Traditional Restaurants in Chianti
Chianti, or Monti del Chianti is one of the most revered wine regions in the world. Visitors come from far and wide to soak up the rich history of the Chianti Classico wine denomination.
The region is tucked away in central Tuscany, crisscrossing the borders of Siena and Florence; once deadly rivals for the ruling seat of the Tuscany region.
The landscape is dominated by undulating hills and vineyards, dotted with pretty Medieval towns and villages, where you’ll find some of the best restaurants of Tuscany.
Tuscany is a utopia for travellers looking for the ultimate Italian foodie experience. And this is where we want to take you in this two-part Chianti Restaurant Guide: on a culinary journey around some of our favourite Tuscany restaurants.
We have chosen those that stand out for their passion for regional cuisine and local produce. From Michelin star establishments to rustic diners found down dusty county lanes.
Today we’re exploring the region’s very best traditional restaurants, serving beautifully prepared rustic-style Tuscan cuisine in gorgeous, yet informal settings.
As Villa Prenzano is located in Greve, let’s start our journey here…
Restaurants in Greve
Enoteca Fuoripiazza
Enoteca Fuoripiazza has a long tradition and is a favourite with the locals in Greve. Serving traditional Tuscan cuisine using high-quality regional produce. One of the favourite dishes on the menu is the Fiorentina steak.
To accompany the delicious food is an excellent wine list, one of the best in Greve. The staff are professional and courteous at all times and owners, Walter and Roberto are great friends of Villa Prenzano.
The restaurant has an outdoor terrace at street level (no views).
Via 1 maggio, 2 tel. 0558546313 Enoteca Fuoripiazza website
Antica Macelleria Falorni
It’s not every day you get to have lunch in a butcher’s shop, but Antica Macelleria Falorni is the place to stop off for a fast and fun lunch.
Open daily from 11 am to 7 pm, the restaurant serves delicious aperitives, brunches and lunches: sandwiches, beef tartare, bruschetta and high-quality cold meats to name a few.
There is a terrace overlooking the piazza for outdoor dining. A must for meat lovers!
Piazza Matteotti 66 tel. +39 055 853029 Antica Macelleria Falorni website
Caffè Le Logge
A great place to start the day with a traditional Italian breakfast (cappuccino and cornetto) is the Caffè Le Logge. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Caffè Le Logge serves delicious wood-fired pizzas using fresh, local ingredients, wholemeal or white flour and high quality mozzarella cheese.
Piazza Matteotti 32 tel. +39 055 853038 Caffè Le Logge website
Restaurants in Panzano
Officina della Bistecca
This unconventional restaurant is run by Dario Cecchini. Featured in Forbes and on the Netflix series, Chef’s Table. Dario is a master butcher who loves to share his passion with clients.
His dedication to the art of butchery, together with his theatrical personality has made him a legend in culinary circles.
If you’re looking for the best cut of meat prepared by an eccentric butcher and chef, Dario Cecchini’s is the place to be! You’ll experience the best Fiorentina steak, Cecchini style, in a friendly, unhurried setting.
The menu has a fixed price of € 50 per person, children can eat for half price. Tables are shared and you can bring your own wine with no corkage fee.
A vegetarian menu is available too. Reservation is required.
Via XX luglio , 11 tel. +39 055 852020 www.dariocecchini.com
Dario DOC
Dario Cecchini’s fast food adaptation is the place to eat when you don’t have much time. Serving great quality food at a fair price. You can choose between three meat-based fixed menus. We recommend the fabulous hamburgers and Dario’s butcher specialities.
The minimum charge is 10 € per person and you can bring your own wine.
Open only for lunch between 12.00 and 15.00, Monday to Friday.
Via XX luglio 11 +39 055 852020 www.dariocecchini.com
Restaurants in other locations
Il Ristoro di Lamole
Just outside of Greve, in the charming village of Lamole, you find the unassuming Il Ristoro di Lamole. A fabulous local restaurant boasting one of the best views over the sweet hills of Chianti.
Enjoy lunch or dinner comfortably seated on the large terrace overlooking the vineyards, which are particularly beautiful at sunset.
The kitchen serves delicious Tuscan cuisine with a creative twist and offers an excellent wine list.
We recommend you book in advance, especially if you want a table to view the sunset.
Via di Lamole 6 tel. +39 055 8547050 www.ristorodilamole.it
Ristorante Dondoli
Ristorante Dondoli is a wonderful rustic family-run restaurant with an informal and warm service, located less than a 15-minute drive from Villa Prenzano. Children are welcome!
Enjoy lunch or dinner sitting around rustic wooden tables under the shade of a big nut tree, surrounded by nature.
The regional dishes are prepared using vegetables grown in the restaurant’s organic orchard. We highly recommend antipasto Dondoli and pretty much anything on the menu.
Via Montagliari 43 tel. +39 388 8284774 no website, check on Trip Advisor to see photos.
La Cantinetta di Rignana
This laid-back restaurant lies plumb in the middle of the Chianti Classico region, in the campagna toscana. The dusty road that leads up to the restaurant enhances the experience.
The kitchen serves traditional Tuscan cuisine. The dishes are genuine and the produce fresh and local.
We love the terrace overlooking the valley with views to the countryside and recommend that you book terrace seating in advance, as the restaurant interior can get quite loud.
Via Rignana 13 tel.+39 055 852601 www.lacantinettadirignana.com
So there you have some of our favourite laid-back restaurants in the Tuscany region. However, if fine dining is more your scene you’ll find some of the most elegant dining establishments tucked away in the tiniest villages.
Head over to the second part in our Tuscany restaurant guide, which covers Michelin star restaurants and the finest dining establishments the region has to offer.