VILLA IL POZZO 14, Emma Villas

Despite the change of ownership at this centrally located restaurant right behind the castle and the main square, there’s a certain continuity to the cuisine which remains focused on classic dishes with a regional flavour (with the option of steak on the menu). The dining room features old stone walls, plus there’s also an attractive outdoor space for summer dining.

This restaurant, previously known simply as “Il Frantoio”, now has new out-of-town premises but any regret you may have at leaving the town centre will soon disappear, thanks to the wide range of modern Tuscan dishes prepared by the chefs in the new, larger kitchen. A further attraction is the outdoor space which boasts beautiful sunset views in summer.

A veritable Garden of Eden just 15km from Volterra, this 300ha estate is home to a restaurant with a strong zero-mile philosophy. This is backed up by its careful use of ingredients grown or produced on the estate itself, such as vegetables, olives and grains, as well as chicken, pork and honey – a sustainable approach that results in delicious, contemporary cuisine. The dishes here are fresh and full of flavour yet elaborate and modern in style (note the simpler menu at lunchtime). The interesting wine list explores Tuscany through its choice of top-quality organic labels as well as including

Just a stone’s throw from the famous Viale dei Cipressi avenue in one of Italy’s best-known wine-producing areas, this restaurant occupies one of the region’s most famous wineries, namely Guado al Tasso, renowned for its excellent wines. In fine weather, guests can dine in the shade of plane trees looking out over the vineyards. Simple, delicious and well-prepared cuisine, mostly traditional in style, plus specialities such as cured hams and grilled dishes.