The Best Restaurants In Arezzo, Tuscany

Opened in 1964 as a rotisserie by its namesake, the family tradition at Ristorante Dario e Anna is today continued by the original owners’ son chef Luca Scoscini, who transformed the popular local joint into a restaurant in 2010. The culinary focus is classic Tuscan fare with gastronomic flair crafted from locally sourced, organic ingredients with a particular emphasis on raw food. With a regularly changing menu, guests at Ristorante Dario e Anna are guaranteed new, exciting dishes each time they dine like the tagliolini pasta with white truffles and Florence’s favorite dish, bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Ristorante La Lancia d’Oro is .ocated under the beautiful 16th century Vasari Loggia, designed by artist and architect Giorgio Vasari and what local film buffs may recognize from Roberto Benigni’s Oscar-winning 1997 film Life is Beautiful. Executive chef Leonardo De Candia anchors his menu around a mix of traditional Tuscan cuisine and contemporary, refined dishes, like suckling pig with pumpkin hummus, licorice powder and almond ricotta quenelles, which are all complemented by a huge selection of first rate wines. Dessert at La Lancia d’Oro is just as delightful with options like classic tiramisu and chocolate cannoli with hazelnut cream and raspberry sauce to choose from.

Nestled in the heart of Arezzo’s historic center just steps from the historic Basilica di San Francesco in a beautifully converted former pharmacy, Gastronomia Il Cervo is a bustling local deli and restaurant serving up traditional Tuscan cuisine. Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted by a deli counter showcasing Gastronomia Il Cervo’s cold antipasto while upstairs a number of cozy, welcoming dining rooms await. Start with antipasto like beef carpaccio with arugula and parmesan followed by hearty dishes like homemade fettuccine with wild boar and tagliata.

Owned by the local Dragoni family for the past 30 years, Trattoria Il Saraceno is located in an old craftsman’s workshop on one of Arezzo’s oldest streets serving typically tasty Tuscan cuisine. Plenty of pizza and fresh pasta dishes are served while other standout dishes include ribollita, a classically rustic Tuscan soup of beans, vegetables and bread, and meaty mains like roasted rabbit baked with fennel. An extensive wine list featuring a bottle to suit every budget is also offered alongside indulgent desserts like profiteroles and ricotta and pear torte.

Antica Osteria L’Agania has been delighting diners with its traditional Tuscan home cooking for over four generations and with its buzzing vibe and simple, straightforward yet scrumptious fare. Antipasto like bruschetta, seasoned sausage and panzanella (a popular Tuscan salad of bread and tomatoes) is served with pasta dishes including pappardelle with mushrooms or gnocchi with duck ragu and hearty, rustic plates like roasted rabbit. Antica Osteria L’Agania’s wine list showcases the very best Tuscany has to offer with a focus on Arezzo, Siena and Chianti region vineyards.

Located just next to Arezzo’s lovely Piazza Guido Monaco, Il Cantuccio is a busy little restaurant popular with locals. It has a cozy, basement level dining room and street side seating perfect for a romantic al fresco meal. Plenty of classic Tuscan fare is served from cod Livornese with chickpeas to sausage and bean stew, but the real star of the show at Il Cantuccio is its homemade pasta dishes. Choose from hearty plates of tagliatelle with truffles or pici with chestnuts and porcini mushrooms.

Around a half hour drive from Arezzo, just outside the small town of Subbiano is Castello di Valenzano, a beautiful, fairy tale-like castle that is home to a hotel and restaurant. The restaurant, a stunning space featuring several historic interior dining rooms and a picturesque terrace and portico perfect in summertime, is headed by chef Simone Brodoloni, whose monthly changing menu focuses on modern reinventions of classic Tuscan fare. Homemade pasta dishes include a herby ravioli with borage, marjoram, thyme and tarragon, while meat lovers will enjoy recipes like spinach stuffed quail served with white truffle and parmesan quiche.

Founded by owners Luca and Donatella, who is also the restaurant’s chef, Antica Fonte has been serving its popular, traditional Tuscan cuisine for over a decade. Classic dishes like chicken liver crostini and lampredotto in salsa verde feature on Antica Fonte’s menu alongside plenty of homemade pasta dishes and main courses like salt cod with onions and guinea fowl with truffles. Resident sommelier Luigi is on hand to suggest the perfect wine to pair with guests’ plates from the restaurant’s extensive list of both local and international varieties.

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