April 21, 2023

Food

Restaurants out of town near Florence for a lunch to remember

Our top list of the best addresses of taste not far from the city

To take advantage of the flavors and the beauty that our Tuscany gives us, here is our selection of restaurants surrounded by nature, waiting for you for a fabulous lunch or dinner, a few kilometers from Florence (if you want to stay in Florence, here is our final selection with the restaurants not to be missed in the city).

If you are looking for the best restaurants in the Chianti area, click here. Do you prefer to move towards the sea? Here are the best restaurants in Versilia and those not to be missed in the Maremma!

Rinuccio 1180
Via Cassia per Siena, 133 - Località Bargino, San Casciano Val di Pesa
ph. +39 055 2359720

Rinuccio 1180 is the name of the famous restaurant where excellent cuisine and love for wine create a memorable combination. The restaurant is located in the monumental Antinori winery in Chianti Classico and offers its customers a magnificent view. Absolutely not to be missed is the fresh pasta, made and hand-rolled by the owners themselves. Another perfectly made traditional dish is the delicious Florentine steak. The restaurant service is available from Friday to Sunday from 12:00 to 16:30.

Castello di Ama
Località Ama, Gaiole in Chianti, Siena
ph. +39 0577 746191

Born in 2014 out of the desire to pay homage to the 18th-century Villa Pianigiani, which has always been the soul of the village of Ama. The Ristoro di Castello di Ama is not open to the public for à-la-carte bookings, but it is possible to book a guided tour of the estate with a tasting menu prepared daily with the care and love of a home kitchen, or a tasting itinerary to be paired with a selection of Castello di Ama's Great Wines. Here are all the options available.

Osteria di Passignano
Via Passignano, 33 - Badia a Passignano
ph. +39 055 8071278

Without a doubt, Osteria di Passignano is a restaurant that deserves to be visited. In fact, despite being a delightful country restaurant, it makes starred wonderful dishes. Moreover, under its enchanting pergola and in the shadow of a millenary abbey, we suggest you to try what is considered its most renowned specialty.

Osteria di Brolio
Loc. Madonna a Brolio - Gaiole in Chianti
ph. +39 0577 730290

Wrapped in the embrace of Chianti, Osteria di Brolio is the place where the flavors, scents and landscapes of Tuscany come together. A pleasant terrace is ready to welcome customers in the green, under the walls of the homonymous Castle of the Ricasoli family. Thanks to its desire to respect tradition and use quality raw materials, this restaurant is definitely a certainty for all those who seek genuine flavors. Moreover, a nice novelty accompanies the reopening of the Osteria: the return of Franco Sangiacomo, well-known hospitality professional. The restaurant service is available every day (except Thursday) for lunch and dinner.

Podere Belvedere (Pontassieve -FI)
Via S. Piero a Strada 23
ph. +39 055 3981242

Podere Belvedere is located in a farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves on the outskirts of Florence, in the Chianti Rufina region. It is difficult to define its multifaceted nature with a single word. It is a restaurant, but also a home and gives guests the opportunity to stay in the four rooms of the structure. A world conceived and created by chef Edoardo Tilli and his wife Klodiana Karafilaj, an excellent 'hostess'. Over the years, one of the hallmarks of the kitchen has become the grill. Thought guides the raw material to put it on the plate in a more conscious way. Among the delicacies are the fallow deer matured for 40 days in its skin, served with mangalica bacon and oxidised hazelnut base, the pigeon and the venison. Twelve types of sausages are also produced at Podere Belvedere, from donkey, horse, deer and pigeon to wagyu heart ham. Steak is a must on the menu. The à la carte menu is available but we recommend you choose one of the tasting menus to really get to know Edoardo's cuisine. Excellent wine list, attentive to the territory. The place is intimate and cosy and seats a maximum of 15.

Ristorante Cabreo
Via Montefioralle Case Sparse, 9 - Greve in Chianti (FI)
ph. +39 055 3985032

From the meeting and friendship between Chef Alessio Sedran and the Folonari family, the Cabreo Restaurant was born, in the beautiful Relais Pietra del Cabreo, just 500m from the Borgo del Cabreo. In 2022 Chef Rossi helped modernise the Tuscan experience for guests of the Relais del Cabreo by interpreting it in a gourmet key. This well-established team is now flanked by Chef Luca Vanneschi, whose expertise in the culinary arts enriches the restaurant's menu with increasingly refined proposals. The proposals of the Cabreo Restaurant range from very typical recipes to gourmet dishes and interpretations, from the traditional to the contemporary. All guided by a precise gastronomic vision, which manages to combine tradition and innovation in a harmonious synthesis of taste and pleasure. The restaurant is open for lunch from 12.30 to 15.00 and for dinner from 19.00 to 21.00, every day except Sunday, with menus designed to combine taste and lightness. Until early afternoon, the menu offers genuine and fresh dishes, while for dinner you can appreciate a more refined and innovative proposal. All always accompanied by Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari Tenute labels.

