Dark iron garden furniture, with light cushions, a lit lantern on top of the table and a garden in the background. Dark iron garden furniture, with light cushions, a lit lantern on top of the table and a garden in the background. Taste

Where To Eat in Tuscany

Tuscany Taste:

Dining in Italy needs little introduction, as the promise of culinary excellence in its centuries-old towns and buildings is inherent. For me, six restaurants in Tuscany stand out, each earning a well-deserved place on my list of top favourites.

1: Osteria Pastella

Classic white dish with pasta in cheese and oysters. A Lady's hands holding a fork and a knife over a wooden table.
Pasta dipped into a large melting cheese, over a rustic wooden table.

Osteria Pastella became a popular establishment due to the preparation of its tagliatelle, as it involves setting the cheese alight, immersing the tagliatelle within, and then plating it. The waiters move through the restaurant preparing the tagliatelle at each table, serving four or five dishes at a time. Since this is a busy venue, be sure to book in advance, and I strongly suggest booking the second sitting and arriving a little early.

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2: Saporium

Stone open house with traditional roof, wooden beams, iron lamps and wisteria on the columns. A table with a white cloth facing a fireplace.
White dishes with well plated, small portioned food. A glass of white wine on a whit tablecloth in front of a green bush.
Restaurant setting at night. Round table with white linens, under arches, in front of a dark Tuscan countryside landscape and a woman in a dark dress.

Located in the whimsical scenery of Borgo Santo Pietro is Saporium. Overlooking the valley covered in vineyards from afar, the restaurant offers the most picturesque and romantic scene. Sitting on the terrace and witnessing the sunset beneath its archways covered in ivy is the perfect way to welcome the evening, while the finest local produce is exquisitely prepared and flawlessly served in a true Farm-to-Table Green Michelin restaurant experience.

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3: Gallo Nero

Exposed brick walls, with a glass table under several glasses and white napkins, in front of a vintage wooden cabinet.
Multiple white dishes with main courses and entrees, over a dark rounded wooden table over a black background.

Located in the historic centre of Siena, under the vaulted ceilings on the ground floor of a 13th-century building, the Historic Mansion Casatorre dei Leoni, Gallo Nero brings together a warm team and genuine flavours in a seasonal menu crafted with ingredients sourced from small-scale local producers. It is the perfect location for a beautiful lunch or dinner while in Siena.

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4: Il Giglio

Green powder over a white rounded paste, inside an oval deep bowl, on a dark brown surface.
Bright yellow restaurant facade, with white sunshades, white linen tables and black ornamented chairs. Dark green shutters.
White tablecloths over several tables with black ornamented chairs, next to bright orange wall and a stone fireplace.

Well within the historic centre of Lucca, in an 18th-century palace, Il Giglio gathers inspiration from traditional Italian courses, adding on to them a slight modern touch. The outdoor setting offers the opportunity to witness the views of the Piazza and Teatro del Giglio right in front.

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5: Il Palagio at Four Seasons

Outdoor restaurant setting with a large black table, with white linens and chairs, next to a wide oak tree and a garden in the back.
Magenta slice white aromatic herbs on top, a cream sauce and a magenta base on a white dish.

Housed on the ground floor of the historic Palazzo della Gherardesca, the Michelin-starred menus, crafted by Chef Paolo Lavezzi, offer a reinterpretation of classic Firenze cuisine. Whether dining à la carte or selecting from the tasting menus, each course is a celebration of flavour and elegance, perfectly complemented by the cellar of distinguished Italian wines.

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6: Trattoria Zà Zà

Restaurant interior setting, with bright red walls and sofas, white linens, glasses and a bottle of wine. Blue rims over the doors and an old golden painting.
Four different dishes, with Italian food on them, white linens and red and dark wooden chairs.
Restaurant interior setting, with bright red walls and sofas, white linens, glasses and a bottle of wine. Blue rims over the doors and old golden paintings and mirrors.

Located in Florence's Central Market of San Lorenzo, Trattoria Zà Zà has been a beloved presence for the past 50 years. Established in 1977 by Stefano Bondi, it remains a small inn, continuing a tradition that began in the early 19th century. Grounded in Florence's culinary heritage, Trattoria Zà Zà is a true testament to the art of simply exceptional Italian cooking.

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Tuscany Taste:

restaurants

  • Osteria Pastella

    Pasta dipped into a large melting cheese, over a rustic wooden table.
    Discover

  • Saporium

    Restaurant setting at night. Round table with white linens, under arches, in front of a dark Tuscan countryside landscape and a woman in a dark dress.
    Explore

  • Gallo Nero

    Exposed brick walls, with a glass table under several glasses and white napkins, in front of a vintage wooden cabinet.
    See More

  • Il Giglio

    Bright yellow restaurant facade, with white sunshades, white linen tables and black ornamented chairs. Dark green shutters.
    Find out more

  • Il Palagio

    Outdoor restaurant setting with a large black table, with white linens and chairs, next to a wide oak tree and a garden in the back.
    Discover

  • Trattoria Zà Zà

    Restaurant interior setting, with bright red walls and sofas, white linens, glasses and a bottle of wine. Blue rims over the doors and an old golden painting.
    Explore

Discover the Guide

A Guide to Tuscany - the cover page, by Simply Slow Traveler

Discover my favourite restaurants in Tuscany, where every meal is steeped in tradition and distinguished by its Italian charm. From trattorias in medieval piazzas, to timeless dining rooms facing the luscious Tuscan hills.

Explore these and many others in my Tuscany Digital Travel Guide.

See Full Details

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