Il canto del maggio

If you encounter Il Canto del Maggio by chance while strolling around the beautiful Tuscan countryside, you might think for a second that it is a mirage. The settings are just too perfect: an old farm renovated with taste, adjacent to a charming swimming pool surrounded by canopy beds whose veils are softly animated by the wind, right in the middle of the vineyards. The cuisine, a melange of Arezzo's, Siena's and Florence's specialities, is just as worthy.

Information

addressVia della Penna Alta, 30/d, Terranuova Bracciolini
phone+39 333 688 5906
websiteVisit website

All'Antico Vinaio

Always busy, always fast—this spot near the heart of Florence is known for its huge schiacciata sandwiches stuffed with local meats, cheeses, and whatever else they’re slicing that day. It’s not exactly hidden anymore, but the quality’s still there: fresh ingredients, generous portions, and quick service. Good for a casual lunch, especially if you’re hungry and don’t mind a short wait.

Da Delfina

Set in an old stone farmhouse near Carmignano, Da Delfina is a proper sit-down spot with views that do half the talking, especially from the terrace. The food sticks close to Tuscan tradition, done well but without showing off. Expect things like handmade pasta, grilled meats, and whatever’s in season. It’s a bit more refined than your average trattoria, but still relaxed.

Il Falconiere

This one-Michelin-star spot in the Chiana Valley feels like a step up without being stuffy. There’s a terrace with views over the Chianti hills, and the food takes local ingredients and adds a creative twist. If you’re into beef, don’t miss the Chianina battuta—it’s the kind of dish that leaves an impression.

Panini Toscani

Right off Piazza del Duomo, this small shop does made-to-order panini with local meats and cheeses. It’s all pretty relaxed, the staff are chatty, and the bread’s warm and crispy, usually with some melted cheese inside. There are a few outdoor tables with a view of the cathedral, but it’s just as easy to take it to go and find a spot nearby.

Ristorante Redaelli Walter

Set in the middle of an olive grove, this place feels a bit out of the way, but people definitely make the trip. The menu focuses on seasonal and local ingredients, often coming straight from the garden out back. It’s not flashy, just well-cooked food that clearly has care behind it. The cheese plate is worth saving room for. Book ahead—it fills up.

Officina della Bistecca

Part butcher shop, part dinner table, this is Dario Cecchini’s place in Panzano—loud, casual, and all about the meat. You sit at shared tables, the grill’s going in the open, and the food comes out in courses: tartare, carpaccio, and a massive bistecca alla fiorentina, plus plenty of wine. Book ahead—this is not a last-minute kind of spot.

Trattoria Da Rosanna

Tucked away in a quiet village most travellers skip, Da Rosanna keeps things simple—big plates of handmade pasta, proper sauces, local wine, and the kind of desserts someone’s nonna probably made that morning. It’s right on the edge of the Val d’Ombrone, and honestly, for the price, it’s hard to beat.

Dopolavoro La Foce

Originally built in 1939 for workers on the La Foce estate, this place has had a smart refresh but kept its laid-back feel. You can grab a quick bite—like a bico (somewhere between focaccia and flatbread) or a proper panino—or sit down for a longer meal with seasonal dishes, local meat, and a decent wine list. There’s a terrace with a view of the Val d’Orcia and Lucciola Bella’s cypress trees. If you’re around on a Wednesday or weekend, pair it with a visit to the gardens at La Foce.