ANTICA TRATTORIA LA TOPPA In Tavarnelle val di pesa

Antica Trattoria La Toppa – The Best Accident We Ever Had Sometimes, the best experiences happen by pure chance. That’s exactly how we stumbled upon Antica Trattoria La Toppa, a hidden gem in the heart of Tuscany. It was our first time in this breathtaking region, and we wanted to immerse ourselves in the local culture. I had bookmarked this little trattoria while planning our family vacation, and since we were staying at a nearby winery outside San Donato, it seemed like the perfect spot for our first dinner. Pro tip: Be ready to walk! San Donato is a tiny, charming town where cars aren’t allowed inside, so you’ll have to park on the outskirts. Trust me, the short stroll through the medieval streets only adds to the experience. As we arrived, I confidently asked for a table for four—only to be met with a surprised look. “Do you have a reservation?” the host asked. Rookie mistake. This wasn’t a tourist trap; this was a true local institution, where the townspeople gathered for their nightly meal. But luck (or maybe fate) was on our side. The owner, warm and welcoming, found a way to squeeze us in. Walking into La Toppa felt like stepping into Nonna’s dining room—cozy, inviting, and filled with the scent of something incredible cooking in the kitchen. The staff was beyond friendly, happy to guide us through the menu, and the wine selection? Impeccable. Determined not to repeat my rookie mistake, I made a reservation for our last night in Tuscany—one final indulgence before heading to Venice. When we returned, the owner greeted us with a smile, clearly amused that I had learned my lesson. We started with delicious appetizers, but the real showstopper was the Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Before cooking, the chef himself came to our table, proudly displaying the massive cut of steak. “How would you like it prepared?” he asked. Without hesitation, we replied, “Chef’s choice.” His face lit up—a chef’s dream answer. Moments later, he returned with the most perfectly cooked steak, sliced and ready to be devoured. As we dug in, the owner and his father checked on us, grinning when they saw us passing around the massive bone, making sure we didn’t waste a single bite. The ultimate seal of approval? The owner’s father nodding in satisfaction as we unabashedly enjoyed our meal the Tuscan way. When it was time to leave, the chef personally thanked us for letting him cook for us—a true honor. But the night wasn’t over yet. As we went to pay, the owner ran into technical issues with his payment system, clearly frustrated. After sorting it out, he surprised us with a bottle of house wine, insisting we take it as a token of appreciation. Oh, and did I mention? La Toppa is featured in the Michelin Guide. But even if it weren’t, it would still be one of the best places I’ve ever accidentally walked into. Lesson learned: Some accidents are meant to happen.

I went yesterday with a friend. We had a mixed Tuscan appetizer and crostini, pici all'aglione (me and him) with duck sauce as a first course, a Florentine steak for two with fried potatoes and both tiramisu. All very good and we also spent the right amount (really difficult to find a flaw). We will certainly return, also because the environment is pleasant and welcoming

Excellent traditional food, with fantastic first courses. Great friendliness of the managers.

We ate vegetarian. All really good

Food was absolutely delicious and the owner is lovely. Grazie Mille!! X

We went here over a decade ago on a trip through Tuscany and I still think about it! In fact, while staying at a nearby town, we came here on more than one occasion (which says a lot given the multitude of excellent options in this area). Multiple generations of family run this place and you can taste in the food and feel it in the experience. I will never forget it. If this place opens again, you would be a fool to miss it! Next time I am in Italy I will surely be planning a visit. Honestly, I haven’t had a meal quite as excellent and perfectly perfect Italian as this ever since.

Everything fabulous. An unforgettable lunch, starting from the appetizers up to the dessert. Excellent meat. We got there by chance, but we will do everything we can to go back. Very friendly staff and excellent value for money. I highly recommend it!!

Nos encantó Trattoria La Toppa , y disfrutamos mucho de nuestro almuerzo y 3 cenas aquí. Otello, Luigi , Gian Luca, Verónica & todo el personal fue acogedor , amable y muy atento . El ambiente era encantador también. Cada elección que hicimos fue excelente, y los precios eran muy razonables. Los raviolis, Ragu, pollo, chuletas de cordero, patatas fritas, tiramisú y panna cotta estaban entre nuestros favoritos. ¡Oh y la botella de prosecco fue maravillosa! Nos alojamos literalmente al lado en el hermoso Palazzo Malaspina durante 3 días. Hemos disfrutado visitando Italia cada año desde 2009 y La Toppa es sin duda uno de los favoritos! ¡Gracias a todos! Peggy & George

Stopped by chance on your lunch break, fantastic surprise! Homemade pasta perhaps the best I have ever tasted! The rest of the menu is also remarkable....

Volver a San Donato por primera vez desde el Covid siempre sería interesante. Esta opinión está destinada a ser parcial ya que fuimos huéspedes de nuestros queridos amigos Luigi y Elena, propietarios de La Toppa. Mucho no cambió, pero en las hábiles manos de su hijo Matteo comer allí de nuevo fue como ponerse un suéter muy querido. Raviolis con salsa de trufa, Pici con tomate, Bistecca alla Fiorentina todos bañados con estimado tinto de la casa y, por supuesto, completados por la inimitable Pannacotta de Luigi. Pudimos recomendar el restaurante a varias personas mientras estábamos allí. No importa el sesgo; dudo que encuentres mejor "Cocina típica toscana"