Eat and be merry in Tuscany

[Gojojogo]

We plan to be in Tuscany in October. Where are the best places to eat? Where would you recommend staying so we can be centrally located to get to the best restaurants and wineries?

[summerUWS2008]

I had a great time in Lucignano at Da Toto. Slept there and dinner there every night for 3 nights. it was a revelation in family cooking in Toscana. It's VERY basic (and delightfully cheap) in a charming untouristed but beautifully preserved elliptical walled fortress town.

http://www.abctuscany.com/arezzo/luci...

[rubyyao]

must go to la chiusa!

[Tuscanlover]

I am sooooo glad that you foodies out there are begining to discover Da Toto. Yes the Hotel is basic (I did describe it as "bohemian") but the food! Ah the food....

If you are looking for Tuscan country cooking - go to Da Toto. You will not find better or better value.

[280 Ninth]

Having just returned from Tuscany, I think it's hard to name a "best restaurant" in a province as large and uncommonly rich. Of the meals I had, my favorite was at the Tenute San Pietro in the foothills outside of Lucca...outstanding food, service, and views. At the end of the meal, the chef came out to greet every table and ask if we enjoyed the meal (and what a meal!). I've no idea if this is the best restaurant in Tuscany, but it was a memorable one that I would not hesitate to recommend.

[cgutstein]

We just got back from Cortona and Sienna in Tuscany (and other places in Italy). Hostaria La Bocaccia in Cortona may have been my favorite place in all of Italy. Check out my blog at www.chadsworld.wordpress.com for details on where to eat and what the food looks like.

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Hosteria La Bocaccia
Cortona, Italy

[wendy kantor]

I was in total heaven staying at Relais Corte dei Papi in Cortona. It defines class, fine taste and a superb host-David.
Dinner at La Corte dei Papi was dreamy and delicous. The environment is a "10", the service impeccable and the food superb & sophisticated.

[intrepid]

im a big fan of chianciano

[Theresa]

Have you searched this board for places in Tuscany? - it has to be one of the most reviewed places in Europe on the chowhound site.

[zerlina]

Anywhere in the Chianti SE of Florence or in the Val d'Orcia SE of Siena would give you many possibilities for restaurants and wineries. Chianti is, obviously, home to Chianti, and the Val d'Orcia is home to Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.