Antica Trattoria La Toppa — Restaurant in Barberino Tavarnelle

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...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Antica Trattoria La Toppa, and it was an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the picturesque medieval town of San Donato in Poggio, this charming restaurant offers a perfect blend of traditional Tuscan cuisine and warm hospitality. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with friendly smiles and a cozy atmosphere. The menu features a variety of delicious dishes, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The handmade pasta was a standout, with rich, authentic flavors that transported us straight to the heart of Tuscany. The Bistecca alla Fiorentina was cooked to perfection, and the Stracotto alla Chiantigiana was simply divine. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff who made us feel right at home. They were knowledgeable about the menu and offered excellent wine pairings to complement our meal. The ambiance was both elegant and comfortable, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. Overall, Antica Trattoria La Toppa exceeded all our expectations. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Tuscan cuisine in a beautiful setting. We can’t...

Totally worth the mention in the Michelin guide. The tiny, colourful street in San Donato is turned into a streetside restaurant with amazing food and service.

The elderly owner patrols the tables and speaks a few words of Italian with locals, and the nonna (who is 77 years of age at the time of this review) still has a hand in preparing the traditional food you get on your plate. And such great food it is, the pasta is perfect (we had the Ravioli Tartufato) and to this day unmatched. Main courses featured perfectly cooked meats and some of the best roast potatoes we’ve had the pleasure of eating. The service is also great, as they sent English speaking waiters to our table after establishing our Italian vocabulary didn’t extend further than: “Ciao”. Wine is all regional, sold by the bottle, and great. Highly...