Italian cuisine has long since been a favourite, but in recent years chefs in Tuscany have been scaling the heights of culinary excellence. Here’s an overview to Tuscany’s 29 Michelin-starred restaurants, which vaunts three new entries for 2015. (The text in italics is the review by Michelin reviewers for 2016.)
See the updated 2016 list here.
3 stars
Enoteca Pinchiorri
“The cuisine at this restaurant is a fine balance of classic and modern, taking the best from both styles to create elegant dishes served in a luxurious and cosmopolitan ambience. The wine list here is legendary.”
Via Ghibellina 87, Florence
055 242757
enotecapinchiorri.it
For a more comprehensive article about Florence’s Michelin-starred restaurants, click here.
2 stars
Bracali
“This small and modest hamlet is home to a surprisingly elegant restaurant. It serves original cuisine that is often far removed from the usual traditional fare. It is a real jewel of the Maremma, run by two brothers – one in the kitchen, the other front of house.”
Via di Perolla 2, 58020 Ghirlanda
0566 902318
mondobracali.it
Caino
“Situated in the heart of a charming medieval hamlet, this elegant yet simply decorated restaurant introduced the world to the cuisine of the Maremma. Full of flavour, the dishes are locally inspired yet interpreted with all the character of an experienced chef.” Read more here.
Via della Chiesa 4, 58050 Montemerano
0564 602817
dacaino.it
Piccolo Principe
“On the fifth floor of the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte, a panoramic roof garden acts as a delightful setting for creative and sophisticated cuisine, which is expertly prepared and beautifully presented. Simple decor with a few contemporary features and an open-view kitchen.”
Piazza Puccini 1, 55049 Viareggio
058 44011
ristoranteilpiccoloprincipe.com
Arnolfo
“This restaurant is situated in picture postcard Tuscany, surrounded by rolling hills, cypress trees and medieval fortifications. The cuisine is also typically Tuscan, made from the best local ingredients and reinterpreted with creative flair. Delightful panoramic terrace for summer dining. A small hotel of rustic elegance, a bonbonnière in terms of elegance, care and size.”
Via XX Settembre 50/52, 53034 Colle di Val d’Elsa
0577 920549
arnolfo.com
1 star
Meo Modo, Borgo Santo Pietro – new for 2016
“Local tradition is eschewed in favour of more exotic fare in this highly elegant and stylish restaurant. In fine weather, book one of the tables under the arcade overlooking the romantic garden. Impeccable service.”
Località Palazzetto 110, 53012 Chiusdino
0577 751222
meomodo.it
Il Falconiere
“Fans of Tuscan cuisine will be in their element in this restaurant. It offers the full range of local meat specialities, herbs and spices, as well as fish dishes. An elegant choice, perfect for special occasions.”
Località San Martino, 52044 San Martino (near Cortona)
0575 612679
ilfalconiere.com
La Torre
“The cuisine served here bears witness to the chef’s many years working in renowned and reputable restaurants, with a menu featuring memorable dishes which are full of flavour and substance. The elegant dining room echoes the smart decor elsewhere in the hotel.”
Strada Spicciano 7, 50028 Tavarnelle Val di Pesa
055 806470
castellodelnero.com
Osteria di Passignano
“Enchanting location: beside the abbey, in the late nineteenth-century cellars of the Marquises of Antinori; on a par with the modern-style cuisine firmly rooted in the past.”
via Passignano 33, 50028 Badia a Passignano
055 8071278
osteriadipassignano.com
Il Pellicano
“As soon as the weather allows, this restaurant serves meals on its delightful terrace overlooking the sea, which provides a truly romantic setting for the Mediterranean dishes served here. Varied cuisine with influences from Puglia and Tuscany.”
località Lo Sbarcatello, 58018 Porto Ercole
0564 858111
ilpellicanorestaurant.com
All’Acquacotta
“Using only the best ingredients (this fertile region offers a wealth of produce), the Acquacotta restaurant serves contemporary cuisine. It has an equal emphasis on meat dishes and fish or seafood specialities.”
via della Follonata, 58014 Saturnia
0564 600111
termedisaturnia.it
Silene
“Located in a quiet spot, this is an old inn which has been renovated over the years. Elegant dining hall with nice furniture. Traditional cuisine and innovative dishes.”
località Pescina, 58038 Seggiano
0564 950805
ilsilene.it
La Pineta
“You even have to park on the sand to reach the restaurant, which is almost built over the water. The sea permeates the dishes served raw, prepared either with a tomato sauce or more classically.”
Via dei Cavalleggeri Nord 27, 57020 Marina di Bibbona
058 6600016
lapinetadizazzeri.it
Bistrot
“The choice, abundance and quality of the fish served here will amaze even the most discerning of diners. Choose between raw, steamed and grilled fish to be enjoyed in an elegant seafront setting that will make your holiday in Forte even more memorable!”
Viale Franceschi 14, 55042 Forte dei Marmi
058 489879
bistrotforte.it
Lorenzo
“Enjoy fine dining at this legendary 30-year-old restaurant. It has superb service and famous mayonnaise made in front of guests in the dining room. Fresh fish is the highlight here, the quality of which is guaranteed by the Lorenzo name.”
Via Carducci 61, 55042 Forte dei Marmi
058 489671
ristorantelorenzo.com
La Magnolia, Hotel Byron
“The new young chef at La Magnolia brings sunshine from his native Sorrento to this restaurant in Versilia, as well as experience from a number of Michelin-starred restaurants. He continues with the creative traditions of the restaurant, while at the same time adding his own authentic touch, which results in what he describes as “Tuscan-Campanian fusion” cuisine.”
