The best restaurants Toscane

Close to Dante's house, one of the few addresses in Florence where you can find excellent Tuscan cuisine at really affordable prices. This small friendly osteria has some nice surprises in store for those who will be lucky enough to have a table - arrive early! The cuisine is simple, classic, local and really delicious, don't miss the ribollita (Tuscan soup), the tasty lampredotto bollito (for gut lovers), or the creamy tiramisu! The welcome of the ladies who officiate in the kitchen and in the room is very warm.

A pleasant restaurant with attentive service, excellent cuisine and a pleasant setting, located next to the church. The house is best known for its primi piatti. The list is long: lasagna, spaghetti ai frutti di mare, tortelli alla panna, gnocchi al pesto... Those who like pasta, cacciucco and seafood will be delighted. A small selection of meat dishes is also available à la carte. Not to mention the tasty pizzas baked on a wood fire! Vincenzo, in charge since 1983, knows how to renew himself and is enjoying a deserved success.

A corner of paradise, far from the tourist chaos, although located in the heart of the city. Brac is first of all a bookshop dedicated to contemporary arts, but also a table. Its imaginative chef is specialized in vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Relaxed atmosphere and good music. Sunday brunch is delicious (coffee, cappuccino, fresh fruit juice, pancakes, scrambled eggs...). Brac, born in 2009, seduces with its "library with kitchen" formula, and has established itself as a reference for all lovers of cuisine and contemporary art.

Holy Gianni! Extra fresh seafood, cooked with simplicity, to which are added specialities from the Apulia region, such as the famous orecchiette. This family restaurant, which has been in operation for over forty years, offers a homemade guarantee in a simple, relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The location is central but quiet, just next to the port of Portoferraio. It is better to book, especially in the evening in season.

Original address that is different from the traditional trattorie, more oriented towards modern design despite its historical architecture. It is located in an ancient district of Pisa, the heart of the city's entertainment. It is a place well known to the Pisans and recommended for spending a pleasant evening tasting the various specialities of the house, a fresh cuisine full of flavours and taste. A terrace is available to enjoy the characteristic small square with its fruit and vegetable market during the day. The Happy Hours are excellent!

A well placed restaurant, offering a beautiful, comfortable and shaded terrace, certainly on the side of the road (this is often the case in Rio Marina) but with a nice view of the port. The address is famous, it offers a varied, family, robust and quality guaranteed cuisine. We come here to buy the fresh fish of the day, at an honest price for the quality of the dishes. The dessert assortment closes the meal well for the sweet beaks. Classic but entirely homemade.

A little piece of paradise is worth it! From the port church, you follow a picturesque path of about 2 kilometres in the heart of the former prison colony, which leads to the agritourism. In absolute peace, 4 hectares of plots bounded by stone walls, partly intended for permaculture. The owners, Rossana and Massimo, are extremely kind and welcome you as friends. The meal with a view can begin: flavours between land and sea, healthy and fresh products. You will come out satisfied, with the desire to come back!

There are places that keep their souls intact over time. This is the case of La Bussola, a piece of Portoferraio's history, a meeting point for the Elboe generations and tourists. Its terrace, on the beach of Les Ghiaie, was the dance floor for summer evenings. Today, the restaurant has been renewed and Chef Filippo offers an affordable menu, a clever blend of tradition (all'Elbana octopus, cacciucco, fish carpaccio) and more unusual dishes (spaghetti with tuna belly or three fish eggs).

Family-run trattoria-pizzeria with a large original terrace, decorated with different tables (wooden, marble, terracotta...) and refreshed by a pleasant sea air. Simple, fresh cuisine at reasonable prices. The service is not constant, however. But the focaccia is unbeatable! The wood-fired pizzas are a great success. For dessert, a schiaccia briaca (typical cake from Elba), made by the mamma, isto try! Claudio Caffieri has been in charge of the Mambo for many years and is a well-known figure in Rio Marina.

This small restaurant is part of the Fattoria di Maiano, 10 minutes from Florence, on the side of the Fiesole hill. What a pleasure to enjoy the terrace and its panorama! A welcoming place, inside the old farm buildings with a warm Tuscan style. The recipes and dishes are those of the Florentine tradition and the food from the surrounding farms is personally selected by the chef to guarantee its freshness and quality. A cuisine that uses only their own olive oil... One of the best in the region!

A beautiful find in the San Niccolò district, located between the Rose Garden and the Bardini Garden! Alberto Navari and his mother, Giuseppina, have created an elegant, friendly and original place here. Indeed, the dishes, all delicious and reasonably priced, can be enjoyed around a central island. The experience is all the more user-friendly. Zeb Gastronomia is therefore a restaurant that honours traditional family cuisine, but it is also a delicatessen that the inhabitants of the district love.

In a quiet street perpendicular to Corso Italia, this is the ideal place to discover the piadina, and also to fill up a little hunger between two visits! This Romagna speciality consists of a thin cake, made of wheat flour and lard, with a lot of filling. Simple but effective. Crunchy and delicious. The service is fast. We loved the bresaola, parmesan and arugula, on the terrace, with a cold craft beer. Vegetarian option available. And you, for which piadina will you fall for?

