We were kicking around Volterra in No Man's Land: the time of day when nearly every restaurant is closed. The hunger grew beyond measure. We needed food and I had heard great things about da Bado.
Finding it is a bit tricky. It's not within the walls of the city. As you're leaving Volterra, look for the hospital signs. Da Bado is on your left, just past the turn for the hospital. (The intersection of Borgo San Lazzero and Via Luigi Scabia.)
We were the first to arrive at the restaurant. By the time we left, every table was packed with someone speaking Italian. When you're the only English speakers in a restaurant, you've picked a winner.
Since we hadn't really eaten all day, I ordered the bistecca alla fiorentina. The waiter warned me it was massive, but I explained that I was ravenous and I was an overweight American. I could handle whatever steak he threw at me. When the steak arrived, it was quite good. I added some salt and pepper to boost the taste, but I enjoyed it.
The real winner was the potatoes. They had a perfectly thin, crispy outer layer and soft, pillowy, potatoey goodness on the inside. You must get them.
Our server was kind. The wine was amazing. The atmosphere was great. And, again, you can't underestimate how authentic the food is when you're surrounded by a hundred people speaking only Italian to one another.
Bravo, da Bado!
And as a bonus tip, you may be wondering how the bathroom sink works. Like some public restrooms in Italy, the controls are on the floor. Step on the pedal to get the water flowing. read more