Viale Morin 46, 55042 Forte dei Marmi
058 4787052
hotelbyron.net
L’Imbuto
“Housed inside the contemporary art museum, this restaurant serves creative and imaginative cuisine that is in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Diners choose only the number of courses they want – and then sit back and enjoy the surprise!”
Via della Fratta 38, 55100 Lucca
329 0843180
limbuto.it
Butterfly
“Set in a well-maintained garden is this 19C cottage where terracotta and beams combine in an elegant atmosphere. Family management, and elaborate cuisine that is tastefully presented.”
Strada statale 12 dell’Abetone, 55014 Marlia
058 3307573
ristorantebutterfly.it
Romano
“Although local fish dishes take pride of place here, the menu also features a few meat options. A winning combination of a friendly welcome, professional service and top quality haute cuisine.”
Via Mazzini 120, 55049 Viareggio
058 431382
romanoristorante.it
Lunasia, Green Park Resort
“The glass windows in this modern restaurant look out onto a park and into the kitchen, giving the impression of one large space. The young chef delights his diners with his own personal interpretations of some of Italy’s best-known dishes.”
Via dei Tulipani 1, 56100 Calambrone
050 3135711
greenparkresort.com
Atman a Villa Rospigliosi – new for 2016
“This delightful 17C villa is situated on the outskirts of town. Here, chef Igles Corelli creates bold and imaginative cuisine full of flavour with dishes from all over Italy.”
Via Borghetto 1, località Spicchio, 51035 Lamporecchio
0573 1603051
atmanavillarospigliosi.it
Il Colombaio
“Although Signora Mariva still keeps an eye on things in the kitchen, it is now the very capable Maurizio (Bardotti) who is at the helm. He continues the tradition – started many years ago – of creating updated traditional dishes with humility, enthusiasm and imagination.”
Strada provinciale 27 Casole d’Elsa-Cavallano, 53031 Casole d’Elsa
0577 949002
ilcolombaio.it
La Bottega del 30
“The characteristic stone-built village is worth a visit on its own, but its jewel is the restaurant. It is full of decorations like a shop, and has a romantic summer patio. Cuisine with refined Tuscan flavours.”
via Santa Caterina 2, località Villa a Sesta, 53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga
0577 359226
labottegadel30.it
I Salotti, Il Patriarca
“This excellent restaurant with an elegant ambience and just a few tables offers two tasting menus. One that focuses on Tuscan traditions (meat only) and another that is equally balanced between meat and fish dishes.”
Località Querce al Pino, Strada Statale 146, 53043 Chiusi
0578 274407
ilpatriarca.it
Castello di Fighine
“A dirt track leads to this magical spot, where a medieval castle offers views of the surrounding hills. Meals are served either in the attractive dining rooms or on the romantic wisteria covered terrace in fine weather. Fresh cuisine with a personal touch.”
Località San Casciano dei Bagni, 53040 San Casciano dei Bagni
057 856158
fighine.it
Il Palagio, Four Seasons Hotel
“The magnificent decor of one of the most impressive palazzi in Florence has been given a more contemporary feel in this restaurant. It offers delicious and carefully prepared reinterpretations of traditional Italian cuisine.”
Read more about the chef Vito Mollica here.
For a more comprehensive article about Florence’s Michelin-starred restaurants, click here.
Borgo Pinti 88, 50121 Florence
055 2626450
ilpalagioristorante.it
Ora d’Aria
“The dining room at this restaurant faces the open-view kitchen, allowing a continuous exchange of dialogue between chefs and diners. The cuisine focuses on mainly Tuscan produce served in dishes that blend traditional skill with contemporary style.”
Read more about Chef Marco Stabile here.
For a more comprehensive article about Florence’s Michelin-starred restaurants, click here.
Via dei Georgofili 11R, 50122 Florence
055 2001699
oradariaristorante.com
La Bottega del Buon Caffè
Antonello Sardi, of La Bottega del Buon Caffè
“La Bottega del Buon Caffè has changed premises for 2015 and is now on the Lungarno, with an outdoor terrace making it perfect for a fine evening. The distinctive creative style of the excellent chef at work in the open-view kitchen remains unchanged.”
Read more about Chef Antonello Sardi here.
For a more comprehensive article about Florence’s Michelin-starred restaurants, click here.
Lungarno Cellini 69R, 50122 Florence
055 5535677
borgointhecity.com
Winter Garden By Caino
“Horse-drawn carriages once entered the old courtyard of the St Regis hotel, now converted into a winter garden. Enjoy delicious dishes from the Maremma created by Valeria Piccini in the luxurious surroundings of one of Florence’s most elegant hotels.”
Read more about Chef Valeria Piccini here.
For a more comprehensive article about Florence’s Michelin-starred restaurants, click here.
Piazza Ognissanti 1, 50123 Florence
055 2716
stregisflorence.com
Borgo San Jacopo – new for 2016
The flavours of the region have been given a lighter touch in this restaurant, which also offers an excellent wine list of over 600 labels. In summer, treat yourself to dinner on the delightful small terrace overlooking the Arno, where the candlelight is reflected on the surface of the water.”
For a more comprehensive article about Florence’s Michelin-starred restaurants, click here.
Borgo San Jacopo 62R, 50125 Florence
055 281661
lungarnocollection.com
