Photos and reviews of Restaurants and Fine Inns from around the globe.
One of our favorites in Rome. Dal Bolognese is the place for special occasions in Rome. It’s frequented by celebrities The food is all high quality and wine list surprisingly has many great choices in the 25-40 Euro range. The meal in general is less expensive than a meal of equal quality in NYC. Food 9 Service 9 and value 9.
When I asked Lori what she wanted for her birthday this year she said she’d like to go to Tuscany and visit our friends at the Villa di Piazzano. We’ve been to the Villa many times and always return because to leave the Villa is like leaving relatives behind in Tuscany. Many places can offer a nice room but few can make you feel like family. The Villa itself is a virtual landmark with a long and rich history. The Wimpole family has managed to upgrade and modernize the Villa in tasteful manner adding all the modern amenities you would expect but still maintaining the “Old World” charm. They have recently added a new Sommelier and do wine tastings in the afternoon. We always are sure to dine at least one evening at the Villa with our friend the bubbly Chef Gabriella. Well I can go on forever with our pauses for the Villa but as they say “TRY IT YOU”LL LIKE IT”.
Back home on the ranch in the Cortona area of Tuscany, we decided to try some new places. We had a conversation with Alessandra the owner of Villa di Piazzano inquiring about any new and exciting restaurants in the area. She recommended Walter Redaelli. Coincidentally, we ran into her and her family two days later having dinner at Walter Redaelli. We had dinner and lunch at Walter the same day. We liked it so much at lunch we had to try a dinner. Walter uses only the finest locally sourced in season products. Once the bread basket arrived we knew we were in for something special. The wine list was excellent with many of my favorite local wines including a reasonably priced Brunello by the glass. They had the largest Brunello glass we have ever seen. The pasta course consisted of the most wonderful fluffy mushroom and truffle gnocchi topped with a Gorgonzola sauce. We also had the Pici which is a hand rolled pasta served in southern Tuscany. The Pici was prepared with artichokes and a tiny bits of Cinta Sense bacon (local bacon). It was delicately flavored to perfection with parsley from the garden and pecorino cheese. The Primi was the most amazing Beef Carpaccio with a bit of arugula and cheese dressed with a balsamic reduction. We also had a wonderful Salmon Carpiccio with artichokes. In the evening we had a special stewed neck of beef that cut with a fork and melted in your mouth. Deserts were amazing !! Prior to desert we had a tasting of several local chocolates. Of course we finished with a bit of local desert wine… This is truly a fine dining experience in Tuscany!! You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. We can’t wait to return in the Spring and try the seasonal specials.
53040 Bettolle –
Sinalunga (Siena)
Via XXI Aprile, 10
Tel. / Fax 0577 623447
cell: 335 397648
Owner/Chef Gabreile Bonci wrote the book on Pizza. They use only the finest ingredients for his creative toppings. This is a small local take-out pizza shop that you may eat in standing up. The pizza is great and the assortment is very special.
Located in a neighborhood that is about a 1/2 mile from the Vatican which is rarely traveled by tourists you will have to go a bit out of your way but it’s worth it.
Prior to our visit to Tuscany we had discussed some new restaurants in the area with our local friends Bianca and Enzo. They had mentioned a place had opened but they have not tried it yet. So prior to leaving Lori decided we are all going to Babette. Locate in the Casale di Brolio outside the small town of Castiglion Fiorentino. This is remotely located but the roads are good and it’s easy to find.
We arrived at Babette and it was a very quite evening because of the rain and the time of year, Tuscany really starts to slowdown in October. It’s an attractive place with clean Tuscan appearance. We started the meal with an amazing amuse–bouche of foie gras. It was nice to have four of us dining so we had a chance try many dishes. Our appetizer was scallops that were perfectly seared and presented with several sauces. I’m not sure how I felt about the Foie and scallop combination. The Pasta course was Pici a local hand rolled thick spaghetti with Wild Boar ragu its was excellent and on my list of must have again dishes. I had a really interesting suckling pig in a Chocolate sauce, Lori had a perfectly prepared Sea Bream, Bianca an amazing Monk Fish and Enzo his standard Beef Fillet which was so tender no knife was required.
We did of course save room for desert, this is a good plan!! The deserts were on par with any Michelin 3 star restaurant. The presentations were amazing and they tasted even better than they looked. The Tiramisu was absolutely the best!! Perhaps my favorite all time desert!
