La Taverna di Baietto — Restaurant in Montalcino

Went there at the recommendation of staff at my hotel in Montalcino.

Though there were several two-tops available in the main dining room, the very disagreeable hostess insisted on my sitting at a cramped table in a little cave, instead.

I refused, as I would undoubtedly have spent as much on dinner and wine as most couples, am tall and a bit claustrophobic, and am in any event unaccustomed to being treated so haughtily and rudely by servers.

Complete contrast to the warm welcome and superb service, as well as excellent cuisine, I experienced (despite also dining solo) at Terra and Re Macchia in Montalcino [or at any other restaurant in which I dined in Siena, San Gimignano, Pienza or Montepulciano during my week in Lower Tuscany (after two weeks spent with my wife in Venice, Florence, and Upper Tuscany, e.g., Bolgheri, Greve, Lucca)].

Indeed, among the only extreme rudeness I experienced during three otherwise marvelous weeks in Italy.

For all I know, the food is indeed excellent. I am hard pressed to believe it is better than at other restaurants in Montalcino or Tuscany operated by...

As we first got to Montalcino, it was pouring rain. It was a very long road trip for us, we were tired and by the time we found this place (one of the few opened. yes, we were very late for lunch) we were soaking wet. It was literally a peace of heaven for us. The food and the people there were incredible! It was just a woman and a guy but they were very efficient. It was my first Tuscan tomato soup and boy! I dream about it everyday by now!! The desert didn’t disappoint. The wine was flawless. The moment was unforgettable! We went in cold as popsicles and went out warm as...

On a trip with some of the best food of my life, God offered me a quick respite with simply the worst dog food this side of the Alps. I won’t be returning, not even if I needed the bathroom.

They also seemingly forgot about our order and brought it out well after tables that arrived after us.

Left just about all the food on the table.

Notable quotes: “this pasta tastes like cream cheese” “I don’t think I have it in me to have this food” “how can we leave without eating anything but not look bad” “this ragu tastes like ragu from the...