Northwestern Tuscany - Florence and Tuscany - page 295

17th-century palazzo - a perfect fusion of old and new - is among Tuscany's loveliest
boutique town hotels. After a day spent sightseeing, its gorgeous courtyard, conservatory
and beautifully appointed, classically elegant rooms are made for relaxing and pampering.

Eating & Drinking
The historic heart spoils for choice with its many artsy addresses spilling onto flower-pot-
adorned summer terraces. Pedestrian Via Stagio Stagi, parallel to main street Via Mazzini,
has several appealing restaurants, while Piazza del Duomo with its many cafes is the al-
fresco favourite for a coffee or sundowner.

Filippo

MODERN TUSCAN €€

( 05 847 00 10; http://ristorantefilippo.com ; Via Stagio Stagi 22; meals €30; lunch & dinner, closed

Mon winter) This exceptional foodie address never disappoints. From the homemade
bread (all six or so varieties) and focaccia brought warm to your table throughout the
course of your meal, to the contemporary fabric on the walls, giant wicker lampshades
and modern open kitchen, this bistro is chic. Cuisine is seasonal and as creative as the in-
terior design.
Its salads in particular are superb, as are its unusual pasta primi (first course). Arrive
before 1pm to ensure a table; reserve in advance to dine after dusk.

TUSCAN €€

San Martino
( 05 8479 3197; Via Garibaldi 19; meals €30; lunch & dinner) No one feature says more about
the place than its name - that of the town's patron saint, casually chalked on a heart-
shaped board strung in an otherwise naked window. Vintage chic and stylish, San Martino
is a tasty find. Inside, coloured walls mirror a hearty Tuscan cuisine.
Great summertime pavement terrace too!

Pinocchio
( 05 847 05 10; Vicolo San Biagio 5; meals €50; lunch & dinner Tue-Sun) This contemporary
restaurant is a hip-crowd favourite. Fish and seafood in various creative guises are its rais-
on d'être, served in a casually refined interior or beneath parasols on its Via Stagio Stagi
pavement terrace; the entrance is in the alley around the corner.

SEAFOOD €€€

L'Enoteca Marcucci

WINE BAR