Since its opening in 1976, this address has inevitably distinguished itself by the character of the house that houses it. In summer, the layout of the terrace is in keeping with the charm of this former residence, located on the elegant Saturnia Square. The conditions are therefore optimal to discover the local gastronomy. Meat lovers, here cooked in the large fireplace of the room, at your forks! High quality raw materials and typical Maremma dishes are in the spotlight, so it would be a shame not to enjoy them.

On a hill overlooking Gaiole in Chianti, the Osteria Il Papavero ("The Poppy") animates the square of the small village of Barbischio, an important market in the region until the 12th century, located two kilometres east of Gaiole. This beautiful stone house offers the opportunity to experience the friendly atmosphere of an old Tuscan tavern, with its country style, wooden tables, exposed beams and old fireplace. Tradition is found on the plate, with mastery and generosity. Good, simple, true, fresh.

With such a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, locals can't help but flock here. Slightly removed from the main tourist flows that animate the Tuscan capital, this trattoria gives the opportunity to dive into the specialties of the region, while offering a modern cuisine. A good vegetable soup as a starter(ribollita) will whet the appetite for a more "tasty" second course such as "fried everything" (chicken, vegetables, rabbit)... Of course, nourishing pasta dishes are on the menu and will allow you to save a few euros.

At the same time osteria full of flavours, pointed enoteca and gourmet tartuferia, this address, located near Ponte Vecchio, is praised. True traditional cuisine concocted over the seasons with organic products, complicit service and friendly setting, where every nook and cranny is used to hang wooden wine boxes. Part of the menu is devoted to fresh Tuscan truffles. Otherwise, push the door for a wine tasting to discover small, little-known estates.

It is difficult to make it cheaper in Massa but on the other hand, the food is far from excellent. The system set up to order his meal is original. You must fill out a sheet yourself to give to the cash register. Then a hostess calls the customer to the microphone so that he can pick up his order at the counter. Pizzas, hamburgers, paninis... are on the menu. The staff is made up of a young, dynamic and welcoming team, which is different from other restaurants in the area.

Desire for a little peace? Then why not try this address, whose terrace is wedged between an old house and the city walls. The owners emphasis on decoration, with furniture and antiques, all lit by candles that never seem to go out. The cuisine, you will find the classics of the Tuscan cuisine, with excellent pasta and very good wines. An address intimiste.

Opened in 1925, this small establishment is an institution for those who want to have a quick bite to eat with the excellent schiacciata (focaccia), one of the Florentine specialties. Also available for a little hunger: pizzas (including the delicious pizza bianca with mushrooms), paninis, a wide variety of breads and pastries... An ideal stop for those on a budget, in a charming square not far from the Galleria dell'Accademia, north of the San Giovanni neighborhood. The prices are very reasonable and the products are of good quality!

This restaurant with the decor Tuscan proposes a simple cooking and traditional, without much rather tasty originality but however. The strong point is the small terrace installed in a quiet street in full center of Florence. During the high season, it is the perfect place to escape a few moments the tourist tumult.

The restaurant is located in the famous via delle Volte, this medieval covered gallery so characteristic of Castellina in Chianti. Ideal for eating in a cool place, while being able to sit on the terrace.

With its large umbrellas erected under the arcades of the piazza Grande, the place, born in 1984, is certainly touristy but welcoming and the service professional. The cuisine is traditional and homemade. The antipasti are a good option, especially the large mixed one, offering in mini portions: carpaccio on a bed of arugula, pecorino flan, stuffed zucchini flower and eggplant roll with fromage frais. While you wait for the main course, you'll be served a little appetizer, zuppa di pane. Desserts are less affordable, but still tempt.

Traditional Japanese restaurant. The head himself is from the land of the Sun-Levant. Sushi, temakis and sashimis.

This pizzeria, well known to locals since 1985, is located inside a large courtyard, which offers the advantage of eating outside, which is not always possible in the center of Pisa... The pizzas indicated on the menu are equivalent in quantity to two pizzas and are served on boards(taglieri). It is of course possible to order a single portion on a plate, and the price is therefore halved. Although the main attraction is the pizzas, La Cereria also offers à la carte dishes.

As soon as you walk along the sidewalk separating its terrace from its interior room, it is difficult to miss it, as the staff tries to tame passers-by, especially those belonging to the female population. And language is rarely a problem for these multilingual servers. The main thing, however, is to focus on the varied menu, but on the poor value for money for the portfolio. The pleasant setting of the terrace flanked by the impressive San Lorenzo Basilica is not without offering a little cachet to this address.

Near the port of Livorno, in an authentic and simple setting, this restaurant offers breakfasts, lunches and dinners at very reasonable prices - that is why it is also frequented by local workers during their lunch break. Here, generally no menu, you are told the daily specials inspired by the market. From antipasti to desserts, everything is homemade. Fast, efficient and careful service. Friendly atmosphere. And for the amateurs, cacciucco on reservation on Friday and Saturday!

