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Your hosts, Terry and Marcello, are always delighted to advise
their guests concerning where to eat locally and make
reservations on their behalf, when requested. Although there are several good
restaurants in Castiglion Fiorentino itself the chance to enjoy
dinner in Cortona or Arezzo should not be overlooked as they
both offer a wider choice and more lively environment.
Generally, dining out need not be too costly for good quality
and interesting dishes with which you may be unfamiliar.
For the more rugged palate, local Wild Boar or vast Fiorentino Steaks (usually
ordered by weight) are very popular, along with the ever
present mountains of delicious Crostini to start. Of
course, pasta, in a multitude of forms, figures
highly and in this area of expertise 'just go with the
flow' - you'll very rarely be disappointed. Similarly, pizza,
once the epitome of poor man's food, like fish and chips to the
British or hamburger in America, is both distinctive and a
pleasure to eat when created by the originator.
Restaurants are
not generally the place to experience the best of Italian ice cream. Ice
cream parlours (Gelateria) abound with a
range of flavours, textures (and even smells) that are truly
sublime. Ice cream is a social activity in Italy so don't
be surprised to find Gelateria packed at midnight and we
recommend that you never miss the opportunity to enjoy ice cream in
Italy, it is truly unparalleled in both quality and flavour.
It should be
noted that many restaurants do not have English speaking staff
and if your Italian leaves something to be desired a little
advice concerning ordering from Marcello could save you from
that 'unexpected entree' (with rather more legs than
you had anticipated, perhaps!)
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Meanwhile, at Casa Portagioia
we do regularly offer a
table d'hote informal evening meal (we
like to call it a dinner party for our guests) of essentially local
Tuscan dishes
served on our dining room terrace - weather permitting (it
usually does!) - to which all of our guests are invited. This service is
only available on two evenings each week. |
However, if dining out is your pleasure, we are always more
than pleased to assist you in any way we can.
An example of
one of the local restaurants in Cortona (11km) we do often
recommend is the
Osteria del Teatro
(click and take a look). The food is good and the
menu extensive and interesting. The atmosphere is very
lively, the staff are fun, attentive and efficient - while the
prices are very reasonable. This is our opinion only; we have
often eaten there and always enjoy their food, the general quality of
service and the overall atmosphere, style and ambiance.
* * * * *
A FEW
Recommended local Restaurants
(€ = low prices -
€€€ = HighER prices)
Dining in Castiglion Fiorentino:
Pietro:
A real favourite of locals serving the best pizza in town along with
a selection of pasta dishes and the famous Fiorentino steaks.
Very reasonably priced – a little chaotic just to add to the
experience.
€
Roggis:
Similar to Pietro, but set high in the town, offering a range of
meals. €
Muziconi:
Two restaurants by the same name. Serving traditional Italian
fare specialising in Fiorentino steaks.
€€
La Bottega del
Vino:
This is a newcomer to the town serving a great range of wines
and simple Tuscan food.
€
Dining in Cortona:
Osteria del Teatro:
Delight in fine food and laughter, both specialities of the
house. Surrounded by opera music, enjoy the veal in wine and end
with a pear swimming in chocolate. Fairly priced.
€€
Tonino:
Under an umbrella of stars, dine on the beautiful terrace
overlooking the Val di Chiana. The 25 course appetiser is a must.
€€
La Grotto:
Tucked away in a quiet courtyard off the busy main street, you
will find great bruschetta, pasta and main courses served in
a fine atmosphere both inside and out.
€
Fufluns:
Casual friendly pizzeria offering pizza, pasta and a range of
other foods.
€
Il falconiere:
Very civilised dining in a wonderful setting. During the warmer
months, tables are set on a magnificent terrace overlooking
Cortona and the Val di Chiana. The style is modern Italian and
world cuisine. It has earned a Michelin star which gives an
indication of its level of service and kitchen. Prices are high,
but, if you have something to celebrate and want to splash out –
this will be an evening to remember.
€€€
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