Gino Cacino di Angelo — Restaurant in Siena

A few months ago, my wife and I visited Gino Cacino di Angelo on the advice and urging of a close friend here in Florida. When she heard we were going to Siena, she told us we had to go see her friend Angelo. I am so incredibly glad that we did. It was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Italy.

When we arrived, the restaurant looked like it may be closed. The door was open, and the lights were on, but it looked like Angelo was taking a quick break. After a few minutes admiring the flowers surrounding the door and browsing the menu outside, I went in and introduced myself to Angelo and told him who had sent me to see him. His face immediately lit up, and he greeted us with a smile. We instantly became his welcomed guests and not just his customers. Over the next couple of hours, Angelo prepared for us an amazing platter of paninis. We shared multiple bottles of wine. We shared stories and laughter. The experience was every bit as great as the food was, and the food was out of this world good. I wish I had some of that mango mustard that he makes right now.

The best part of the food was watching Angelo carefully prepare it. Everything had a purpose and a place. He hand cuts his meats and cheeses. He makes his sauces fresh from scratch. The meats, the cheeses, the vegetables, the sauces, they were all artfully and carefully placed together in harmony to create a masterpiece of food. Angelo is an artist whose canvas is food. It was incredible to watch him create his masterpieces from behind the counter.

Angelo, I know you personally look at these reviews. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for that wonderful experience. You are truly gifted at what you do. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality. Thank you for the thought and care you put into your food and into your restaurant. You gave us a memory we will always remember. It was the highlight of a great trip to Italy. I can't wait to come and visit with you again soon. We are sending everyone we can to you. As far as I am concerned, every trip to Italy should include a stop in Siena and a visit to Gino Cacino di Angelo. ...

Like most others, we found Gino Cacino di Angelo from reviews. You don't tumble over this amazing hidden gem, you choose to come here. I agree with all the 5-star reviews, and totally disagree with all the entitled, ignorant, and disrespectful people who give this amazing place less than 5 stars.

Angelo is the sole artist here, so expect and plan for some wait time. Treat Angelo with respect, and he will do the same to you.

While you wait, take your time to enjoy the place. Scan the many QR codes that will lead you to Angelo's many blogs about his food and thoughts, read the many amazing notes from customers on the wall, or just sit and watch Angelo, the food artist, passionately prepare the best panini you'll ever taste.

We came as a family of 5 and decided to try Angelo's blind tasting. It is a panini cut into 3 unique pieces, each with its unique tasty filling. It comes in 3 different prices, the cheapest is simple, and the most expensive is the most complex. We chose the most expensive blind taste 3-piece panini at €25 each and paired them with a good bottle of wine, something Angelo is also very passionate about.

While waiting and watching our paninis being created with passion, we sadly witnessed several people entering, and leaving again after waiting for 5 minutes, just because they weren't given prompt attention. Just sad!

It is no secret that the Paninis are the best we have ever tasted. Seriously, this is food art, created fresh, while you sit and enjoy watching the master at his work.

Angelo, thank you for the best-ever paninis, amazing wine, and your great company! Thank you for your tips on what to see in the beautiful city of Siena. We did make it to see Siena from above.

We will be back for sure.

Food is Culture, Culture is...

I was brought here by my wife during our honeymoon. Initially I had my reservations about this quiet spot at the corner of a carpark, deserted aside from the owner. Inside it was like stepping into a time long since passed. Everything had been covered or put away as it seemed a slow day due to bad weather, and was only a little over an hour from closing time, but once we spoke with Angelo and asked for whatever he recommended his eyes lit up. We put ourselves in his hands and were glad we did. He deduced that we were likely sharing everything and suggested we share 2 glasses of wine, one younger and frutier, to be consumed first while awaiting the food, with the other, a brunello to be left for no less than 15 minutes to allow it time to breathe (and to compliment the latter 2 dishes in his carefully designed tasting platter). What we had next was spectacular, a taglieri of sorts, but with a complexity of flavour and thought given to its sequence and composition that would give any michelin star tasting menu a run for its money. A perfectly balanced symphony of flavours combining foams mousses and cremas of his own creation paired with conserves and local charcuterie, beginning with light and piquant to arrive in crescendo to more rich deep flavours (complimented by the now ready Brunello). This man is a culinary genius, a true master of his art, an alchemist of flavour creating magic in his well hidden labarotorio. I cannot...