If there is a place I really love this is Cortona. Medieval village near Perugia (but located still in Tuscany) is a calm and relaxing destination and a good starting point for visits to Umbria and Tuscany. Assisi, Arezzo and Siena are very near.
I have been there last weekend and as usual I really enjoyed it. And also I had incredibly good food in some restaurants I want to share.
First tip, where to stay.
Villa Marsili is a 4 star hotel just outside the main road with shops and with an incredible view on the valley and Lake Trasimeno. The ambiance makes you feel you are at some friend’s place so much at home you are. Room are spacious and confortable and the service more than friendly. Even standard rooms are nice and the breakfast is delicious.
Where to eat in Cortona? No doubt, Osteria del Teatro.
Since 1994 Osteria del Teatro offers typical tuscanian cuisine with the most tasty dishes. It is in the center of Cortona, charming but genuine, owned by Emiliano Rossi, experienced and friendly chef.
It is in a unique setting: a ‘500 building totally renovated and restored to original splendor. Three different settings welcomes you in an elegant and very exclusive atmosphere: the first room reclaiming the typical features of the ancient inns of Tuscany, the second is characterized by a cozy contest, the third is enriched by precious frescoes that make your dinner or your lunch in Cortona intimate and romantic. Andthe food is Tuscan but not the usual you can find anywhere, they will not offer you crostini but refined wonderful dishes.
We had a tris of soups – ribollita, mashrooms and pappa con il pomodoro – just perfect. To follow I had pigeon with a sauce called salmì and my friend had bistecca di chianina, wonderful and made to perfection. To finish cantucci (Tuscan biscuits) with Vin Santo. Also the wine selection is really special and service is professional.
On second day we had lunch at Trattoria Toscana. It is more tradicional and simple but perfect for a good Tuscan lunch: crostini, tagliatelle with porcini mashrooms, fiorentina, rabbit in salmi among the others. And prices are very reasonable as in general they are around the area.
Go to Cortona You will not regret it.
Hotel Villa Marsili Viale C.Battisti, 13 – 52044 Cortona (AR) – Italy
Tel. www.villamarsili.net
Osteria del Teatro Via Maffei 2 Cortona Phone
Trattoria Toscana Via Dardano 12 Cortona Tel. 0575 604192 www.trattoriatoscana.eu