La Dispensa del Preludio — Restaurant in Cortona

This is mine and my family‘s favorite restaurant in all of Italy. The head chef Arturo has become a very good friend and the entire staff are the most welcoming and gracious staff we’ve ever experienced in Italy. The food is truly Tuscan and you can taste Arturo’s soul and joy in every bite. Any trip that we take to Italy includes a stop to enjoy the amazing food that Arturo decides to make for us on that day. If you are in Cortana or anywhere near Cortana, la Dispensa is an absolute must stop. It is not often that I have accidentally gone into a restaurant then absolutely been blown away and now have a friend for life that even in America, I continue to stay in touch with and continue to learn from as I attempt to cook Tuscan food at home. We have utilized the restaurant group to plan other events outside of dinners at La dispensa. Everybody on the staff of the larger organization has been wonderful to work with as well. We will continue to work with this group every trip we make to Tuscany. Do not pass up an opportunity to visit Arturo and his staff at la Dispensa...

La Dispensa in Cortona was an absolute highlight of our time in Tuscany — a dinner experience that should not be missed. The food was incredibly authentic and felt truly homegrown, with each dish showcasing the rich, genuine flavors of the region.

Chef Arturo treated us like family from the moment we arrived. He was so warm and welcoming, taking the time to explain each dish and share stories behind the ingredients and preparations. You could feel his passion and love for what he does in every bite.

It’s rare to find a place where the food and the atmosphere come together so perfectly, but La Dispensa accomplishes just that. A beautiful, heartfelt dinner in Tuscany that I would recommend to anyone visiting Cortona, an experience that leaves you feeling both full and like you're eating in a friend's home. We hope to...

I only came in for an apéro drink but as I see now, it’s a sin that I left without dining. I stayed for a while longer chatting with the owner. In that time, I got to witness various visitors stop by and greet him, congratulate him and of course, get a sandwich. Arturo, you’ve got a beautiful cozy place here. This is the shop for trying artisanal Tuscan flavors and bringing them back home to your loved ones. I compared it to a chain we all know, whose name starts with “Eat—“ He did not like that;) I respect it! The goods in La Dispensa are better curated and especially from the land of Tuscany!

Thanks for the chat and congrats again on 1 year! What luck to have stumbled on such a gem. I look forward to seeing you in Rome!

Tip: (they’ve got a nice apéro sandwich and...