Gastronomy, culture, and locations
Everyone has a dream about Italy. For some, it’s the aroma of an espresso enjoyed at a small table with a view of the Duomo; for others, it’s the Mediterranean sun peeking through the shade of a vineyard arbor—and of course, there are those who are swept away by Tuscan cuisine.
We’ll show you our favorite Tuscan spots—the hidden gems of the region—through the experiences of chefs, guests, and friends.
1. Florence: The capital of art, where every street is like a painting
Florence is like a refined antipasti platter: every bite carries art, tradition, simplicity, and elegance—just as captured by Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli.
A walk across the Ponte Vecchio, where the light of the Arno River reflects in the goldsmiths’ shop windows.
Our tip:
If you’re craving truly Florentine flavors, don’t just seek out the galleries—explore the small trattorias as well, where the true essence of Tuscany comes together in a bowl of Ribollita.
2. Siena: The red of brick, the city of the Palio
Siena is the quieter yet more mysterious sibling, where history and a spirit of competition meet. The Piazza del Campo is simply one of the most beautiful squares in the world, where the Middle Ages come to life twice a year during the legendary Palio di Siena.
Among the city’s buildings, the cathedral stands out, where black-and-white marble stripes guide you along the long corridor of history.
Our tip:
Sit on the edge of the Campo with a glass of red wine, and simply watch the people. Here, you’ll quickly realize: this is the true soul of Tuscany.
3. Val d'Orcia: Rolling hills, cypress trees, a painted landscape
If the name Tuscany brings to mind a postcard-like landscape, you’re surely imagining Val d'Orcia! Between Pienza and Montepulciano, rolling olive groves, rows of cypress trees, and hay bales color the scenery.
A drive in the early morning, when the first rays of sunlight emerge through the misty hills, feels like a painting created just for you in that very moment.
Our tips:
- Taste the famous pecorino cheese in Pienza, preferably on the terrace of a wine cellar, where the horizon is framed by the road leading toward Montalcino.
- Montepulciano, the city of “Vino Nobile.” An evening wine tasting here is a must for every wine lover—but it’s also worth the visit for the views alone.
4. Lucca – Bicycles, city walls, white figs
Lucca is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, where cyclists, families, and couples flow along the medieval city walls every day.
In the narrow streets, you’ll find some of the best focaccia in the world, and the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro reveals a different face at every time of day.
An early morning cappuccino, a late evening Aperol Spritz…
Secret tip (recommended by the chef!):
If you’re in Lucca in August, try dried white figs stuffed with ricotta… you won’t regret it.
5. Pisa: Beyond the Leaning Tower
Everyone is curious about the Leaning Tower, but Pisa is beautiful for much more than that! The city’s historic university quarter, its charming riverside promenades, and the golden facades glowing at sunset all add to the experience.
Here, a gelato; there, a glass of prosecco—and everywhere, students studying or out enjoying themselves.
6. Tuscan gastronomy – an experience, not just food
In Tuscany, simplicity is luxury: a few fresh ingredients, a good-quality olive oil, rustic bread, and of course, divine Tuscan wines.
Sitting in trattorias, you quickly realize that behind certain dishes lie centuries of history, family recipes, and secrets passed down through generations.
Some unmissable classics recommended by our chefs:
- Pici all'aglione (thick homemade pasta with a garlic-rich tomato sauce)
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak: a huge, juicy beef steak made exclusively from local meat)
- Cantucci and Vin Santo (crispy almond biscuits dipped into a sweet dessert wine)
+1. Monte Argentario and the coastline—Tuscany’s other side
Many people don’t realize it, but Tuscany and the sea are inseparable: the wild, rocky coves of the Maremma coast, the charming harbor of Porto Santo Stefano, or the island of Elba each reveal a different side of the region.
Our tip:
A simple lunch with the fishermen: fresh sea bass, lemon, a touch of olive oil. These are the moments that define Tuscan luxury.
…and the little wonders of everyday life—harvests, festivals, and local artisans
As this region draws you in, you somehow instinctively slow down.
Anyone who has been here knows exactly what it’s like when an elderly lady at the market presses the most beautiful fig into your hand.
Or when, hidden among stone walls, you’re welcomed into a place where the house wine still arrives in a plastic jug, and the eggplant spread is made in the same wood-fired oven that’s been used for generations.
San Gimignano for example, it’s not only famous for its tall, slender towers, but also because here you can enjoy one of the world’s best gelatos alongside the panorama, while sipping a glass of Vernaccia wine.
And let’s not forget nor Cortona : beneath the stone houses, narrow streets, and pergola-covered courtyards of this hilltop town, you’ll find a sense of peace that no urban comfort can replace.
As many villages, as many artisan craftsman: coppersmiths, leatherworkers, and potters still work today in the same open workshops as their grandfathers. This tradition, the love of meticulous craftsmanship, and the respect for simple perfection are what echo in gastronomy as well.
The aromas and sounds of authentic Tuscan cuisine are experiences we strive to bring to the kitchen of Trattoria Toscana every single day. Because for us, cooking is a living connection to Tuscany.
When the magic comes home
Tuscany is not just a place—it’s a feeling that, in fortunate moments, we can bring home to Budapest as well—through the creations of an Italian chef and a glass of local wine.
At Trattoria Toscana, we strive every day to bring this experience to your table—with authentic flavors, an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere, and that unmistakable Tuscan way of life where past, present, and future come together.
