Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

Welcome to the Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor travel blog, featuring expert travel tips, destination guides, cruise advice, airfare strategies, packing suggestions, and first-hand insights from more than 17 years of planning small group tours.

Since 2009, we have helped solo travelers, couples, and friends enjoy adults-only small group tours and luxury river cruises with quality hotels, expert local guides, thoughtful pacing, and personal service.

Explore articles on Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, Peru, Newfoundland, Paris, Normandy, Santa Fe, Canada, Italy, and AmaWaterways river cruises — then view our current Small Group Tours and River Cruises.

17Oct

6 Top Restaurants in Tuscany, Italy – Where to Eat in the Heart of Italy

Discover the Flavors of Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy — known as the land of the sun and the moon — is one of Europe’s most enchanting culinary destinations. With rolling vineyards, sun-kissed olive groves, and fertile plains, this region is famous for producing world-class wines, fresh ingredients, and unforgettable dining experiences.
From rustic trattorias to Michelin-recognized dining rooms, Tuscany’s restaurants celebrate local ingredients and timeless recipes. If you’re wondering where to eat in Tuscany, here are six of the best restaurants to experience authentic Tuscan cuisine.  The Travelling Professor recognizes good food when he sees it.  


1. Da Delfina Restaurant – San Giovese

Nestled in the heart of the Chianti region, Da Delfina is a small yet renowned restaurant that has earned recognition from Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading food and wine guide. Its menu highlights classic Tuscan flavors with dishes such as Bistecca Fiorentina, handmade pasta, and creamy tiramisu.
The cozy dining room is adorned with the family crest, giving it a true old-world charm. A visit here offers a perfect blend of traditional recipes, local wines, and warm Tuscan hospitality.


2. Antica Trattoria Chianti Via di Mezzo

For an authentic Italian dining experience, Antica Trattoria Chianti Via di Mezzo is a must. The menu features Tuscan specialties made from fresh local ingredients, served in an elegant yet relaxed setting. Private dining rooms make it ideal for small groups or intimate celebrations.
Whether you’re craving handmade pasta or a robust Chianti wine, this trattoria offers an unforgettable Tuscan experience.


3. Osteria San Giorgio – Via Rivellino

Located amid the vineyards and rolling hills of Chianti, Osteria San Giorgio Via Rivellino combines rustic charm with breathtaking countryside views. Guests can dine outdoors while taking in the Tuscan landscape or enjoy the cozy ambiance indoors.
The menu fuses traditional Tuscan recipes with a touch of modern flair — think slow-cooked meats, local cheeses, and farm-fresh vegetables paired with regional wines.


4. Locanda del Pilone – Via San Cresci

Situated near the town of San Cresci in Arezzo, Locanda del Pilone is a destination for food lovers. Open since 1960, it has been honored by Gambero Rosso with two hats, signifying top-tier quality. The kitchen reimagines Tuscan classics using seasonal ingredients and truffles, one of Italy’s prized delicacies.
With spacious dining rooms and a serene garden setting, Locanda del Pilone offers a fine balance between elegance and authentic Tuscan warmth.


5. Osteria dell'Orto – Via di Salicotto

Perched above Tuscany’s scenic hills, Osteria dell’Orto captures the essence of home-cooked Italian dining. The restaurant’s owner, a wine-loving professor, curates a menu full of hearty, flavorful dishes served in a candlelit setting.
Families and travelers alike appreciate the restaurant’s friendly service, excellent value, and cozy atmosphere — a perfect stop for a traditional Tuscan family meal.


6. La Locanda del Gusto – Via S. Alessio

Set inside a charming 15th-century palazzo with views of the Florence Duomo, La Locanda del Gusto offers both history and haute cuisine. The daily changing menu features seasonal Tuscan dishes prepared with creativity and passion.
Expect exceptional service, a well-priced wine list, and a romantic ambiance that makes this one of the best restaurants in Florence and all of Tuscany.


🍝 Final Thoughts – Tuscany’s Timeless Culinary Traditions

Dining in Tuscany is more than a meal — it’s an experience of culture, flavor, and friendship. Whether you’re sampling Chianti wines, savoring handmade pasta, or enjoying farm-fresh olive oil, every bite tells a story of the land and its people.
These six top restaurants represent the best of Tuscany’s food and wine, but nearly every village and vineyard has a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Related

What to See and Do, Where to Eat and Stay, in Padua Italy

What to See and Do, Where to Eat and Stay, in Padua Italy

Explore Padua with the Traveling Professor’s Northern Italy tour. Visit the Scrovegni Chapel, Unive...

Read More >
Top Ten Traits of the Experienced Traveler

Top Ten Traits of the Experienced Traveler

An experienced traveler knows how to pack light, book smart, avoid delays, use local transport, and ...

Read More >
Big Experiences, Small Groups: Our 2026 Travel Collection

Big Experiences, Small Groups: Our 2026 Travel Collection

Discover our 2026 small group tours featuring Europe, Iceland, Peru, and Canada. Enjoy expert-led it...

Read More >
Holiday Gift Buying Guide for The Traveler in Your Life

Holiday Gift Buying Guide for The Traveler in Your Life

Discover the best Christmas gifts for travelers, from smart luggage and passport holders to flight-f...

Read More >
Favorite Golf Courses in the Scottish Highlands

Favorite Golf Courses in the Scottish Highlands

Here are five unforgettable golf courses in the Scottish Highlands, from legendary Royal Dornoch to ...

Read More >
5 Things You Should Never See or Do in Europe

5 Things You Should Never See or Do in Europe

Ignore these five overhyped European attractions to skip, including Scotland’s Hogwarts Express and...

Read More >

Who Writes the Small Group Tour Blog?

Professor Steve Solosky, The Traveling Professor, is the founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, operating since 2009. A former college professor and author of The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris, Steve has planned and led small group tours throughout Europe, Canada, South America, and beyond. His travel expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, WCBS Radio, and The New York Times Travel Show.

Each article is written or reviewed from the perspective of a working tour operator who plans real itineraries, works with local guides and hotels, and helps travelers prepare for successful small group trips.

Receive destination ideas, travel tips, early tour announcements, and special offers from Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor.

Since 2009 | IATA Accredited | JourneyWoman Partner | AmaWaterways Certified Advisor | Google Reviews | NTA Member