepared to WAIT. The restaurant seemed only to be at about 50% capacity but after we sat down it took 30 minutes before our order was taken. We received water in that time but no bread or any kind of apertivo. After we ordered it was another 45 minutes until the food came out so by that time we were ravenous. I think we scarfed down our food in a record 7 minutes due to being so hungry. Immediately following we asked for the bill but it was another 30 minute wait before we finally were able to pay and leave. Whole process took about 2 hours

OMG! The absolute best Italian food of my life. Leo is a gem of the city. A MUST visit restaurant…read more Yummy!!! I came in with a party 18 and there wasn't one dish that didn't put a smile on our face. I can't wait to go back for more!

We stumbled on Le Contrade totally by accident and I cannot be happier to find it. It's deep in the…read moreTuscan countryside and the food is divine! We had pastas and appetizers that made me think this place should have a few Michelin stars for sure. The chef is an amazing person and the staff is nice. This will go down as one of my favorite restaurants ever! Love it!! Go here ASAP!

This was a trip highlight for me. Every detail of this place, the food, atmosphere, setting and…read moreart was a delight. Andrea the owner is your waiter and his voice draws you in with anticipation. My hubs and i will travel far and wide to find a perfect bite and this place did not disappoint. Every bit was scrumptious- i ate 2 specials .... homemade burrata w basil and a roasted chicken turned in terrine triangles. Best bites for many meals in my book. Cheers! Don't miss this one. Pizza downstairs if you want more simple.

Was in Florence for a day trip and found this wonderful restaurant. We were met by Nicolo at the…read moredoor and made our experience memorable. The entire staff made us feel like home. Food and wine was excellent.! Would like to thank Mauricio as well. Thank you.

In a town of Bistecca alla fiorentina, this restaurant was recommended to us and it delivered…read more The gnocchi was a fantastic way to start our meal. Creamy and spicy, only if you mix in the hot parts. They come to table and weigh the meat in front of you so you know what you're paying for. It is cooked rare or medium rare. This is NOT like steakhouses in NYC. In its own category. It was presented with melting bone marrow, sea salt and cut off the bone. Extremely flavorful and tender. My only issue is that the fat doesn't render and there was silverskin in some pieces making it inedible, plus you've paid for this by weight. Great attentive service by Nick

So behind on my reviews...having to much fun and phone service was out for a few days…read more Dining at La Taverna di San Giuseppe is was one of the coolest dining experiences ever. Our server told us that this previously a cave. How often do you get to dine in a cave? The inside of the restaurant is of this stone like space. We were immediately captivated. While it does not currently have a Michelin rating, we were told it previously had a Micheline rating. The atmosphere is that of a cave...cool, a little damp, and intimate. San Guiseppe has wine cellar, according to staff, date back. We felt totally and complete immersed in history and that was only the building. centuries of Sienese life. The cuisine honors Tuscan tradition while elevating it through precision and care. Each dish showcases excellent ingredients and confident execution, embracing regional flavors rather than reinventing them. San Guissppe feature traditional dishes such as handmade pasta, rich sauces, and tenders meats showcasing distinct flavors with bold seasoning. We order lasaguna and cheese salad...absolutely superb! Our servers were superior...waiting on you hand and foot. You did not ask for anything as it was already there. Our server, Marco, was kind, humorous and knowledgeable. Since it was our first time to the restaurant he was super patient and informative regarding menu items. La Taverna di San Giuseppe has s long-term Michelin recognition for a reason...superior food and excellent service in a very unique space. We savored every bite and sip we consumed in San Giuseppe. When we are in Tuscany again, we will make a beeline for this restaurant.

Taverna di San Giuseppe was a disappointing meal for us, especially in a city with so many great…read moredining options. We ended up here by mistake (confused it with another spot), and unfortunately it didn't live up to expectations. The restaurant fills up with reservations for two seatings, and from the moment we sat down the pace felt rushed. We ordered drinks and a starter while deciding on the rest, but multiple staff members kept coming by trying to take our full order. It felt like they were pushing to move things along quickly. There were a couple positives. The chicken livers to start were quite tasty and something we didn't see often on other menus. The primi were underwhelming. The pasta didn't taste fresh like many other trattorias in Siena, and the dishes overall were just average. The lasagna in particular was mushy, and the sauces didn't stand out. The secondi were slightly better -- pork ribs, Barolo-braised beef, and a "small chicken" -- but still nothing that justified the higher prices. They do have an underground wine cellar built into a cave, which is interesting to see, but there are other places in Siena with much larger and more impressive cellar spaces. Also worth noting, they add a "10% tax" charge rather than the typical €2 coperto per person. Overall, a rushed and fairly mediocre meal at a higher price point. With so many better places to eat in Siena, this is one I'd skip.

friendlist service we have had in italy so far. both pastas…read morehad great noodle texture papperdelle with duck ragu was good, usually dont love duck but this sauce was nice pacherri with zucchini flowers and saffron was unique. light flavor.

Hole in the wall place with a ton of charm! You 100% need a res to be seated, they had to turn down…read morewalk-ins. The zucchini salad was underwhelming but my pasta with saffron and zucchini flowers was actually to die for. I kept saying "wow". Lamb chops were pretty good, a bit too fatty for my liking but the few and far between non-fatty parts were fantastic.

Had an amazing experience at the restaurant. Came as a walk in on a Saturday night and was promptly…read moresat. It was busy but they def fill seats. The ambiance is cute and quaint. It's almost like the restaurant is positioned in a cave but it feels homey. Ample light to make it feel intimate and comfortable. The services was good and the wine and food were outta this world. All recommendations were great but would suggest the wild boar ragu and t bone steak. Would def be back when visiting Florence and highly recommend to others visiting.

