La Botteghina — Restaurant in Asciano

If you are looking for artistically served elaborate dishes this is not the place for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking for the true flavours of Tuscany, then get in the car and rush to that place. Recall the flavours of the dishes you used to eat at your grandmothers' house. I think such dishes are served here in analogy. Simple, tasty, cooked like grandma's. That's what we were looking for and that's what we received. I'm sure some people may be disappointed by the simplicity of the dishes, but that's the flavour of the food - and you're going there for a taste of Tuscany as it really is. It's not actually a restaurant but a local shop serving food to locals. At the tables we met an elderly couple unhurriedly enjoying their meal and sipping wine. Beside them, a couple of a little older youngsters with beautiful tattoos. An elderly gentleman finishing eating his soup with an Italian newspaper spread out in front of him and another starling gentleman finishing drinking his coffee. All quietly, unhurriedly. We were the only strangers among the locals and we felt at home. On top of this, the waiter, an Italian boy who was extremely friendly and helpful and at the same time a little distracted, a little bewildered - he would probably rather be playing football with his friends right now - served us very wonderfully. The lady behind the counter is the quintessential Italian kindness. They love people there. (!!!) and gratis - If you ask nicely, the lady will show you the Etruscan cellar discovered there 10 years ago. In comparison with the air temperature outside in the cellar, it is like being in an igloo. Don't forget to give, even a small tip, they deserve it. And finally, a request to the owners. Do not change anything. Let the shop look as it does now, Leave the metal tables and leave the chairs sometimes wobble. Let the sun awning be the same colour, let the sun's rays pass through at the joints. In competition with modern restaurants in interior design, you won't win financially. They, on the other hand, would certainly spend big money on your metal tables, the chairs that sometimes wobble and the atmosphere of your shop. Don't even translate the menu into English. Don't change a thing !!! Thank you for accommodating us.

ps. And so miraculously are unaware of the power and phenomenon of...

On mondays they are almost the only ones open. We arrived and had 2 other groups in front waiting for a free table. After waiting 15 minutes, a old local women (friends i guess) came and she sits in a table from another restaurant (which was closed). After another 30 minutes the group in front of us gets a table and after them.. the waitress says that is not our turn yet because the lady made a book by phone, she is in front of us. So, why the group in front of us had a table before the lady? At less you could inform us that the lady who is not in the row will be in front of us. While waiting we saw the service. Only 4 tables and it took them 20 minutes to take note from 2 people. Very slow. Put some passion! Finnaly we decided to go. We lost 45 minutes and still hungry. Take care going here...

Could not have been more accommodating!

Despite our language differences our lovely waitress (and perhaps the owner?) was absolutely amazing in explaining the (handwritten!) menu to us, and ensuring we understood what was on offer.

The food was brilliant, particularly the pizza and the service was first rate and very quick seeing as she seemed to be playing quite a few different roles. She couldn't do enough for us.

All in all very glad we stopped by this hidden gem. And one of the few places open on a Monday in Asciano.

Thank you for a...