Nestled at the foot of Montepulciano beside the historic Tempio di San Biagio, one of the greatest expressions of Renaissance Tuscany, is the elegant Ristorante la Grotto, located in a charming 16th-century building that was once the home of the famous architect Antonio da Sangallo. The service is exemplary and the courtyard garden divine. Established in 1966, La Grotta is beautifully located with magnificent views of the Val di Chiana hills and majestic Tempio di San Biagio, made of travertine and consecrated by Pope Clement VII in 1529. Under the guidance of Chef Cristina and David Mazzuoli, the sister-brother team who run the restaurant, guests are taken on a delicious culinary journey which strikes a clever balance between traditional Tuscan cooking and a passion for culinary innovation. The menu, inspired by traditional recipes and prepared with locally sourced ingredients, features dishes such as Aubergine and Zucchini Sformato with crisp Tuscan bacon, Tuna Tartare with olives and orange, Ravioli stuffed with pheasant and flavoured with saffron and pecorino, superb Bistecca Fiorentina with cannellini beans, a rich variety of local artisan cheeses and an excellent selection of classic Montepulciano wines. Pampered with warm, gracious and attentive service and sensational cuisine, sitting outside in the garden or in the gorgeous dining room and enjoying a meal at this classic restaurant is truly one of life's greatest pleasures.
Tempio di San Biagio, made of travertine and consecrated by Pope Clement VII in 1529,
sits across from La Gotta and is considered a masterpiece of 16th-century architecture
The travertine Bell Tower of San Biago
16th-century well of San Biago was designed by Antonio de Sangalio
who also designed the Tempio
A wedding was taking place at San Biago as we arrived for lunch at La Grotta
Tempio San Biago and Ristorante La Grotta are both nestled at the foot of Montepulciano
at the end of a cypress lined lane
The beautiful outdoor garden courtyard of La Grotta is an oasis of calm and perfect for enjoying lunch in the warm weather
The formal dining room with linens and lovely stemware is also a very special place to enjoy Sunday lunch
A lovely fireside table is perfect anytime of the year
Antique Italian buffet and linen covered side table for decanting wine
One of our favourite restaurants in Tuscany, the menu at La Grotta is inspired by traditional recipes and prepared with locally sourced ingredients
Creatures of habit, we order the Fiorentina della Macelleria Marelli
con cannellini all'olio each time we come to La Grotta
Arriving for our Anniversary lunch, we chose a wonderful Borgoluce Prosecco di Valdobbiadene
to enjoy while looking at the menu
A lovely, soft and beautifully balanced Prosecco
Selection of fresh baked bread by chef Cristina Mazzuoli
Sformato di melanzane e zucchine con pancetta croccante
Capesante con crema di patate e limone
A special bottle of Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Reserva 2013
Simply the best Vino Nobile
Our young waiter presenting the spectacular Fiorentina della Macelleria Marelli
The head waiter carving the Fiorentina table-side
Succulent perfection
Cannellini all'olio - the perfect accompaniment to Fiorentina
The Fiorentina carved from the bone with a bottle of olive oil by it's side
Café di Macchiato
Gorgeous warm Terrina di fondente con salsa di arance
A small dolce of homemade Panaforte from the chef
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