When we think of Italy, there are different things that we generally associate with the country. Art, culture, and history – these are all things which we will think of in connection to Italy eventually, but there is one aspect of Italy in particular which we associate automatically to Italy and that’s excellent cuisine.

People visiting Tuscany will be excited about sampling the delicious gourmet food we know will be on offer to us. However, with so many restaurants in this region (around 1,800), it’s difficult to know where to start. To help you on your way, here are our 5 favourite restaurants in Tuscany.

Cantine Bernardini in Lucca is known for being one of the best restaurants in the area. Located just off the main streets, Cantine Bernardini is a stylishly designed restaurant with a modern flair with many references to 16th century Tuscany within its design. The food here is not typically Tuscan, but what customers will be provided with are exquisitely cooked dishes which are flavored to a high standard and presented with a great deal of artistry.

The waiters here are well educated on wide range of wines and can advise you on the best choices to suit your meal, making the flavors truly come alive. This isn’t an ideal restaurant for families, but is a great place for couples or groups thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and decadent food. Considering the standard of the cuisine, the prices are quite moderate and this is food definitely not to be missed.

For the ultimate foodie experience on your holiday to Tuscany, visit La Bucaccia in Cortona where you will be spoilt with gorgeous, gourmet food, a fantastic atmosphere and a stunning environment. Providing its customers with a great selection of Chef’s specials and traditional Tuscan dishes; La Bucaccia serves only the freshest food, infused with fantastic flavor combinations. This is quite a small restaurant so provides a fantastic, intimate setting but you will never feel rushed here so you are free to thoroughly enjoy your meal and the hospitality which is provided by the staff. The restaurant is exceptionally easy to find and for those looking for brilliant cuisine, it is a must for your vacation in Tuscany. However, the prices are a little higher than some may care for but with food this good, it is definitely worth it.

Located within Florence, Il Profeta offers a fantastic mix of great food and hospitality. This is the best place for those who are big eaters or who simply wish to indulge in as much Tuscan cuisine as possible as the portions here are quite large – especially in terms of the steaks and pasta dishes. With a great selection of wines and a team of waiters happy to provide you with their best knowledge on what meals will work best according to your tastes, you are sure to not have a bad meal here. Some of the menu highlights include fantastic olive oil to accompany the grilled breads, which are serves at the start of the meal and the 100% decadent chocolate dessert. The menu varies from heavy to light meals, but this is Italian cuisine at its best.

When in Pisa, the Hostaria Le Repubbliche Marinare is the ideal restaurant for those looking for a great balance between food, service, price and atmosphere. Perfect for families and those on a budget or looking to splash out, this traditionally designed restaurant is the perfect location to spoil yourself whilst in Tuscany. With highlights such as beautifully made pizzas with prices starting at a low 6 Euros to decadent desserts such as tiramisu and cheesecake, this is great for those who are eager to try some new Italian foods or simply order some classics. There is a chance that you may need to make a booking here, but it is worth the wait.

When we think of Italian foods, one of the most common dishes we will often think of is pizza. For pizza lovers visiting Tuscany, Gusta Pizza in Florence is the ideal restaurant for you. With a simple menu of up to 7 pizzas, there are no wild or unusual pizzas to try here but what the restaurant lacks in choice it makes up for in flavors and quality. Gusta Pizza uses only the freshest ingredients, rolling all their pizza dough by hand and with this fresh, traditional method of making pizza, you are provided with intense and high quality flavors sure to rival any pizza you have eaten in the past. With prices that go no higher than 9 Euros for a large pizza, this is a great place for those on a budget or those with families and picky eaters!

Tuscany is filled with some great eateries, all of which will offer you a variety of fantastic, traditional meals to suit all tastes and budgets. If you can’t get to any of our suggestions above just ask the locals for their suggestions. The great thing about Tuscany is wherever you decide to eat the food will almost certainly be great. Enjoy!

Author Bio: Mark Scriven is an online marketing expert and has written many articles on business, travel and the internet. For a wide selection of holiday villas in Tuscany visit Cottages to Castles, specialists in luxury holiday accommodation in Tuscany.

Category: Cooking
Keywords: Tuscany, restaurants in Tuscany, Tuscan food