— old stones, food & wine —

Tuscany

must try

“Bistecca alla fiorentina”is a favorite of Tuscan home cooks and carnivores alike, the Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a T-bone steak from a local breed of cow, the Chianina cattle.

Be sure to try some “Tagliatelle al tartufo”. It’s a unique pasta dish you definitely don’t want to miss. Black truffles in the region are exquisite.

Pecorino Toscano, Italians might be known for their exceptional cheeses, but the Tuscan’s are specifically known for their impeccable Pecorino.

Castagnaccio, is a unique chestnut cake made just with chestnut flour and water, a poor sweet treat which comes from the mountains in Tuscany, where chestnut trees used to be the main resource.

Crostini con fegato , every celebratory meal in Tuscany is opened with chicken liver pâté crostini, know also as crostini neri or black crostini.

Brunello Di Montalcino tuscany is an abundant wine growing area, and Brunello di Montalcino reds are considered among the best. The wine is produced in the hill town Montalcino in the Val d’Orcia valley, where Sangiovese grapes have been cultivated since Etruscan times.

Cantucci and Vin Santo If you want to end your dinner with something sweet, follow the locals by asking for cantucci with vin santo. Cantucci are crunchy, twice-baked, oblong-shape cookies from Prato (about 11 miles west of Florence).

Eat

Here are some of the best and most charming restaurants in Tuscany:

La Bottega del Buon Caffè - located in Florence, this restaurant offers traditional Tuscan dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. The cozy atmosphere and beautiful view of the Arno River.

Osteria di Passignano - located in the Chianti region, this restaurant is situated in a medieval castle and offers a menu of refined Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant's wine list is also impressive, featuring some of the region's best wines.

La Leggenda dei Frati - located in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, this restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored 14th-century monastery. The menu features classic Tuscan dishes made with local ingredients and the views of the surrounding countryside are breathtaking.

La Tenda Rossa - located in the charming town of San Gimignano, this restaurant offers traditional Tuscan dishes in a cozy, rustic setting. The restaurant's terrace also offers stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Albergaccio di Castellina - located in the picturesque town of Castellina in Chianti, this restaurant is known for its delicious Tuscan cuisine and extensive wine list. The restaurant's rustic interior and outdoor seating area make it a charming spot for a meal.

Enoteca Pinchiorri - located in the heart of Florence, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant is one of the most luxurious and renowned dining establishments in Tuscany. The menu features exquisite Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist, and the wine list is extensive and impressive.

Il Palagio - situated within the Four Seasons Hotel in Florence, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers an elegant dining experience in a beautiful setting. The menu features Tuscan cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Osteria Francescana - located in Modena, about two hours from Tuscany, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant is consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world. The menu features innovative dishes that blend traditional Italian flavors with modern techniques.

La Bottega del Buon Caffè - as mentioned earlier, this Florence-based restaurant is not only charming but also offers fine dining experiences with exceptional service, a cozy ambiance, and gourmet cuisine.

Arnolfo - located in the historic center of Colle di Val d'Elsa, this Michelin-starred restaurant features a contemporary take on traditional Tuscan cuisine, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. The restaurant's elegant dining room and beautiful views make it a luxurious and romantic spot for a special occasion.

Tuscan Bistro

REST & REJUVENATE

Il Borro Toscana: A luxurious estate and resort located in the heart of Tuscany's countryside. The property features a historic village that has been restored to offer guests a unique and authentic experience. Guests can choose to stay in one of the estate's luxurious villas, suites, or farmhouses, which have been beautifully decorated and equipped with modern amenities. Il Borro Toscana is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills. The property has several restaurants, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a wine cellar where guests can enjoy tastings of the estate's own wines. Other amenities at Il Borro Toscana include a spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and various activities such as horseback riding, tennis, and golf. The property also has a working farm where guests can participate in cooking classes and learn about traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Borgo Santo Pietro: This boutique hotel is housed in a 13th-century villa and offers 20 elegantly decorated rooms and suites, a spa, a heated outdoor pool, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The property also features extensive gardens and a working farm, where guests can participate in cooking classes and wine tastings.

Castello di Casole - A Belmond Hotel: This 10th-century castle has been transformed into a luxurious hotel with 39 rooms and suites, a spa, an infinity pool, and several dining options. The property is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills, making it an ideal base for exploring the Tuscan countryside.

Il Salviatino: This luxurious 15th-century villa is nestled in the hills overlooking Florence and features stunning views of the city. The hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms and suites, a spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and several dining options.

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco: This stunning hotel is located in a beautifully restored 800-year-old estate and features luxurious accommodations, an award-winning spa, a fitness center, a pool, and several dining options. The hotel also has a private golf course and offers activities like cooking classes and wine tastings.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze: This elegant hotel is located in a restored 15th-century palace and features beautifully decorated rooms, an award-winning spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and several dining options. The hotel is located in the heart of Florence, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.

Villa Cora: This stunning hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century villa and features luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and several dining options. The hotel is located just a short distance from Florence's historic center and offers stunning views of the city.

Il Castelfalfi: This sprawling resort is located in the heart of Tuscany's countryside and features a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and apartments. The property also has several restaurants, a spa, an 18-hole golf course, and multiple pools.

Belmond Villa San Michele: This former Renaissance monastery has been converted into a 46-room hotel, featuring terraced gardens, a heated outdoor pool, and breathtaking views of Florence. The property also has a restaurant, a spa, and a private shuttle service to the city center.