Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San Gimignano is known for its
zafferano
(saffron). You can purchase meat, vegetables,
GOOGLE MAP
(Piazza delle Erbe)
in and around Piazzas Cisterna, Duomo and Erbe.
Dal Bertelli
(Via Capassi 30; panini €3-5, glass of wine €1.50; 1-7pm Mar-early Jan)
The Bertelli family has
lived in San Gimignano since 1779, and its current patriarch is fiercely proud of both his
heritage and his sandwiches. Brunello Bertelli sources his salami, cheese, bread and wine
from local artisan producers and sells his generously sized offerings from an atmospheric
space as far away as possible from what he calls the town's 'tourist grand bazaar'. Fab-
ulous.
SANDWICHES
€
Gelateria Dondoli
MAP
GELATO
€
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.gelateriadipiazza.com
;
Piazza della Cisterna 4; gelati €2-3;
8.30am-11pm Mar-mid-Nov;
)
Master gelato-maker Sergio Dondoli uses only the choicest ingredients to create his
creamy and icy delights. Get into the local swing of things with a
Crema di Santa Fina
(saffron cream) gelato or a Vernaccia sorbet.
Ristorante La Mandragola
MAP
TUSCAN
€€
GOOGLE MAP
( 0577 94 03 77;
www.locandalamandragola.it
; Via Berignano 58; meals €37, set menus €14-25, kids
menu €10; noon-2.30pm & 7.30-9.30pm, closed Thu Nov-early Mar)
Locals wouldn't dream of
eating at the tourist restaurants on Via San Giovanni, but they love La Mandragola. Built
into the city walls, it's big enough to seat regulars, day-tripping Italians and foreign tour
groups and still have space for the rest of us. Great food (especially pastas), an excellent
house Vernaccia and friendly staff contribute to the winning formula.
Perucà
MAP
TUSCAN
€€
GOOGLE MAP
( 0577 94 31 36;
www.peruca.eu
; Via Capassi 16; meals €30; 12.30-2pm & 7.30-10pm Tue-Sun
mid-Feb-early Dec, open Mon Apr-Sep)
The lady owner here is as knowledgeable about region-
al food and wine as she is enthusiastic, and the food is excellent. Try the house speciality
