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Eating and drinking
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San Gimignano isn't famous for its
food
- there are too many tourists and too few locals to ensure high standards. However, the tables set out on the car-free squares and lanes, and the good local wines, make for pleasant dining.
Little Gelateria di Piazza , Piazza della Cisterna 4, has unquestionably the best ice cream in Tuscany. Owner Sergio stopped entering competitions after he retained the Gelatissimo d'Italia in 1998 - because he kept winning. Framed plaudits cover the walls. His incomparable pistachio flavour is made from finest-quality Sicilian nuts, and his trademark crema di Santa Fina is perfumed with saffron, but you'd be hard-pushed on a hot afternoon to beat the trio of peach, champagne with grapefruit, and vernaccia , the last a fragrant sorbet made from the crisp local white wine. Avoid poor-quality imitators on the same piazza. Il Pino , Via San Matteo 102 (tel 0577.942.225). First choice: a lovely interior, with a specialist focus on antipasti and dishes sprinkled with truffle. No need to pay more than L30,000/a?¬15.49. Closed Thurs. Osteria del Carcere , Via del Castello 13 (tel 0577.941.905). A relatively new and informal place with young owners, serving Tuscan cuisine with an innovative edge. Closed Wed. Osteria del Catene , Via Mainardi 18 (tel 0577.941.966). Thoroughly reliable spot for straightforward Tuscan cooking, plus an extensive wine list. Closed Wed.
Le Vecchie Mura
, Via Piandornella 15 (tel 0577.940.270). Housed in an old vaulted stable off Via San Giovanni, with a good atmosphere, fair-value pizzas and quality set meals. Closed Tues & lunch. Other useful information
for tourists (each section contains more specific sub-sections): |
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Italy,
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