When in Tuscany or even within a 12 hour flight don’t miss a dinner at Babette. The service was excellent and they do speak English well for those that are concerned.. This is truly fine dining in Tuscany.
Presso Casale di Brolio
Località Brolio, 74
52043 Castiglion Fiorentino (Arezzo)
Tel.: 0575 652054
Fax: 0575 652254
We learned about S.Anna from some locals siting besides us at Da Francisco. Since then we have visited several times. S.Anna is a nice local everyday Italian restaurant. Pasta are house made and great. The anti-pasta bar offer a good assortment and is very good. Once in a while they have this special cake that they bake it’s really a treat. I can’t think of the name of it but I do remember having it a couple of times then being disappointed one day when they ran out of it. Do visit for solid and unpretentious Italian food.
P.IVA 04199781008 – Via di S. Anna, 8/9 – 00186 Roma Tel. 06.68.30.71.90 – 06.68.96.485 – ristorantesantanna@libero.it
Accettiamo tutte le carte di credito – Chiuso la Domenica
[flickrset id=”72157627824848173″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”large”]
We received a recommendation from a friend of a friend that has sent a lot of time in Perugia. We called our Italian friends and asked them to join us for dinner. I set the GPS in the rental car and off we went. After the usual amount of animated conversation and circling we arrived. We were pleasantly surprised by a charming exterior and really impressed by the romantic setting inside. It was love at first sight for me and first bite for Lori. All of the dishes were expertly prepared and presented in a modern yet approachable manner, very fitting for the location. All of the pasta dishes were homemade and superb. The eggplant starter was amazing!! The local fish was pristine and melted like butter in your mouth. The Tuscan white pork was almost as good as sex.
All around an excellent dinner at a very reasonable cost. We all agreed that is was definitely a fine recommendation.
Osteria dell’Olmo, Perugia, Italy
[flickrset id=”72157627990620052″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”]
A lovely B&B ten minutes from the center of Parma. Only two years old this property has all the modern conveniences and nice size bathrooms. The owner Elna is very helpful and accommodating. We would highly recommend it.
[flickrset id=”72157628082021042″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”]
In the heart of San Gimignano lies this wonderful Gelato shop, it’s the one with the line in front of it. WAIT do not go to the other shops without a line!!
This is homemade Gelato that is truly “World Class”. It’s not the best Gelato I’ve eaten but very close.
[flickrset id=”72157628005164394″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”]
Probably the finest traditional Tuscan meal we’ve eaten.
We walked into a packed restaurant without a confirmed reservation. There was one table for two or deuce for those in the business available. We were told that it was previously reserved however they have not arrived yet, they were 20 minutes late. I started a conversation with the restaurant staff and convinced them to give us the table.
BTW: they never showed however there was a never ending stream of walk-ins turned away.
Primi: The most delicious poppardelle with a wild boar ragu imaginable. The wild boar was so soft it melted like butter in my mouth. The tagliolini with white truffle was excellent with a very delicate flavor of truffle.
Secondi: I decided to try the Tripe stuffed with sausage. Tripe has a bad rap at times of being rubbery. This tripe however was anything but it cut with a fork and melted like butter. In fact I even applied the tripe like butter to the bread.
Lori had the Florentine steak for two. It was cooked to perfection and possibly the most tender meat, we have consumed. BTW: we let them serve it as it should be without issuing any temperature preference.
This was better than a Peter Luger’s steak and we consider that to be the best porterhouse in NYC.
I noticed the table of local next to us all ordering the Cantuccini so we followed their lead. The Cantuccini was hard like a rock however it absorbed the vin santo like a sponge and was special.
Needless to summarize we love this place and will return.
[flickrset id=”72157627871267337″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”]
Trattoria del Tribunale offers excellent fresh cooked local specialties at a very reasonable price.
We started with the Torta Fritta and Parma Ham. When in Rome as they say! The dough was light and airy and the Ham as expected wonderful.
Primi: The Tortelli di Zucca(Pumpkin Ravioli) was so good my wife almost chopped my finger off when I went to taste a piece. The pumpkin filling was flavored with Amaretto, a really nice touch. I had the Tortelli al radicchio rosso e noci (ravioli with chicory and walnuts) it too was excellent however the Tortelli di zucca was special and I highly recommend it.
