Ristorante Il Castello — Restaurant in Certaldo

Omg I so wanted to give this restaurant five star, as it is a perfect setting and a lovely restaurant. I would have if it had not have been for the lack of attention by the waiting staff. Our waiter came to remove our plates about 5-10mins after we had finished eating, he didn't ask us if we wanted to see the desert menu or wanted coffees, strange we commented to each other but thought he would be back, he didn't and nor did anyone else. The table next to us, in this time had four different waiting staff come and tend to them, the table the other side also had service by a couple of different staff ☹️ We got fed up and asked for the bill, I got the impression they forgot about that also as the man who seemed to be doing all the bills was chatting to the table next to us for about 10mins ☹️ finally a helpful lady brought over the card machine and I mentioned we had not been offered desert or coffee. She was very apologetic and did offer to get us something but by then I was a bit upset with the place and wanted to leave. She did offered to give us coffee after we had a walk around the old town but I didn't feel happy going back. She was very nice but I think the damage had been done ☹️ sorry to her if you are reading this but I only do honest reviews. It is a lovely place and the food was good, my pici was a little too salty but I don't like much salt on my food, apart from that if you go, my advice would be don't wait for service, if you want something you'll have to ask. Maybe tables don't have set waiters, just as and when?? This is possibly how...

During my Christmas break in Italy, I was catching up with an old friend and needed the perfect spot for a relaxed dinner. He suggested Il Castello, and honestly, it was a brilliant choice. Nestled on the hilltop of Certaldo Alto, the restaurant oozes the same medieval charm as the village itself..just stepping in felt like being transported to another time.

The vibe inside was warm and rustic, with terracotta floors, wooden furniture, and soft lighting that made everything feel so cozy. We were welcomed with big smiles and seated at this beautiful little table right by a massive, gorgeous fireplace. Talk about setting the mood!

We started with a bottle of red wine (because when in Tuscany, right?) and some incredible focaccia, it was the kind of bread you keep sneaking pieces of even though you know food’s coming. For starters, I had a stuffed artichoke with bacon (unbelievably good), while my friend went for liver pâté and fennel salami, both total hits.

For mains, I went for the rabbit, and my friend chose the roasted chicken. Everything was cooked perfectly, so good that dessert wasn’t even a question. I had cheesecake, my friend went for chocolate mousse, and both were just the cherry on top of an already amazing meal.

The service was flawless, friendly without being over the top, and the whole evening just felt special. If you’re in the area, this place is an absolute gem. Traditional Tuscan food with a creative twist, a beautiful setting, and that warm, personal touch. Honestly, I can’t...

Review ristorante Il Castello, Certaldo Alto, Fi

"Highly Recommended"

When you leave the street and walk through the arch into Ristorante Il Castello you are entering an enchanted garden beautifully decorated with flowers, plants, shubs and trees of all shapes and sizes. Tables are carefully placed around a large fountain that provides the mesmerising sound of the play of water, creating a relaxing space in which to enjoy a delicious meal.

These are the dishes that I have tried over several visits to the restaurant:

Panzanella croccant Crunchy Tuscany bread salad with season tomatoes and Certaldo onion

Tagliere di salumi di cinta senese “Renieri” Platter of cold cuts of local “Cinta Senese” pork

Pici fatti in casa all’ragù di anatra Pici (thick spaghetti) with duck ragù

Risotto con zucchine in fiore Risotto with courgette in flower

Tagliata di controfiletto di manzo alla griglia con rosmarino Grilled sliced beef sirloin with rosemary and green pepper

Guancia di manzo c.b.t su crema di patate e cavolo nero Beef cheek cooked in low temperature, celeriac and potatoes, black cabbage

Ingredients of the highest quality prepared with care and attention to detail. The staff that are both friendly and capable. I would highly recommend putting aside the time to have lunch or dinner at this...