Trattoria L'Ombelico del Mondo "Il Barrino" di Montisi

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Trattoria L'Ombelico del Mondo "Il Barrino" di Montisi

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Located just two miles from Castelmuzio, Montisi is characterized by all the quintessential charms of Tuscan village life, where the winding streets seem far too narrow for anything larger than a Fiat 500, and one could easily miss the magic beyond the beauty and idyllic brick cottages like many of the small villages scattered throughout the region.  Touting a population of less than 400 residents, it is worth noting that this quiet, alluring little hilltop attracts tourists from all over the world and that many of the ‘locals’ are not even Italian!

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The charming hilltop village is home to Trattoria L’Ombelico del Mondo “Il Barrino,” which literally means “Navel of the World.”  This cherished local gem and its charismatic owner, Gianluca Monaci, are the center of everything happening in Montisi, where locals stop at least once a day to chat about current events, read the newspaper, and enjoy a cappuccino and conversation with Gianluca, who has been running the place for more than 15 years alongside his wife and family.

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There is no one quite like Gianluca in the whole of the Val d’Orcia.  His contagious smile and profound love for his country, his wine, his food, and above all,  his community resonate in every moment effortlessly cultivated throughout an evening spent dining at his restaurant.  Gianluca goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone who comes through their doors is treated like someone invited to their family table at home.

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Starting The Evening

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Before your dinner service, starting at around 8 PM nightly, you might wish to stop at the bar for a refreshing glass of wine. Be sure to make your way to the scenic overlook of the Val d'Orcia at sunset before heading to your reservation in the romantic courtyard for dinner. 

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After arriving at your table, prepare for a dinner experience you will remember for a lifetime. You'll be welcomed into the romantic courtyard dining area with a glass of bubbles as you take in the surroundings of climbing roses and intimate lamplit tables. You'll be greeted with smiling faces from the attentive camerieri and glasses filled with wine to start the evening.

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Gianluca starts each dinner service by outlining the choice of courses for each evening, including traditional Tuscan dishes with their own unique twist. 

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Whether you opt for their signature ragu (cooked for five plus hours) over the typical pici pasta of the region or gnocchi with saffron, pecorino, and zucchini, your palate will be delighted from the first bite to the last. 

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If you enjoy unique dining experiences, where each visit is a little different than the one before, Il Barrino is a must. The ambiance is just as dreamy as their seasonal menu, and you'll leave for the evening (after a delightful chocolate torte and a café, of course) already looking forward to your next visit. 

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Making Reservations / Location 

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Via Umbero I, 147, Montisi 

Telephone +39.0577.845190

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Prepare to get lost in an evening spent with those dearest to you with a perfectly timed dinner of delectable authentic Tuscan dishes and glasses always full of the best wines the region has to offer.

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