Villa San Michele, a Belmond Hotel Florence
Via Doccia 4 - Fiesole (FI)
ph. +39 018523503

Life by the pool at Villa San Michele comes alive this season with the opening of the renovated San Michele Grill and the new Bar, where you can enjoy moments of relaxed light-heartedness at both lunch and dinner. Hotel guests and external customers can enjoy this new proposal every summer evening, accompanied by an exceptional DJ set every Tuesday. An exclusive location where you can enjoy excellent Neapolitan pizza, summer starters, meat and fish grills overlooking the newly enlarged panoramic terrace. The custom-made bar invites guests to discover a cocktail list inspired by the four elements of nature. Also unmissable as always is La Loggia, a gourmet restaurant housed in the Renaissance loggia of Villa San Michele, with panoramic views over the city. For this season, Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino offers three new tasting menus with a harmonious balance of flavours and ingredients that enhance Tuscany. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 19:30 to 22:30. Completing the Villa's culinary offer is the Ristorante San Michele, with unique views over the city and open daily for lunch and dinner, and the Lounge Bar in the Italian-style gardens.

La Trattoria di' Sor Paolo (San Casciano in Val di Pesa - FI)
Via Cassia per Firenze, 40
ph. +39 055 828402

Tra i vigneti del Chianti Classico tra San Casciano e Val di Pesa, troviamo la Trattoria dì Sor Paolo. Da oltre 30 anni un rifugio dalla modernità, grazie a quel carattere familiare che da sempre lo contraddistingue. È ricavato da una vecchia colonica toscana riscaldata da camini e stufe a legna, dove si possono riscoprire gli antichi piatti di una volta e le tipiche ricette della tradizione regionale toscana. Da non perdere il fritto misto di carne e verdure, ma anche le zuppe tipiche, i crostini di fegatini, la polenta e la Fiorentina. Oltre 50 i vini toscani provenienti dal Chianti presenti nella cantina. Nelle serate estive è possibile cenare sotto il grande loggiato e ai piedi della pergola di viti e glicine.

Diadema Restaurant - Relais Villa Olmo
Via Imprunetana per Tavarnuzze, 19 - Impruneta (FI)
ph. +39 055 231 1311

Large spaces, exceptional products, organic vegetables and craftsmanship. This is why, among the many restaurants in the Chianti region, the Diadema Restaurant, heart and centrepiece of the Relais Villa Olmo all'Impruneta, stands out. The restaurant is born in respect of the territory, and Tuscan gastronomic culture becomes art. The cheeses, cold cuts, meats and wheat used to make the bread are chosen from the best of local farms, and the vegetables are those from the resort's organic vegetable garden. Indispensable is the pairing of the dishes with the prestigious wines from the cellar, a combination in which passion, tradition, creativity and research come together, once again, to amaze and fascinate even the most demanding clientele.

Villa Medicea di Lilliano
Via Lilliano e Meoli, 82 Località Grassina - Bagno a Ripoli
ph. +39 055 642602

Nestled in the Chianti countryside, a tranquil and exclusive retreat surrounded by 60 hectares of certified organic vineyards and olive groves, guarded by the embrace of the Tuscan hills. The estate offers exclusive experiences that will take you on a journey through Renaissance gardens with their period courtyards and historic cellars. A journey rich in history and above all in wine, an elegant and authentic expression of the characteristic terroir to which it belongs. From a picnic in the vineyard to lunch with wine-tasting, via cookery lessons, you will find all the experiences here.

Dario Cecchini
Via XX Luglio, 11 Panzano in Chianti
ph. +39 055 852020

For those who choose the wonderful Panzano stop for lunch at the legendary butcher Dario Cecchini, an institution in the region. There are four options: the Antica Macelleria, where the owner welcomes you every day with a smile and the ready wit of a true Tuscan to recommend the best cuts of meat, Cecchini Panini Track (specialty MAC Dario, hamburger in a bread crust served on a bed of salad, tomatoes and baked potatoes or sushi or tuna of Chianti), or the more classic Officina della Bistecca and Solociccia where you can book.

Osteria Torre a Cona
Via Torre a Cona, 49 - Rignano sull’Arno, Firenze
ph. +39 055 699000

Osteria Torre a Cona is located inside the lemon house of the 18th century villa Torre a Cona, on the first hills east of Florence. The dishes served in this restaurant are made by the skilful hands of Maria Probst and Cristian Santandrea, two important names in the Tuscan gastronomic scene who have chosen to marry the philosophy that guides the entire property: simple elegance, contemporaneity and relaxation. Their fennel-seed pici with Tuscan pork ragout, bread and chilli pepper, tortelli stuffed with finocchiona IGP and artichoke, marjoram with spiced pumpkin cream, as well as their grilled lamb and mutton with sautéed agretti and artichokes are well worth a try.

Vitique
Via Citille, 43 - Greve in Chianti, Firenze
ph. +39 055 9332941

In Greve, Santa Margherita Tenimenti Toscani is the wine bistro whose dishes are a condensation of experiences, memories, research and contaminations. In fact, the taste for tradition here blends with research and innovation. Not to be missed is the innovative tasting menu on offer, which can be taken in 3 different ways: 5-course tasting (EUR 80), 7-course tasting (EUR 90) and 8-course tasting (EUR 105). Among the delicacies presented are smoked potato ravioli, morels, pecorino cheese and bay leaf; grilled moron, beurre blanc and caviar, and as dessert lemon, basil and meringue.

