My family and I are leaving next week for our first trip to Italy, and I'm so excited. We'll be in Venice for a week and in Tuscany (near Pienza) for another week. Planning for the trip has been so much easier thanks to the Slow Travel community and all their great advice.

Thanks!

Chuck

Buon viaggio Chuck,
This may help in Tuscany:

GOOD EATS IN TOSCANA---2008
I have never been called “ BOB THE FOODIE” , but here are some of the best places to eat in Tuscany based on feedback from many of my clients. Reservations are suggested for most!

$=inexpensive $$=moderate prices $$$= expensive

FLORENCE:
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco $$ Across the river & very good.
La Giostra $$$ Excellent, but you must book in advance

SIENA:
Osteria Le Logge $$ Great place for lunch and near Il Campo
Cane e Gato $$$ A fixed price & menu for a true feast—allow 4 hours

LUCCA:
Buca di San Antonio $$ Best in town and near San Michele
Il Giglio $$ In the piazza of the same name---favorite with locals

SAN GIMIGNANO:
Il Pino $$ Very good typical Tuscan fare
Le Vecchie Mura $ Good value for a tourist town

MONTALCINO:
Taverna Grappolo Blu $ Popular with locals as well.
Ristorante Poggio Antico $$ Excellent cuisine 5km south of town at winery location

MONTEPULCIANO:
La Grotta $$ Near San Biagio church & very good
Café Poliziano $ Great place for lunch on shopping street

PIENZA: Latte du Luna $$ Best choice in this charming village

BAGNO VIGNONI: Osteria del Leone $ Good lunch choice in this spa hamlet

MONTICCHIELLO: La Porta $ Charming place with outside terrace

SAN QUIRICO: Trattoria al Vecchio Forno $ Good food & fair value

CASTELLINA: Al Gallopapa $$ Creative & varied menu in Chianti

Thanks for the restaurant recommendations, Bob!

Buon viaggio Chuck and family. A first trip to Italy is a very special event; I hope yours is memorable (oh, how could it not be).

Cin cin ,

Chuck, have a wonderful time on this your first but guaranteed not to be your last trip to Bella Italy. Be prepared to find it nestled in your soul some place.

A couple notes about Bob's restaurants--which is an excellent list BTW--

Osteria del Leone was sold last year and I am not sure if past recommendations are valid. Aquacetta in Montepulciano is an absolutely fun place to find and loved by all.
Al Gallopapa is $$$$$$$$ since receiving a Michelin star.

Have fun and eat well!

Chuck, have a wonderful trip to two of my favorite places in all the world. Bob and Jane have given you some wonderful recommendations for eats. Remember to take some time to inhale that wonderful country.

Sharon J

Oh my, I agree with every single one of Bob's restaurant recommendations, except for one, I haven't been to. It is a GREAT list! Have a wonderful time. If you print out this list, you will eat very well!

First trip--that's wonderful!


This face matches the color of mine--we won't be going this year.

Have a wonderful time!!!

quote:

Osteria del Leone was sold last year and I am not sure if past recommendations are valid.

I ate at Osteria del Leone this May and thought it was excellent. In fact, it was my favorite meal during my 2.5 weeks in Umbria and Southern Tuscany. The food, wine, service and atmosphere (I loved the music) were all wonderful.