Eating & Drinking

Castellina is awash with Chianti Classico. The trademark on bottles of Chianti Classico is the Black Rooster (or Black Cockerel), the historic symbol of the Chianti Military League, depicted by famous artist Giorgio Vasari on the ceiling of the Salone dei Cinquecento at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Our recommended wine estates are featured in each of the individual Chianti guides.

As a foodie hotspot, Castellina is peppered with outstanding restaurants, along with appealing food and wine shops. In particular, the ice cream in Gelateria di Castellina is considered the best in the area. Along with a highly traditional attitude to food, the area also offers distinctive delicacies and seasonal dishes, such as truffles and wild mushrooms.

This is just a taster to the Chianti. See our restaurant recommendations below and also see our other guides to top Chianti towns and villages, all accessed through our Destinations listings,

Set in a vaulted palazzo in the heart of Castellina, this big, bustling taverna (tavern) showcases pasta dishes along with the wines and olive oil from the local Fattoria la Castellina. Expect a mix of modern Tuscan and inventive Italian cooking with such tweaks as serving wild boar in a chocolate sauce. Try the duck in Chianti sauce, the pumpkin risotto or the chick-pea flour cannelloni with truffle sauce. Enjoy wine pairings if wished in this mid-priced inn. Sit on the sunny terrace built into the medieval town walls and drink it all in.

Address: Via Ferruccio 26
53011 Castellina in Chianti (SI)
Tel: 0577 741405
Web: www.squarcialupirelaxinchianti.com

Set on the main square in Castellina, this old-fashioned, family-style inn boasts a summery terrace. An extensive, mid-priced menu of classic Tuscan fare features the likes of Florentine T-bone steak, grilled meats, or stuffed rabbit, mostly washed down with Chianti Classico wines. Also on offer are pappa al pomodoro, thick tomato soup, mushroom risotto, along with pappardelle alla cacciagione, pasta with game, and a selection of Pecorino cheeses.

Address: Piazza del Comune 15
53011
Castellina in Chianti
Tel: 0577 740236
Web: www.anticatrattorialatorre.com

Set in a stone-built farmhouse overlooking the Chianti hills, just south of Castellina, this is an upmarket gastro inn belonging to the Mazzei wine dynasty. The cooking is Tuscan with a contemporary touch, paired with Mazzei wines, especially those from the Castello di Fonterutoli estates. Chef Lorenzo Baldacci’s preference is game, including wild boar stew, along with more novel dishes, such as cheese flan or a pork and olive tapenade. A novel dessert includes the orange, vanilla and cocoa semifreddo.

Address: Via Puccini 4
Localita Fonterutoli
53011
Castellina in Chianti
Tel: 0577 741125
Web: www.mazzei.it

Nestled among the vineyards just southwest of Castellina, this picturesque hilltop restaurant is decked out in rustic-elegant style. Chef Aldo favours contemporary reinterpretations of Tuscan cooking using seasonal produce. This mid-priced spot belongs to the wine-producing Zingarelli family so expect their estate wines, olive oil and vegetables. Dishes are authentic but sophisticated versions of classics such as Florentine tripe, pork in chestnut sauce, pappardelle pasta in wild boar sauce or tagliolini pasta with truffles. Consider a wine-tasting tour beforehand or even a cookery course with Chef Aldo. See Rocca delle Macie for more.

Address: Riserva di Fizzano
Localita Fizzano
53011
Castellina in Chianti
Tel: 0577 737223
Web: www.roccadellemacie.com

Just south of Castellina is the medieval hamlet of Vagliagli and a renowned local restaurant. Although not cheap, this friendly, traditional inn is far better value than comparable restaurants in neighbouring Siena. Locals consider it every bit as good, particularly for grilled meats and pasta. Chef Andrea concocts typical Tuscan dishes, such as hearty ribollita soup, fried courgettes, tagliatelle or ravioli with meaty ragù sauce, and his signature Florentine style T-bone steak. This mid-priced rustic-elegant restaurant opens onto a pleasant summer terrace. This is the spot from which to view part of the Eroica vintage bike race in October.


Address: Via del Sergente 4
Vagliagli
53019
Castelnuovo Berardenga
Tel: 0577 322532