At the foot of Nisportino beach, north of Nisporto and west of Rio Marina, stands Luigi's delicious restaurant. Don't pay attention to the somewhat Spartan décor, the important thing is on your plates! La zuppetta di mare is fabulous, but you can also find pizzas baked over a wood fire. You dine while listening to the sound of the surf, on the beach, very popular with the French in the 1960s (so much so that fireworks were fired there on 14 July, recalls a former miner!).

It is essential to book for the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday dinners. It is the restaurant that probably has the best reputation in the village. Once served, we understand why. In a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, it is possible to make a good part of the Tuscan gastronomy of yesteryear by attablant here and tasting the many ancient recipes of the past. And especially to see the influence of the rest of the world on today's kitchen. Dishes from Morocco, Madagascar or Cameroon are also on the map. Surprising.

Located in the heart of Barga, this restaurant with terrace invites you to savor the flavors of happy Tuscany. For over 25 years, the welcoming Riccardo Negri has been serving traditional local cuisine (antipasti, pasta, cheese and charcuterie platters with local honey, soups, tagliata...), and a fine house red wine, all at fair prices. As his wife is a singer, concerts are sometimes organized in the summer in the square in front of the restaurant, so you can enjoy the show while feasting your taste buds and ears!

The simple and cosy terrace, the relaxed atmosphere and the careful cooking make the success of this restaurant-pizzeria. Fresh and varied antipasti, dishes well in their plate, especially the tasty tagliata served with rocket and parmesan, as well as the fine and crispy pizzas. Desserts also work, such as the traditional schiaccia briaca. At the height of the season, the terrace is quickly taken over, so a piece of advice, better to reserve!

Restaurant Da Ledo was the first tourist establishment in Lacona, opened by Bolano Ledo in the 1940s. Since 1992, it has been brilliantly managed by the Barresi family. On the Lacona waterfront, practically with your feet in the water, the terrace of this restaurant-pizzeria offers a charming panorama that attracts many people. And rightly so! On the menu, a cuisine dedicated to seafood and excellent pizzas cooked over a wood fire. There is also a bar service with breakfast in the morning, ice creams and aperitifs, with a view of the sea.

This address disappoints the locals a little, but continues to delight visitors. It's up to each of us! One thing is sure, the setting is successful and the wine list is rich. The cooking is simple, the accompaniments are excellently cooked on embers. But we're still disappointed by the famous Florentine steak, too dry. Very good plates of appetizers including country pate or fennel salami.

Typical and popular Trattoria. Simple and unpretentious cuisine. An interesting address when all other restaurants are closed on Sundays or already complete.

It is difficult to find a better price-quality ratio in terms of products. We enjoy the freshness of the food of this small trattoria located in the heart of the covered market of Sant'Ambrogio, in the Santa Croce district. On the menu, first courses (pasta, risotto, lasagna, ravioli...), vegetables and meat (beef stew,chicken, Florentine tripe, prosciutto...). Fast service, ideal if you want an express lunch before a visit, and very popular atmosphere, sometimes even noisy, especially during the lunch period.

Original kitchen in a good atmosphere: the art of Tuscan gastronomy "creativa", as they say to the image of filetto went Rossini con tartuffo (truffle). Wide choice of meat and fish. Fast service.

Charming place, perfect to taste successful dishes (polpo al forno, risotto ai frutti di mare…) and fish frills.

Located in the most lively street of the city, this family-run restaurant offers excellent seasonal and local cuisine, such as Prato mortadella pici or wild boar with olives. At lunch, the establishment offers a self-service package that offers a great value for money. In the evening, it becomes a traditional restaurant again, and welcomes visitors in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, in accordance with the rules of Slow Food. Massimo and Lamberto work almost exclusively with "km 0" products.

The best Indian restaurant in Florence! Opened in 2000, it offers a typical Punjabi cuisine with the unavoidable nan and tandoori. Special attention is given to vegetarian customers.

This café welcomes its guests in a contemporary atmosphere, all in glass and white lacquered furniture. It is very pleasant to take a refreshing break when the temperature rises, or to sip a cocktail at aperitivo time, from 6:30 pm, accompanied by a buffet. You can also enjoy a nice view of the Arno and Ponte Vecchio through the high windows of the room. The house makes good little sandwiches. The restaurant part, at the end, is more expensive and not necessarily worth it.

On Via Ghibellina, one of the longest streets in Florence, Tijuana is far from hitting the upper echelons of gastronomy. But the welcome is warm, the dishes generous, and the menu allows you to escape a little from the many Italian restaurants that occupy the historic centre. Head for Mexico with tacos, empanadas, burritos, quesadillas, or even original cocktails. The clientele is mainly students, and mainly foreigners. In the evening, the debates come alive and the atmosphere rises to a new level.

The osteria PepeNero, run by the two friends Marco and Antonio, is a delicious and quiet place, where all the dishes are taken care of and prepared on the spot with fresh products. Tagliata with arugula and parmesan, nettle gnocchetti with tomato and basil, spaghetti with seafood, tagliolini with the fish of the day... The menu, which is constantly evolving, favours the finest seasonal ingredients. It also offers several tasting menus, from three to five courses, to discover the flavours of the moment on the island of Elba.