My Rating: 9/10
Last Visit: July 2021
Address: Via Norma Parenti, 12, 58024 Massa Marittima (GR)
Phone: +39 0566902167
Price: €€€/€€€€€
Why: for the best sliced steak with mushrooms in the world
There’s no denying it: when Tuscany steps on the gas, no one can keep up.
Breathtaking landscapes, enchanting villages, a wealth of history, and food that grabs you by the esophagus and doesn’t let go.
If there’s one place in Massa Marittima that embodies the vibrant heart of Tuscan cuisine, it’s undoubtedly the Taverna del Vecchio Borgo. This trattoria is a must-visit for food lovers and anyone looking to savor the true flavors of Tuscany. Located in the historic center of Massa Marittima, the Taverna perfectly blends culinary tradition with a rustic, welcoming atmosphere, so much so that as soon as you step through the door, you feel like you’ve entered a Zeffirelli film.
A Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere
The first impression? Simply magnificent. The Taverna del Vecchio Borgo welcomes visitors into an environment steeped in history, with vaulted brick ceilings, a fireplace where meats are grilled over an open flame, and walls that tell tales of tradition. Everything seems to shout: “Tuscany!”
The owner, despite his somewhat gruff appearance that radiates true Tuscan character, guides customers through the menu and the choice of dishes with professionalism and passion.
The Starters: A Foodie's Tour de Force
Get ready: the experience here kicks off with a Boccaccio-style round of appetizers. One platter after another, featuring cheeses, cured meats, bruschetta, grilled vegetables, polenta with pancetta, and more. But we’re not talking about the usual fare: every single bite is a love letter to Tuscan tradition. The cheeses are paired with homemade jams, while the bruschetta, golden and crispy, is topped with a bounty of fresh tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil that makes you want to book another table right away. Even the most enthusiastic foodies will be breathless at this flavor-packed tour de force; the only worry is how to continue the meal after such a feast (in fact, my advice is not to overdo it—perhaps sharing the starters is a wise choice to save room for the courses that follow).
Sliced Steak with Mushrooms: The Best Dish in the World
Yes, we could talk about the grilled fillet or the Florentine steak, both deserving of their fame, but we are here to discuss the sliced steak with mushrooms—a dish that should be counted among the wonders of the modern world. Picture a tender, juicy sliced steak, cooked to perfection to respect every fiber of the meat, melting in your mouth with the first bite. And then come the porcini mushrooms: fresh, flavorful, perfectly blended with the meat’s juices, adding that rustic touch and intense aroma that make the dish absolutely perfect. There is nothing artificial about this dish; it is pure goodness.
Many try, few succeed, but the Taverna del Vecchio Borgo elevates this simple dish to a culinary masterpiece. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine a better meat dish, with every bite being an ode to Tuscany.
When the plate was empty, I never passed up the chance to mop up every last drop of flavor with a piece of bread, leaving the plate spotless and ready for the next use; each time, I had to resist the urge to lick it clean.
A Menu that Encapsulates the Essence of Tuscan Cuisine
The menu at Taverna del Vecchio Borgo is a true compendium of Tuscan cuisine, a journey through the flavors and aromas that define this region. There is no shortage of first courses, such as pici with ragù or pappardelle with wild boar, served steaming and generously sauced, radiating the warmth of Tuscan cooking. Each dish is prepared with fresh, local ingredients, a choice that ensures the authentic taste of tradition.
But the real triumph here is the meat. The Florentine steak, cooked over the coals in the grand fireplace that dominates the room, is an experience in itself. If you are dining as a pair (or in a group), do not hesitate to order it: the steak arrives succulent, with a crust that releases the full flavor of the grill and a tender, pink center. However, while the Florentine steak is outstanding, the undisputed queen remains the sliced steak with mushrooms.
Excellent Service and Details That Make the Difference
The service at Taverna del Vecchio Borgo completes the experience. The staff is attentive and discreet, always ready to recommend a fine Tuscan wine to pair with the dishes. The wine list features a selection of local labels, perfect for accompanying the house specialties. The owner, as mentioned earlier, often stops by the tables, sharing stories behind each dish and suggesting the best combinations to fully enjoy the meal.
Why Visit Taverna del Vecchio Borgo in Massa Marittima?
Taverna del Vecchio Borgo is not just a restaurant but an experience. It is a place where traditional Tuscan cuisine is celebrated, with dishes that make your taste buds sing and an atmosphere that warms your heart.
For those visiting Massa Marittima, the Taverna is a must, whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a family lunch, or an evening with friends. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends and during the tourist season.
Conclusion
In short, if you love good food and authentic flavors, Taverna del Vecchio Borgo is the perfect restaurant for you. Not only does it offer extraordinary dishes like the sliced steak with mushrooms—the best in the world, without exaggeration—but it also creates a unique atmosphere for an authentic Maremma experience. The combination of excellent food and the charm of the setting makes this tavern an unmissable experience for anyone passing through Massa Marittima. Taverna del Vecchio Borgo is truly a place where Tuscan tradition is at its finest, and every meal is a feast for the senses.
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