1. Ristorante dei Frescobaldi
An in-town venue for refined cuisine operated by wine producer Frescobaldi.
2-4, via dei Magazzini, Florence
2. Forno Canapa
A family-run bakery located near the San Lorenzo Market. Try the schiacciata, a focaccia with oil, and coccoli—fried salted doughnuts that can be eaten as a sandwich, with prosciutto and stracchino, a fresh cheese.
21/r, via dell’Ariento, Florence
3. Gelateria della Passera
This small outfit makes exceptional gelati. We like the coffee ice cream.
15/r, via Toscanella, Florence
4. San Lorenzo Covered Market
A one-stop shop for every ingredient you’ll ever need to make a Tuscan-style meal. Definitely worth the trip.
Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Florence
5. Ristorante Buca Mario
A traditional trattoria where you can also order regional (Florentine-style tripe) and seasonal (fried zucchini blossoms) specialties.
16/r, piazza degli Ottaviani, Florence
6. Gallery Hotel Art
Just steps from the famous Ponte Vecchio, this boutique hotel is the perfect home base for exploring the city on foot.
5, vicolo dell’Oro, Florence
7. Il Quartino
Hamburgers in Tuscany—who knew? Mind you, these aren’t just any burgers. From a juicy patty with fresh grated pecorino, to crisp slices of prosciutto, everything is delicious.
16, via Casentinese Bassa, Pelago
8. Tenuta CastelGiocondo*
With a medieval castle at the end of a long, winding avenue of cypresses, this is where the first Brunello di Montalcino wines were produces. This appellation is composed of 100% Sangiovese, the region's prized varietal, and is one of Tuscany's most prestigious.
Località CastelGiocondo, Montalcino, Sienne
9. Castello di Pomino*
This vineyard, surrounded by woodlands, stretches some 700 metres above sea level in Rufina, in northeast Chianti.
Località Pomino, 80, Rufina, Florence
10. Castello di Nipozzano*
With over 300 hectares of vines, Nipozzano's main attraction is, not surprisingly, wine. Sangiovese is the number one grape, but many other international varietals fall into the so-called "Super Tuscan" category, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
Località Nipozzano, Pelago, Florence
11. Tenuta Ammiragliao*
Its vineyards sit just 15 kilometres from the Tyrrhenian Sea, in southwestern Tuscany's Maremma region, a vast, mostly untamed land bounded by golden-sand beaches. It's the perfect, off-the-beaten-path Tuscan gem.
Località La Capitana, 222 Montiano, Magliano in Toscana, Grosseto
*Private tours and tastings by reservation only.
PHOTOS: DAVID DE STEFANO