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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 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.
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However, if dining out is your pleasure, we are always more
than pleased to assist you in any way we can.
An
example the local restaurants in Cortona (11km) we do often
recommend
are La Loggetta especially in the
summer months sitting on the loggetta overlooking the historic
square of Corotna, good food and reasonably priced,
Taverna Pane e Vino
great for simple food - but great for wine lovers, and
Osteria del Teatro
(click and take a look). The food is good and the
menu interesting. The atmosphere is very lively, the staff
are fun, usually attentive and efficient
* * * * *
A FEW
Recommended local Restaurants
(€ = low prices -
€€€ = Higher prices)
Dining in Castiglion Fiorentino:
Valley
Restaurant
- the closest - about 6 minutes.
Offering local and Tuscan cuisine. Great during summer when you
can eat outside.
Antica Pieve:
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 – during the summer months, dining is
outside and very pleasant
€
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 Ristorante:
No longer recommended.
€€
La Bottega del
Vino:
A great range of wines
and simple Tuscan food.
€
Dining in Cortona:
Osteria del Teatro:
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 appetizer 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 kitchen. Service though is sadly
often secondary. Prices are high,
but, if you have something to celebrate and want to splash out –
this might be the place €€€
Dining in
Arezzo
Saffron
This is somewhere we enjoy - it is not at all Tuscan - it is a
great fusion of Japanese/Italian. Fairly priced.
€€
Chiave D'oro.
A modern Italian/world cuisine restaurant. Owned by a brother
with two sisters, you can watch the chef at work whilst his
sisters supervise he restaurant. Service can sometimes be slow,
but the food is worthwhile.
€€
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