SARTÙ In Cortona

Sartù is a tiny hidden gem down an alley that you wouldn’t notice unless you appeared down and saw some tables outside on the steps. But boy am I happy I went in there thanks to my host and TripAdvisor. This is a one chef one server restaurant at least in the fall months. The menu had the most delectable titles of dishes. My ravioli dish with red sauce (a rarity in Cortona) and ricotta and other cheeses was titled something like “when everything good comes together and is nice.” Hilarious and true. I also had a dish with a round of pork covered in local vegetables that felt like it had been cooked in a stewing pot. It was the most delicious thing I’ve eaten all week. And not stereotypically Tuscan cuisine like most of the other restaurants in town, though they did have some staples like the Chianina and white beans.

Wow—what a hidden gem! Sartu absolutely blew us away. The steak was simply delicious (paired perfectly with an order of carrots), but what really took things over the top was the deconstructed cannoli—hands down one of the most unique and memorable desserts I’ve ever had. The atmosphere is incredibly intimate, with only 18 seats total. We felt so welcomed, and even the chef came out personally to say hello, which made the experience extra special. It truly feels like dining in a private kitchen rather than a restaurant. If you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation, you’re in for a treat. Highly recommend—this is a place you’ll never forget.

I understand that reading 5 stars for all the reviews seems unbelievable, but it's the truth. Liliana moved from Naples to Cortona and brought with her the Neapolitan hospitality and culinary expertise. Plus, top-quality ingredients. I've been coming here for years and will always return. My son and I will never stop coming back.

We really enjoyed our meal, it were everything we could ask for. Charming place, amazing chef.

We were walking around Cortona trying to find a nice place to have dinner and all of a sudden we saw these magical candles and inviting cozy tables outside. That made us check it out. They absolutely did not mind that there were 5 of us, though it seemed just for romantic dates. We were inside and enjoyed every minute of it: atmosphere, decor, food, wine. My son really liked the beef fillet steak, they even made pasta for our picky toddler, the cheese plate was amazing. The best part was that the chef came up to us to talk about the food and this will definitely be an unforgettable experience overall. Highly recommend!

What a gem. Authentic Italian and so tastefully prepared.. you can taste the love of the chef A chat at the table.. food for gourmets.. everything fresh.

***Update - I made it to Cortona today, April 12, 2024, and I fulfilled my desire to visit Sartù and meet Michela in real life. The restaurant is down a magical little alley off of a picturesque Cortona street (you will only know the beauty of Cortona if you visit, so do yourself a favor and go!). It's just like the pictures, but better because it's right in front of you. The inside of the restaurant is cozy, with interesting artwork on the walls and decorative settings on the tables. Michela had a special greeting card just for me, knowing I was coming and enjoying my initial review. It was a nice and thoughtful touch and I knew right away that her passion was legitimate. Michela came out to greet me and my girlfriend with an authenticity and enthusiasm that warms the heart and makes you feel at home. We ordered antipasti, first & second courses, and of course dolci. Everything was amazing! The pasta was so fresh and delicious. The flavors were perfetto! The wines complimented the dishes completely. We were so happy to have such a great experience in so many ways. It really made our stay in Cortona extra special. Thank you so much, Michela, for the best time! ❤️ We will surely visit you again our next time in Tuscany. Until then, arrivederci! I'm currently researching restaurants in Cortona for a trip in April, so I have not dined here...yet. I was first drawn in by the pictures of the entrance in the alleyway, which is enchanting. But my attention quickly turned to the responses to reviews from the apparent owner, Michela. They have become my entertainment for the evening. So passionate and raw, her scathing retorts are fierce poetry. The responses alone deserve 5 stars. I'm more intrigued than ever to visit this restaurant and meet this Michela. My only question is, does she offer vegetarian options?

On my birthday they took me as a surprise to this very characteristic restaurant in Cortona where Mr. Giuseppe made us feel pampered and attentive to every detail. You can see that he does his job with passion. Excellent food with excellent products and combination of delicate flavors. Excellent place where the chef introduced herself at the end explaining her personal story. All this made my birthday beautiful that I will never forget. We will see each other soon.

Incredibly creative and innovative dishes. You can taste the chef's love in every bite, and in every conversation with the waiter, you can feel his dedication to his craft. Thank you for a truly special evening! Above all, the truly reliable and excellent gluten-free option made the evening unforgettable.

Fantastic little restaurant. Very friendly service. The record player with records from the 80's and 90's adds something extra to the atmosphere. The food was really delicious. Best stew I've eaten in years. Nice wine selection. Oh and the dog was welcome too.