Wow, what a special place…read more Set inside a 14th-century tower near the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, this restaurant delivers an unforgettable dining experience from the moment you walk in. The atmosphere alone is worth a visit, but the food is what truly makes it exceptional. We ordered the ravioli, pappardelle with wild boar ragù, the Florentine steak, a mixed salad, affogato, and fresh strawberries with mascarpone cream. To drink, we shared a small carafe of red wine and a Pinot Grigio. Everything was spectacular. The Florentine steak was easily the best--and largest--I have ever had. Perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful, and remarkably tender, it was the highlight of an already outstanding meal. The pappardelle with boar ragù was rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying, while the ravioli was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. Every dish felt authentic, carefully executed, and memorable. The wine was another pleasant surprise. Both selections were excellent and very reasonably priced, making the meal feel like an even better value. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and incredibly helpful. He patiently answered questions, explained the menu, and guided us toward some fantastic choices. Although we thought we were too full for dessert, we're very glad we changed our minds. The affogato was fantastic, and the strawberries with mascarpone cream were absolutely delicious. One of the highlights of the evening was watching our four-year-old happily clutching two spoons and enthusiastically scooping fresh strawberries and mascarpone into his mouth. It was one of those memorable family travel moments that you don't forget. A terrific meal, a unique historic setting, excellent service, and a wonderful atmosphere. This was one of our favorite dining experiences in Florence, and I highly recommend it.

Food is fabulous, centrally located in Siena Italy. Very reasonable and with several vegetarian…read moreoptions.

Outstanding food and service. Friendly staff. I highly recommend! Make reservationsread more

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!

The food was subpar and the service was horrible. This place is not for tourists. It's a nice place…read morein a great location, but they don't appreciate tourists. There was an obvious favoritism shown to the locals as there was only one couple in the restaurant when we came in and every other table that came in after us was served, ate, drank espressos, and left BEFORE we ever had our food.

We didn't really think we were gonna have such a wonderful meal at this modest, homey, family run…read morerestaurant. What started out as a late lunch while discovering the hillside town of Peccioli. We had ducked in to pick a few pastries from the shining cold-case, and saw that there we tables open, so we said..."Wanna...?" We were so impressed with the food, the savory waffle, the steak tartar, the cheesecake and pastries. The atmosphere and loving family service made us feel like we were locals who had stopped into our regular place. We finished with a rich cup of coffee and Ferretti's famous Biscotti. Those biscotti are sooooo delicious that we had to buy a couple of containers of them for the road.... they traveled with us throughout Italy and we hoarded them for morning coffee each day. Our waiters were the sons of the owners, and they were so charming. They shared with us some of their own travels, especially in the U.S. (our home). Our advice; roam the farmers' market in the town square and, right there, stop into Pasticceria Ferretti. They even have a nice sidewalk seating area in that pedestrian only area. P.S. The town has a great parking garage with a famous modern-art foot bridge.... memorable, photogenic!

If you are looking for a Tuscan holiday in blissful surroundings, a pool to relax by if it's too…read morehot or a hot tub just to enjoy, this ticks every box. If you enjoy country living with beautiful scenery this is a must.

My wife and I have just returned home from our second holiday at Villa Centopino - we had a…read morefortnight there both last year and this. What can I say? Overall it's probably the most relaxing, enjoyable and restful place I've ever been to on holiday. The setting is stunning, surrounded as it is by breathtaking views of the Tuscan hills - all the more enjoyable for watching tremendous thunderstorms traversing the countryside on the other side of the valley from the comfort of Centopino's patio - while we didn't get a drop of rain. The villa is very comfortable with everything you'll need to make your stay as convenient and restful as possible - and you must experience at least one sunset from the hot-tub - it's beautiful. If you want to start the day with something to get the heart pumping, simply jump in the pool - you'll instantly know what I mean. It has to be acknowledged that the villa is fairly remote and a car is probably a must. That said, for days when you really don't want to drive anywhere, there are some beautiful walks to be had from the villa - not least around the villa's own garden, olive grove and surrounding fields. When you fancy a drive then Volterra, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence, Pisa - the whole of Tuscany is within reach and even places like Montepulciano are do-able. It used to be the case that if you wanted to eat out in the evening then you had to drive over to somewhere like Radicondoli (to La Pergola - superb) or elsewhere for dinner. Not any more. The newly opened Diavolo Rosso, run by Stefano and his charming wife, is fantastic. Their hospitality is exceeded only by the quality of the food - their peppered steak is mouthwateringly tender and full of flavour and their Cinta Senese is Tuscany on a plate. And it's literally 2 minutes from the villa down the road towards Castelnuovo. Stefano regularly has friends dropping in for dinner - get into a conversation with them over a glass or two of the local vino (and maybe, as we were lucky enough to, meet the guy who actually produces it), share their locally produced cheeses and meats, and the evening just evaporates in a way that typifies the appeal of Italian hospitality and 'la dolce vita' that keeps us going back time and again. But the real jewel in the crown of Centopino is undoubtedly the owners, Gina and Franco. It's difficult to overstate the warmth of the welcome they give you. The fridge full of basics on arrival, the almost daily gifts of wine, eggs, cakes (baked by Gina - will you marry me?) etc. Nothing is too much trouble for them because, quite simply, they care passionately about where they live and they want to share everything about it with their guests. (And if, as we did this year, you have any little difficulties - in our case dental problems - they're a God-send with their local knowledge and contacts.) I could go on - but you've probably got the gist by now. Will we go back? Does il papa have a balcony?