There are some our guests who arrive with very clear ideas on things to see in Siena, places for shopping and good restaurants. They usually bring with them a briefcase or travel notebook where they signed the main places of interest to visit and also the better places to eat according the opinion of important magazines or because they have some good reviews on .... guess? ... yes, you are right… on Tripadvisor.
I must say that I recognize myself in these customers because I like to plan in advance my travels. I would never discover that I lost something beautiful, distinctive and interesting after I left a place because I do not know if in the future I will be able to return there.
There are other guests who prefer a slow rhythm. They are the ones who decide to explore the city on foot to get an overview. They remind me the recent Woody Allen's movie 'Whatever works' when the player says that 'genius is one who has a huge world view'. Who knows? However, these guests love going deeper into things only when they impress their senses. It can be happen in front of a monument or a restaurant. So they make their choices moment by moment.
Other guests like going deeper into the customs of the places they visit; those who wish to attend the same bars and restaurants frequented by locals.
In any class you recognize yourself this post is dedicated to you.
I hope that our preferences will agree with your choices made in advance or at the moment.
Who want to live the Sienese life style will be satisfied immediately because these are the restaurants where I and my colleagues go usually.
Know that we do not ever recommend restaurants which we do not know.
When guests ask suggestions we try to understand what kind of atmosphere, food, service and, of course, budget they are looking for. Then we suggest that one that seem good for them.
And now… some of our favourites restaurants:
Taverna di San Giuseppe http://www.tavernasangiuseppe.it/
Location: downtown, near the main square. Address: via Dupré, 132
How to get there: by car till the Parking Il Campo or by taxi
Atmosphere: fancy. There is a wine cellar that dates to Etruscan times.
Food: regional dishes in accordance with seasonal products. Fiorentina included.
Service: efficient and courteous
Prices: high
Recommend for: a special occasion to celebrate
La Compagnia dei Vinattieri http://www.vinattieri.net/
Location: downtown, near Santa Caterina House. Address: via dei Pittori, 1
How to get there: by car till the Parking at the Stadium or by taxi
Atmosphere: intimate. There is a wine cellar that worth a visit.
Food: regional dishes.
Service: professional
Prices: high
Recommend for: a relaxing meal
Da Enzo http://www.daenzo.net/ :
Location: downtown. Address: via Camollia, 49
How to get there: by car till the Parking at the Stadium or by taxi
Atmosphere: small and intimate
Food: regional dishes. Seafood also
Service: knowledgeable
Prices: high
Recommend for: food enthusiastic people
L’Osteria:
Location: downtown. Address: via dei Rossi, 79
How to get there: by car till the Parking San Francesco or by taxi
Atmosphere: local. Outdoor seating available.
Food: typically Tuscan menu in accordance with seasonal products.
Service: helpful
Budget: reasonable
Recommend for: a casual meal
Osteria Nonna Gina:
Location: downtown. Address: Piano dei Mantellini, 2
How to get there: by car till Parking il Duomo or by taxi
Atmosphere: local. Outdoor seating available.
Food: regional cuisine menu in accordance with seasonal products.
Service: friendly
Budget: reasonable
Recommend for: a casual meal
Osteria Sotto le Fonti http://www.sottolefonti.it/ :
Location: outside the walls of Siena. Address: via Esterna di Fontebranda, 114
How to get there: by car till the Parking Santa Caterina or by taxi
Atmosphere: rustic
Food: typically Tuscan menu in accordance with seasonal products. Fiorentina included.
Service: warm and welcoming.
Prices: reasonable
Recommended for: child friendly
Some tips before to complete my post:
- if you belong to those guests who love to plan all the details in advance and hate to waste time I really suggest you to book restaurants in advance so that you are sure they are not close for rest or for holiday. Please, remind also that in Siena restaurants are not open all the day. They accept reservations for lunch from 12.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. and for dinner from 7.30 p.m. until 9.30 p.m. Exceptions: in Summer the restaurants located in the main square Il Campo are open all the day. Among the restaurants I suggested the Compagnia dei Vinattieri is open till late in the evening for cold meals.
- ask the menu every time. It will save you from bad surprises when the bill will arrive.
- about the bill you will find there the cost of what you ate + the cover charge + service. By law only in the region of Lazio the restaurants cannot add this taxes so please do not think restaurants want to take advantage of tourists.
- about tip you are not obligated to give that. It is an optional in case you appreciated the food and the service and want to reward them. Waiters can accept tips only in cash so do not ask to charge on your credit card because it means tax evasion for the restaurants.
- there are some meat dishes that have their own particular cooking such as Fiorentina which is eaten cooked rare. Please do not get angry if the waiter is surprised when you ask, for example, a well cooked Fiorentina. Sienese restaurants are usually knowledgeable about cooking. Believe at what they say you about this matter. It can be happen also if you ask for a Pepsi Cola… Some dishes need their own drinks to exalt the taste.
- sometimes guests ask to us if their dresses are right for restaurant. There is no a restricted dress code for restaurants in Siena. Casual clothing will be perfect everywhere you go.
- almost all restaurants in Siena serve only Tuscan dishes. It is a shame, I know, specially if you are vegetarian, vegan, celiac or whatever else. Because of that I highly recommend you to contact restaurants in advance to check if it is possible to make some exceptions at the menu.
- time ago a guest of Borgo Grondaie told me that one of the restaurants where he went because of good reviews was for 'food enthusiastic people' according to him. I thought a lot about that and at the end I realized the maybe all Italians are ‘food enthusiastic’ because when we go out to eat we like to do a full meal (starter, first dish: pasta or soup, second dish: meat or fish, dessert), eat well, drink better, relax and talk with our friends. It does not matter the time we spend at restaurant. I wrote that thing to explain you that if service is not so fast in restaurants it could be because of that.
Now, I can only wish you have a great food experience in Siena!
by Amina
by Amina
1 comment:
Thanks for the information on Siena restaurants.
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