tuscan foodie guideby Giulia Scarpaleggia

A personal insight on my Tuscany, off the beaten tracks. An absolutely incomplete and every day developing list of my

favorite restaurants, dreamland agriturismi and beloved producers.

Tuscany MINI GUIDES on my blog

One day in Florence, my city guideAntique market and where to eat a good panino in FlorenceThe Florentine street Food, panino al lampredottoMy favorite gelaterias in Florence and in the nearby townsA day trip to Greve in Chianti, FlorenceThe farmers’ market in Greve in Chianti

MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

CucinarcantandoA excellent fresh organic self-service restaurant with wi-fi and a relaxed atmosphere.—————Via Gracco del Secco 11, 53034 Colle di Val d’Elsa, SienaTel. +39 0577 922250www.cucinarcantando.com

Sbarbacipolla BiosteriaNatural low environmental impact cuisine – Tuscan recipes with organic, sustainable, seasonal and local ingredients. My favourite place ever.—————Piazza Bartolomeo Scala, 53034 Colle di Val d’Elsa (Siena)Tel. +39 0577 926701www.biosteria-sbarbacipolla.it

Bar dell’OrsoA crossroad bar under the Medioeval towers of Monteriggioni. Try the amazing selection of cold cuts and home-made vegetables in oil, do not miss porchetta—————Via Cassia Nord 23, 53035 Monteriggioni (Siena)Tel. +39 0577 305074www.bardellorso.com

Ristorante la SperanzaThe perfect stop for a Florentine beef rib steak and a large selection of grill meat. You’ll see the fireplace roaring as soon as you step into the restaurant.—————Località La speranza 53034, Colle di Val d’elsa (Siena)Tel. +39 0577 929696

Ristorante Pesce d’OroOn the shores of Chiusi Lake, at the Pesce d’Oro you can enjoy the typical gastronomy of the area, the tasty lake fish and the famous brustico, an historical recipe for a roast fish on lake reeds.—————Località Sbarchino 36, 53043 Chiusi (Siena)Tel. +39 0578 21403www.ristorantepescedoro.it

Ristorante la ParataPay a visit to this nice restaurant to taste some of the best pici of Valdorcia.—————Piazza del Moretto 40, 53027 Bagno Vignoni (Siena)Tel. +39 0577 887508

Bar-Ucci di VolpaiaIf riding you bike or motorbike or driving your car through Chianti, stop in this typical bar. Cold cuts and cheese are the best options in this bar, run by a DOCG chiantigiana.—————Piazza della Torre, 9Volpaia – Radda in Chianti (Siena)Tel. +39 0577 738042www.bar-ucci.it

Podere Il CasaleOrganic family run cheese farm set in the hills around Pienza. Book a visit, a cheese tasting or a lunch there, as you can not miss their unique pecorino di Pienza.—————Via Podere Il Casale 64, Pienza (Siena)Tel. +39 0578 755109www.podereilcasale.com

Il QuartinoCucina povera at its best not far from Florence.—————Piazza Spartaco Lavagnini, 12/1450019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze)Tel. +39 055 440659www.iquartino.it

Ditta ArtigianaleEverything about coffee!—————Via dei Neri 32/R, FirenzeTel. +39 055 274 1541www.dittaartigianale.it

Pescheria San PietroA fish restaurant as well as a cocktail bar; it’s a cozy and welcoming place, where you can eat, drink and chat.—————Via Alamanni 7/R, 50123 FirenzeTel. +39 055 2382749www.pescheriasanpietro.it

Mago BalducciCozy little bar where to have a lunch on the go or an aperitivo.—————Via Guglielmo Marconi 24, Firenze+39 339 602 2689

Trattoria SabatinoRustic traditional trattoria where you will find mostly locals. Simple inexpensive food, generous portions. —————Via Pisana 2R, 50143 FirenzeTel. +39 055 225955www.trattoriasabatino.it

Osteria Staccia BurattaTiny Tuscan osteria just outside Florence.—————Via di Pulicciano 22, 50012 Antella (Firenze)Tel. +39 055 621643

Antica Macelleria FalorniFamily butcher shop with the best meat of Chianti. You can also have a quick lunch here.—————Piazza Giacomo Matteotti 71, Greve in Chianti (Firenze)Tel. +39 055 853029www.falorni.it

