Restaurants in Toscana is one of the oldest regions of Italy. It is clear that the dishes of this land are linked to the Etruscans. But what are the main ingredients that make up traditional dishes? We just have to find out together.
The bread, deliberately not salty, as it is often used to accompany the various meats that the land offers. This is often toasted and served with various soups in the area. It is also the main ingredient of the famous Pappa al pomodoro, which is nothing more than stale bread left to soak in water, accompanied by tomatoes, garlic, oil and chilli.
Restaurants in Toscana
The fish used in various ways. Among the most important dishes we rediscover the Caciucco alla Livornese, a soup invented by fishermen and prepared with the leftovers of fish caught during the day.
As for meat dishes we can not forget the typical Florentine steak, thick beef steak from Chianti, which is grilled for a few minutes and served almost to the blood.
Restaurants in Toscana
The vegetables are used in the preparation of Ribollita, a soup that was often prepared during the weekend to use all leftovers. Its name derives from the double cooking, as after having brought it to boil for the first time, the soup is stored in the fridge for the whole night and put back to cook the next day.
We have discovered together some of the savory dishes of typical Toskana cuisine, but no less are the desserts that are prepared in these parts. Among the most important are the Cantucci di Siena, biscuits with almonds flavored with citrus fruits and served with Vin Santo. Il Panforte, a spicy sweet from the Christmas period. And finally, but not least, the Castagnaccio, an unleavened cake, prepared with chestnut flour, raisins, walnuts, pine nuts and rosemary.
Restaurants in Toscana
Well, surely you will feel like trying these dishes. For this reason we have selected for you 10 of the best restaurants in the Toskana region you must taste them.
Enoteca Pinchiorri, which has earned 3 Michelin stars, was founded by Giorgio Pinchiorri and his wife Annie Feoldé. We find her at the helm of the kitchen together with Chef Riccardo Monco and Sous-Chef Alessandro della Tommasina. It boasts one of the most prestigious wines in the world, selected directly by the master Pinchiorri. The winery has become one of the most visited places in the world. Annie Feoldé, brought the Novelle Cuisine to Florence.
Restaurants in Toscana
The Bracali Restaurant, runed by the Bracali brothers, sees Francesco as a guide. A kitchen based on simplicity. His brother Luca, instead, takes care of the wine cellar and the hospitality, trying to put the guest at the center of everything. For these reasons they have earned 2 Michelin Stars.
The Ristorante Caino di Montemerano, led by Chef Valeria Piccinni, provides a cuisine based on the quality of the product. We therefore resort to the fruits given by the garden. The cellar goes down for several meters under the village square, creating rooms where about 20 thousand bottles rest.
Restaurants in Toscana
The Piccolo Principe of Viareggio, located in the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte, gives rise to a refined and traditional cuisine. The Michelin-starred Chef Giuseppe Mancino loves innovative cuisine, but at the same time tries to keep the taste of the product . The restaurant’s cellar has 800 labels, mostly from Toskana.
Arnolfo Ristorante, whose owner is Chef Gaetano Trovato. His dishes are focused on tradition and products from Toskana , as well as attention to simplicity and seasonal flavors. His experimentation in the kitchen led him to earn 2 Michelin Stars.
Il Falconiere, restaurant obtained from an ancient lemon house. Place where the quality of the ingredients prevails, respect for seasonality and the use of products . The kitchen is signed by Chef Silvia Regi Baracchi, who has been awarded a Michelin Star.
RESTAURANTS IN TOSCANA
Restaurants in Toscana
The Ora d’Aria Restaurant, in Florence, with the guide of the kitchen Chef Marco Stabile, takes its name from its proximity to the old prison of the place. In 2011 he was awarded the first Michelin Star. The kitchen boasts quality and transparency.
Il Pellicano, whose cuisine is led by the Michelin-starred Chef Michelino Gioia. His dishes are made with fresh fish, lamb, chianina meat and aromatic herbs. In the menu there are always pigeons, oysters, mullet, lobster and scampi. At the end of each dinner, a trolley with homemade chocolates is offered to all guests.
Restaurants in Toscana
The Silene by Roberto Rossi, located in a medieval village where was the inn of the post office. The simplicity of the raw materials and the strong rooting of the territory are two fundamental ingredients in the kitchen of Silene, where Roberto has been able to rediscover a deep and visceral link with the environment and its products, developing a great respect for raw materials and their processing and cooking techniques.
The Meo Modo by Andrea Mattei, embodies the philosophy ‘from earth to plate’, which combines the deep knowledge of its Toskana culinary heritage with seasonal products.