For the Secondi: We both had the Parmigiana di Melanzane (eggplant parmigiana). At first the portion size looked small however it was extremely rich with an amazing depth of flavors. We both were pleasantly surprised by a real eggplant parm… it was great !!! The contorni we had was Spinaci bolliti o saltati alla parmigiana it was cooked to perfect with just the right amount of cheese. “This was the best Spinaci I have ever eaten.”
Dessert is mandatory! You must try the SBRISOLONA, it is this light and delicious almond crumble. We both agree that we would fly to Italy from Florida just to have another one !! The Torta di Chocolate was also outstanding.
When in Parma do not pass by Trattoria del Tribunale… its worth the trip!!
<a href=”http://www.trattoriadeltribunale.it/” rel=”nofollow”>www.trattoriadeltribunale.it/</a>
[flickrset id=”72157626959471074″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”]
Remotely located in the small village of Monticchello is this jewel of a restaurant, Osteria La Porta. Traveling to this town requires a 30 minute drive off the beaten path. If you follow your GPS you may end up on some unpaved roads. Don’t worry about the unpaved road just drive slowly and enjoy the scenery. Plan your route in advance and you can stay on pavement.
Once arriving at Monticchello, Osteria La Porta is to your left as you walk into the town. I would plan on arriving during the daylight and strolling around the quaint town. Try to get seated on the outdoor patio in time to enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Once you’re seated you will be presented with a menu that includes fresh local seasonal ingredients. For starters, the Burratta is amazing…. don’t pass it up. The PICI is a favorite of ours. It’s a thick rolled pasta that they make in-house. I’d recommend any of the meat or tomato sauces on it(Cheese is a bit heavy). The white Tuscan pork is also very interesting with a truffle cream sauce. It’s hard to make a wrong choice at La Porta so be adventurous and try some of the local specialties .
We have been to Osteria La Porta several times and highly recommend it…
Osteria La Porta
Wine Bar – Enoteca – Caffetteria
Via del Piano 1 53026
Telefono e Fax +39 0578 755163
Ristorante La Cantina
Via San Luigi 3 53026
Telefono +39 0578 755280
Monticchiello di Pienza (SI)
email: osterialaporta@valdorcia.it
http://www.osterialaporta.it/monticchiello.en.php
[flickrset id=”72157626827880324″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”]
In the small town (one cafe, one bar, one shop,one hotel/restaurant and one horse) of S.Mamette Italy is located the charming family owned and operated INN and restaurant Hotel Stella d’Italia. This hotel has been in the Ortelli family for four generations. Located on the west side of Lake Lugano in Italy it is easy to find being that there is only one small road on this side of the lake. If you have never driven in Italy before this road can be exciting… it is very narrow at parts.
The Hotel is located on the lake side so every room has the most amazing view of Lake Lugano. Rooms are nicely decorated and kept in spotless condition. All the modern conveniences one would expect at a small luxury hotel are present. All of the rooms have balconies so you can sit outside and enjoy the view. I recommend requesting a high floor when booking your room.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served daily outdoors weather permitting otherwise indoors. The outdoor area is nestled in the lovely grounds with the spectacular view of the lake. The view alone would make the restaurant worth visiting however the food is also excellent and the staff can not do enough to please the guests. In fact many of the staff serve royalty in St. Moritz during the winter season when the hotel is closed. We usually dine in the hotel several times during our stay. The chef prepares specials on the weekends for dinner so I recommended you don’t miss out on a fine dining experience. The food preparation and presentation are on par with most fine restaurants however very few can match the ambiance of Hotel Stella.
If you are planning a trip to the Northern Lake Region of Italy don’t miss Hotel Stella d’Italia and please mention the Photogourmet sent you !!
Hotel Stella d’Italia
S.Mamete Valsolda
22010 Lake Lugaano
Phone: +39 0344 68139
Email: info@stelladitalia.com
Website: http://www.stelladitalia.com/htm_us/fr0_index.htm
[flickrset id=”72157626706464233″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”]
This year when making arrangements for our annual pilgrimage to Tuscany (Cortona Area), we were discussing places to stay with our Italian friends and they recommended a place a bit off the beaten path in Tuoro sul Trasimemo. Il Capricci di Merion. Please don’t get put off by the words agriturismo on the website. This is an entry level luxury resort with it’s own spa, outdoor pool and beautiful gardens.
