Braulio A.
Google
Antica Trattoria La Toppa – The Best Accident We Ever Had
Sometimes, the best experiences happen by pure chance. That’s exactly how we stumbled upon Antica Trattoria La Toppa, a hidden gem in the heart of Tuscany.
It was our first time in this breathtaking region, and we wanted to immerse ourselves in the local culture. I had bookmarked this little trattoria while planning our family vacation, and since we were staying at a nearby winery outside San Donato, it seemed like the perfect spot for our first dinner.
Pro tip: Be ready to walk! San Donato is a tiny, charming town where cars aren’t allowed inside, so you’ll have to park on the outskirts. Trust me, the short stroll through the medieval streets only adds to the experience.
As we arrived, I confidently asked for a table for four—only to be met with a surprised look. “Do you have a reservation?” the host asked. Rookie mistake. This wasn’t a tourist trap; this was a true local institution, where the townspeople gathered for their nightly meal. But luck (or maybe fate) was on our side. The owner, warm and welcoming, found a way to squeeze us in.
Walking into La Toppa felt like stepping into Nonna’s dining room—cozy, inviting, and filled with the scent of something incredible cooking in the kitchen. The staff was beyond friendly, happy to guide us through the menu, and the wine selection? Impeccable.
Determined not to repeat my rookie mistake, I made a reservation for our last night in Tuscany—one final indulgence before heading to Venice. When we returned, the owner greeted us with a smile, clearly amused that I had learned my lesson. We started with delicious appetizers, but the real showstopper was the Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Before cooking, the chef himself came to our table, proudly displaying the massive cut of steak. “How would you like it prepared?” he asked. Without hesitation, we replied, “Chef’s choice.” His face lit up—a chef’s dream answer. Moments later, he returned with the most perfectly cooked steak, sliced and ready to be devoured.
As we dug in, the owner and his father checked on us, grinning when they saw us passing around the massive bone, making sure we didn’t waste a single bite. The ultimate seal of approval? The owner’s father nodding in satisfaction as we unabashedly enjoyed our meal the Tuscan way.
When it was time to leave, the chef personally thanked us for letting him cook for us—a true honor. But the night wasn’t over yet. As we went to pay, the owner ran into technical issues with his payment system, clearly frustrated. After sorting it out, he surprised us with a bottle of house wine, insisting we take it as a token of appreciation.
Oh, and did I mention? La Toppa is featured in the Michelin Guide. But even if it weren’t, it would still be one of the best places I’ve ever accidentally walked into.
Lesson learned: Some accidents are meant to happen.