© Tuscan Foodie Guide | Juls’ Kitchen by Giulia ScarpaleggiaLast update: January 2016

Il Vecchio MulinoHere you can taste the hearty food of Garfagnana.—————Via Vittorio Emanuele 12, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana (Lucca)Tel. +39 0583 62192www.vecchiomulino.info

Canuleia TrattoriaThe restaurant serves excellent local food with a fresh intake. Don’t miss the inner garden, ask to be seated there if the season is good.—————Via Canuleia 14, 55100 LuccaTel. +39 0583 467470www.canuleiatrattoria.it

MAS 500 - Pesca TurismoSpend a few hours on a boat fishing and enjoy fresh caught fish and authentic food. An unforgettable experience.—————Darsena Toscana - Piazzale Don Sirio Politi, Viareggio (Lucca)Moreno +39 346-0443889Enrico +39 347-1662627

La Pecora NeraElegant restaurant where you always feel welcomed. Renowned for the fish options.—————Via San Martino 18, 51016 Montecatini Terme (Pistoia)Tel. +39 0572 70331www.ercoliniesavi.it

Ristorante Il BucaniereIl Bucaniere has an essential architectural line, outstretched towards the sea. It is a unique place where the sunset becomes an unmatched sight. Fulvietto serves the freshest local fish.—————Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 57027 San Vincenzo (Livorno)Tel. +39 335 8001695www.ristoranteilbucaniere.com

Ristoro La SorgenteUp in the mountain in the Argentario peninsula. Honest food from Maremma, you eat outside underneath century old trees. Self-service, for families.—————Strada Provinciale Del Convento, Convento Padri Passionisti, 58019 Monte Argentario (Grosseto)Tel. +39 0564 818770www.ristorolasorgente.it

I PescatoriAnother laid-back self-service restaurant. Tables outside, fish from the lagoon, good prices and generous portions. —————Via Giacomo Leopardi 9, 58015 Orbetello (Grosseto) Tel. +39 0564 860611www.ristoranteipescatori.it

GELATERIE

Gelateria DondoliFamous as the world’s best gelateria, it is always extremely crowded. Go there after 6pm to enjoy the gelato and the town. Try one the best flavours. Rosemary baby. —————Piazza Cisterna, 4, 53037 San Gimignano SI, ItaliaTel. +39 0577 942244www.gelateriadipiazza.com

Gelateria BuekkeIn the neighborhood where I used to go to school as a child in Colle Val d’Elsa, the ice-cream is seasonal and creamy. Try pine nut. —————Via Fratelli Bandiera 81 - Località Gracciano, Colle di Val d’Elsa (Siena)Tel. +39 340 3546448www.gelateriabuekke.com

CarabèOne of my favorite gelaterias in Florence. Try pistachio gelato or its famous granita.—————Via Ricasoli 60/r, FirenzeTel. +39 055 289476www.gelateriacarabe.it

Gelateria RobertoIf you want to taste a fabulous Crema Buontalenti, this is the place to go.—————Via Giovan Filippo Mariti 3, FirenzeTel. +39 055 366994

Cremeria CorradiniProbably the best ice-cream I have ever tasted. Very crowded after dinner in Summer, you might have to wait for one hour or more. Unusual flavours, as Chianti or pine nuts and champagne.—————Corso della Libertà 45, Castiglione Della Pescaia (Grosseto)

Gelateria Le LoggeNatural ice-cream, interesting flavors. Unmissable. —————Corso Italia, Orbetello (Grosseto)

FUN

Bahia CaféA little beach at 30 minutes from Florence.—————Via Gastone Nencini, 50031 Barberino di Mugello (Firenze)Tel. 338 392 7974www.bahiacafe.com

© Tuscan Foodie Guide | Juls’ Kitchen by Giulia ScarpaleggiaLast update: January 2016

SLEEPING IN A DREAM

Agriturismo Il RigoA family run agriturismo in the heart of Val d'Orcia. You will feel immediately at home, cuddled by genuine home-made food and by a stunning landscape.—————Località Casabianca, San Quirico d’Orcia (Siena)Tel. +39 0577 897291www.agriturismoilrigo.com

Agriturismo La PetraiaAn enchanted place in the Chianti, excellence at km0. Do not miss the dinner made with the garden produce and the foraged herbs, served with passion by Susan.—————53017 Radda In Chianti (Siena)Tel. +39 0577 738582www.lapetraia.com