On arrival, we were warmly greeted by the staff that could not do enough to accommodate my very fussy wife. Being a slow week at the Inn, they allowed us to tour several rooms and choose the one of our liking. They were all fully equipped with all the features one would expect at an upscale resort, including high thread count linens. All the rooms had en suite bathrooms, some with showers others with tubs and showers. I would recommend you view the rooms on their website and choose which is best suited for you or trust their recommendations.
We decided to have lunch our first day in Capricci di Merion’s picturesque restaurant. The food was all home made and authentic. I would highly recommend that you have at least one meal in house.
Having stayed at many fine Hotels, Inn’s and B&B’s worldwide, We can say that Capricci di Merion is world class and should not be missed on your next trip to Italy.
Capricci di Merion
http://www.capriccidimerion.it/eng/villa.html
Via Pozzo,21 Tuoro sul Trasimeno (Pg) – P.I. 02465620546
Tel: +39 075.825002 Fax: +39 075.8258217 E-mail: info@capriccidimerion.it
Just a couple of blocks from the Campo de Fiori in the heart of Rome lies this wonderful bakery. Forno Riscioli features a world renowned pizza. It’s one of our favorite stops for a lunch while we are wondering about the picturesque alleyways around the Campo. The next time your in Rome don’t miss this pizza. We are sure your going to love it as much as we do. Roscioli also has a restaurant that I’ll discuss in another post.
Here is a link to their website: http://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/Roscioli_Eng/homepage_eng.htm
The bakery and the specialities
Via dei Chiavari, 34
00186 Roma
Tel: 06 6864045
Owned by same owners of the Palazzo del Capitano in San Quirico d’Orcia, This charming ristorante feaures truly authentic Tuscan food. Wonderfully simple dishes of tuscan beans teased and pleased our palettes. Fresh tri-color pasta was tossed with cheese and candy like tomatoes. The wine list include some of my local favorites like Biondi-Santi. All this is just a short walk around the corner from the hotel so have a second bottle of wine.
http://www.palazzodelcapitano.com/ristorante.php
[flickrset id=”72157622906386322″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”]
In the Famous hilltop village of Cortona, La Bucaccia is conveniently located near the center of town. The owner and manager, Romano personally greets all of his guest with his unique style of humor. The menu is traditional Tuscan with some excellent specialities of the day. La Bucaccia’s wine cellar is Ramano’s pride and joy. He will gladly give you a guided tour and help you select a fine choice to accompany your dinner. Romano loves to play with the guest cameras and has perfected this technique of photographing them through a wine glass. We have dined there several times and have always enjoyed our meal. This evening we were accompanied by our dearest friends Bianca and Enzo.
I would certainly recommend that you visit La Bucaccia for an enjoyable meal and entertaining evening.
BTW: The bottle of 1995 Avignonesi Vin Santo was not in the cellar, We acquired it elsewhere and shared some with Romano… This bottle is hard to find and is a heavenly experience.
[flickrset id=”72157603644016049″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”]
We were honored to have a private tour and tasting at Biondi-Santi the birthplace of Brunello di Montalcino. Private tours are the only type available at Biondi-Santi. I recommend booking well in advance because they are very limited. Our tasting included a 2000 Brunello. This is the epitome of wine tasting in Montalcino.
[flickrset id=”72157622769111285″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”]
It was truffle season and how could we resist this small Osteria right down the block from Palazzo del Capitano. I think Lori was fascinated by the whole truffle weighing and slicing procedure. The owner personally came out to slice and weigh this delicacy, all I could do is imagine how much these cost. LOL, We really enjoyed the pasta with white truffles and a bottle of local wine.
Osteria Il Tinaio
Via Dante Alighieri 35/A
San Quirico d’Orcia (SI)
Tel./Fax 0577 898347
The Ristorante di Poggio Antico is located on the vineyard Poggio Antico and is run independently by Roberto Minnetti is another true fine dining experience in Tuscany. We enjoyed Lori’s birthday lunch out on the patio so much we returned with Josh and Kelly the next year for dinner inside. The firsts included traditional Tuscan bread salad and a foie gras accompanied by rock candy. Pasta was made in the house and had that marvelous texture you find only in homemade pasta. Wine choices are easy being as the house wine is Poggio Antico for lunch we had the light Rosso(very nice) and for dinner my favorite Brunello(Heavenly). The pork, lamb and fish mains all received universal accolades. The Minnetti’s made us feel very welcome and we will surely return as soon as possible.
Ristorante di Poggio Antico directly (phone/fax +39 0577 849200, email ristorantedipoggioantico@gmail.com).