Our favourite food experiences in Tuscany
In 2015, three members of the CaminoWays.com team embarked on a cycling journey from Lucca to Siena along one of the most popular routes of the Via Francigena. Claire, Caroline, and I started our adventure in the medieval city of Lucca and finished in Rome, Italy’s capital. Over three days, we cycled through the picturesque Tuscan hills, enjoyed delightful food experiences in Tuscany, visited the historic town of San Gimignano, and met some of the region’s friendliest locals.
In this blog post, I’ll focus on our culinary experiences in Tuscany. From quaint villages to bustling cities and ancient Roman ruins, we were treated to delightful Italian cuisine throughout. The scents of freshly baked pastries, homemade pesto, olive groves, and ripe fruit will forever remind me of this journey.
Exploring Lucca
We started our trip in Lucca, a charming walled city. Locals embrace outdoor dining with cafes and restaurants in open squares. The tables are beautifully set and adorned with canopies and flower baskets. It was the perfect place for our first fresh pasta dish—delicious!
Tuscan Countryside Delights
As we cycled out of Lucca, the Tuscan countryside greeted us with olive groves, vineyards, orange trees, and lemon bushes. The harvest season was in full swing, making it a foodie’s paradise. The vibrant landscape inspired our inner chefs.
Lunch at La Gola di Bacco
On our way to San Miniato, we found La Gola di Bacco, a quirky restaurant. The owner had limited English but used lively gestures to communicate. The chef playfully acted out each dish on our large meat platter, making it a memorable food charade.
Dinner in San Miniato
In San Miniato, we dined at a pizzeria arranged by our hotel. We were tired and hungry, and the waitress’s meal selections were perfect. We sampled regional black truffles, enjoyed a huge wood-fired pizza, and enjoyed delicious desserts.
Colle di Val d’Elsa Experience
At Colle di Val d’Elsa, our meal felt like an Italian theatre show. The passionate Tuscan atmosphere was palpable. I had an amazing mussel soup with giant mussels and tomato sauce. The bread served with the meal was much appreciated after a long ride.
Celebration Dinner in Siena
In Siena, we celebrated with dinner at Salefino. The service, food, and atmosphere were fantastic. We were greeted with limoncello and a warm broccoli soup. The enthusiastic waitress translated the menu, enhancing our dining experience. We savoured every moment, including delightful desserts.
Dining Etiquette Tips
- Listen to the owner’s recommendations.
- Order vegetables and side dishes separately.
- Be mindful of pasta’s filling nature before ordering more.
- “Un caffé per favore” means a strong espresso.
- Try an Italian cappuccino for breakfast.
- Expect meat in various forms throughout meals.
Stay Tuned
Stay tuned for more about our Via Francigena journey from Lucca to Siena, which includes friendly faces and varied terrains. Contact our travel experts for more information or to book your Via Francigena Camino experience.
If you enjoyed this article, visit our Camino blog for more Camino food inspiration.
