La Grotta Di San Francesco — Restaurant in Siena

We booked a table here just 30 mins prior based on reviews. Online booking via Google was super easy. When we arrived the place was almost empty, and the kebab shop next door and barbers shop opposite playing loud music made us somewhat nervous. Nonetheless, we persevered and sat outside (we wanted the Siena atmosphere) and were glad we did. The restaurant is nicely decorated and the tables well set with white linen and good glassware. The service was simple but very pleasant. The vino della cassa was absolutely fantastic (both the rosso and bianco).

We had a simple caprese and a beef tartare with truffle to start. We then had spaghetti which they agreed to make with larger prawns instead of scampi, with no issue at all. It was excellent. We also had a perfectly cooked steak with rosemary, which came with delicious potatoes. Coffee finished the meal and it was also excellent. The vibe was a little off-putting at first, but we enjoyed the food and left...

First sign something was wrong, the restaurant was empty. The decor was nice, the service was friendly but the food was bland and tasteless. We ordered a selection of dishes from pasta to grilled seafood all where cook with no imagination. The grill fish was exactly that, seafood cooked on a grill, no seasoning, no marinade, no Plating, no effort. When I go to a restaurant and pay €25 for a plate of seafood I expect something more had seafood thrown on a grill. I understand to some purists, they do not want anything'to interfere with the natural taste of the food, less is more. To these people I say...

We were recommended this superb restaurant in Siena by the owner of Capriano Vineyard, and it truly exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, Nicola treated us like old friends, personally greeting us and making us feel warmly welcomed. Despite the heavy rain when we arrived, the staff went out of their way to help us get dry. The dinner was exceptional, especially the selection of frutti di mare. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, making it the perfect end to our day. We highly recommend this...