Fattoria Poggio AlloroAn organic agriturismo where you can find wine, meat, olive oil and cereals.—————Via S. Andrea, 2353037 San Gimignano (Siena)Tel. +39 0577 950153www.fattoriapoggioalloro.com

Agriturismo Il Caggio di SottoIn the heart of Tuscany, in a relaxing and homely atmosphere—————Loc. Il Caggio di Sotto, 26 - Lano, 53034 Colle di Val d'Elsa (SI) Tel. +39 0577 971255www.caggiodisotto.com

Valdirose B&BIrene turns a romantic dream into reality. Enjoy a B&B where you’ll feel at home from the very first moment, where the generous home made breakfasts are the perfect start of the day.—————Via Valdirose 35, 50055 Lastra a Signa FirenzeIrene Berni +39 335 8765094www.valdirose.com

Agriturismo SaudonLocal food, great view on Lunigiana.—————Via Madonna del Monte 7, 54026 Pozzo di Mulazzo (Massa Carrara)Tel. +39 0187 439679www.agriturismosaudon.it

Agriturismo Luna di QuarazzanaTranquil relaxed place with a homely atmosphere.—————Via Nardi 9, 54013 Fivizzano (Massa Carrara)Tel. +39 331 311 1202www.quarazzana.it

Agriturismo di là dall'acquaYou’ll reach the agriturismo just walking down an adventurous road along the river, or helped by the generous owner. A peaceful little place. Food is great! —————Via Ponte, 54013 Fivizzano (Massa Carrara)Tel. +39 348 772 2748www.agriturismodiladallacqua.it

MY LOVED PRODUCERS

Macelleria Capocasa LucianoThe best and tastiest local meet, my family butcher.—————Via Fratelli Bandiera, 9153034 Colle di Val d’Elsa (Siena)Tel. +39 0577 92918

Azienda Agricola CasamontiThe local Cinta senese, extra virgin olive oil and wine—————Località CasamontiCastellina in Chianti (Siena)Tel +39 0577740380www.cintasenese.comcintasenese.blogspot.it

Azienda Agricola La CarraiaThe best extra virgin olive oil, made with heart and passion—————Podere Carraia, 47Frazione Petroio53020 Trequanda (Siena)Tel. +39 0577 665208

Azienda SalchetoAn environmentally responsible winery—————Via di Villa Bianca, 1553045 Montepulciano (Siena)Tel +39 0578 799031www.salcheto.it

Podere PaugnanoFresh and aged pecorino cheese, with animal and vegetable rennet—————Podere Paugnano, 33Radicondoli (Siena)Tel. +39 0577 793027www.poderepaugnano.it

Birrificio San GimignanoThe San Gimignano brewery produces organic beers which gather in a bottle all the aromas, tastes and history of San Gimignano, Siena and Chianti.—————Via Sardegna 2, 53036 Poggibonsi (Siena)Tel. +39 334 910 4674www.birrificiosangimignano.it

Frantoio PrunetiFor over a century Azienda Agricola PRUNETI had been farming its own land in San Polo, in the heart of Chianti Classico.—————Via dell’Oliveto, 24 - 50022 San Polo in Chianti (Firenze)Tel.: +39 055 8555091www.pruneti.it

© Tuscan Foodie Guide | Juls’ Kitchen by Giulia ScarpaleggiaLast update: January 2016

MY LOVED PRODUCERS

PuscinaA young company, a specialized lab for production of wild flowers and antique flower varieties. They organize events, workshops and uniques experiences. Stop by to visit the farm, you’ll be conquered by its wild beauty.—————Podere Puscina 65, SS146, Montefollonico,Torrita di Siena (Siena)Tel. 320 6824352www.puscina.com

Savini TartufiThe truffle, a family passion.—————Piazza C. D’Ascanio – Località Montanelli53036 Forcoli (Pisa)Tel. +39 0587 628037www.savinitartufi.it

Buccellato TaddeucciThe first and most famous manufacturer of the Buccellato in Lucca.—————Piazza S. Michele 3455100 LuccaTel. +39 0583 494933www.taddeucci.com

© Tuscan Foodie Guide | Juls’ Kitchen by Giulia ScarpaleggiaLast update: January 2016

You can search these places on TripAdvisor and Yelp for a complete review.