Castello Nipozzano - Frescobaldi
Via Casentinese Bassa, 16a - Pelago, Firenze
ph. +39 055 8311426

At the Castello Nipozzano estate, we are in Pelago, Chianti Rufina, the bistro Il Quartino enjoys a view stretching out over the vineyards and a terrace where it would be worth eating even in winter for the panorama it offers. Here, fast becomes slow, and a burger is not a sandwich, but a gourmet experience at Km0 made with PGI Chianina and Black Angus meat raised in the wild on the same estate, accompanied by homemade sauces and chips. Another speciality is the knife-beaten 'tartare' with confit tomatoes, sprouts and burst amaranth. We recommend pairing all these delicacies with one of the wines in their careful selection.

Castello di Fonterutoli
Via Gaetano Donizetti, 2 - Fonterutoli Siena
ph. +39 0577 741125

In the historical heart of Chianti Classico, a wonderful location where, if the weather is good, you eat in the garden among the trees, surrounded by vineyards. Our recommendation: Rabbit salad, vegetable giardiniera and dill mayonnaise; Egg 62°, Parmesan foam and escarole; Beef cheek, Timut cheese and pepper fondue and marinated lemons

Le Tre Rane - Ruffino
Via di Poggio al Mandorlo 1 - Quarate, Bagno a Ripoli, Firenze
ph. +39 378 3050220

This company has a history of more than a hundred years that is deeply linked to Tuscany and the production of Italian wines. The gastronomy is entrusted to the skilful hands of Stefano Frassineti, a native of the Chianti region and a passionate cook for almost thirty years. Every day, the kitchen offers dishes with a special focus on the seasonality and territoriality of the foods used.

Ristorante Da Delfina
Via della Chiesa, 1 - Artimino
ph. +39 055 8718074

'Customers are the lifeblood of every business' is the restaurant's motto. To eat at Da Delfina, you don't need much introduction: the courtesy and authentic atmosphere, typical of trattorias, has remained miraculously intact in the rustic and cosy ambience, but with a touch of elegance and attention to detail that make it a fixed point in Tuscan dining. In this restaurant, dishes are strongly linked to the season. Therefore, a must-try during this time of year are the taglierini with fresh peas, which are made following the traditional recipe and using only top-quality products.

Trattoria Omero
Via del Pian dei Giullari, 47 - Firenze
ph. +39 055 220053

Trattoria Omero was established at the end of the 19th century as a bakery and then, bought by Omero Attucci in 1943, was transformed into a pizzeria with the addition of a few tables to serve hot dishes. The historic Trattoria Omero is the ideal choice for anyone looking for an elegant yet rustic restaurant with a family atmosphere. Located in the winding Florentine hills, Omero offers a cosy ambience in a dream setting while enjoying the delicacies of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Don't miss the penne strisciate all'Omero and the steak. Also, a real guarantee are the fried dishes... a true delicacy made with care by the attentive hands of their skilled cooks!

Tullio a Montebeni
Via Ontignano, 48 - Fiesole
ph. +39 055 697354 – 055 697799

An old trattoria just outside Florence, after Settignano. Frequented by an affectionate regular clientele that finds here a friendly welcome and a familiar warmth not easy to find. The cuisine is simple, with dishes cooked the old-fashioned way and above all with spectacular steaks served by Paolo, Carlotta and Paola. Not to be missed is their fried steak, very much appreciated by customers.

Enoteca La Sosta del Rossellino
Via del Rossellino 2r - Firenze
ph. +39 371 4250217

La Sosta del Rossellino is a real institution about wine, not only about food. Born in 1990, annexed to the already existing pizzicheria and overlooking a magnificent Florence. Among the untouchable dishes are tagliatelle with Sauternes or gnocchi with Castelmagno cheese (undoubtedly their historical dish). Everything that is served is totally handmade. In addition, for the "pistachio lovers", absolutely to try is their homemade pistachio cake and of course gluten-free! This cake is a real treat made with genuine ingredients and with the authentic pistachio of Bronte ... not to be missed! The environment is romantic and unique, with a veranda overlooking the green or the night, a true affectionate niche for lovers of the formidable food-wine-feeling trio.

Da Padellina
Corso del Popolo, 54 - Strada In Chianti
ph. +39 055 858388

Da Padellina is a real institution for its famous penne sul gallo (feathers on the rooster), roasted nana muta (which means duck in Tuscan) and chicken in vin santo. The restaurant is open every day for lunch from 12:00 to 14:45. There are 40 seats available, so reservations are preferred.

Terreno
Via di Citille, 4 - Greve in Chianti
ph. +39 335 1536335

If you want to breathe the fresh country air, surrounded by the famous Chianti vineyards, Terreno is the restaurant for you. Here the owner, Sofia Bebban Ruhne, had the vision to create a restaurant inside the family estate. The strong point of this restaurant is the fact that an important part of the ingredients used comes from their organic vegetable garden. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12.30 to 14.30. Reservation is recommended.