Do not be fooled by the first sight. A small country bar in the Chianti region. Inside it is warm and welcoming with two old style rooms. The staff is friendly and professional, proposing a simple and tasty menu. Entering this small trattoria the scents of cooking arouse your senses; even the most dormant appetite comes alive. Each plate brings to the table local products prepared according to the Tuscan tradition. The low prices make it even more worthy a try.
La Taverna della Berardenga started out in 1986 as a small tobacco shop in Castenuovo Berardenga near Siena. The subsequent year it expanded to also become a full-fledged restaurant preparing strictly Tuscan specialties. Adriana Dragoni, who runs this typical Chianti tavern from the day it was opened, treats all customers as guests at her home. The menu and wine list are strongly linked to the Chianti territory, with fresh pasta and homemade desserts prepared every day. The menu changes twice a day, from lunch to dinner, according to available fresh market products. The crown jewel of the Taverna della Berardenga is the main dish of roast duck (also an excellent sauce to accompany the homemade pici pasta). Not to be missed is the Fritto Misto, white meat (rabbit, poultry, etc.) and mixed vegetables, all fried in a delicate batter: delicious! As the Chianti tradition calls for, the restaurant offers excellent veal meat prepared in many special ways. You can eat it grilled as a classic Fiorentina Steak, or thinly sliced and seasoned in the Tagliata dish, or finally cooked in the oven. Mushrooms, truffles and seasonal vegetables are always present in the menu.
The wine list mainly concentrates on great local Chianti wines. The lion’s share is for a selection of fine Chianti Classico DOCG, perfect to discover the various nuances of the Chianti Sangiovese.
The restaurant is very intimate as it offers two cozy and welcoming eating rooms with about 50 indoor seats. In summer it also offers “al fresco” eating with 15 outdoors seats. Better to reserve.
If you happen to be in Tuscany during Christmas time, treat yourself at the Taverna della Berardenga with their special menu:
You will find the restaurant open daily, except for Mondays, from 6 am until 1 am. For reservations and info call +39 0577 355547 or visit the website. Check out their Italian version with pictures of the dishes and the restaurant.
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