Castelfranco di Sopra, Italy

Il Ristoro di Cristiano Filippini

The Mediterranean • Eat & drink • Il Ristoro di Cristiano Filippini in Castelfranco di Sopra, Italy

What’s the restaurant in a nutshell?

Reimagining tradition with a modern twist, Il Ristoro di Cristiano Filippini is a vibrant love letter to meat, set in the heart of the medieval town of Castelfranco di Sopra in Tuscany. The Filippini family, after having owned a beloved butcher shop since 1785, embarked on a new gastronomic journey by opening this trattoria in 2023. The restaurant’s design is a head-turner: Timothee Studio’s Cosimo Bonciani, Andrea Mascagni and Niccoló Antonielli masterfully melded past and present with an aesthetic inspired by 1970s Italian discotheques. The rich red colour palette and geometric motifs, contrasted with antique marble flooring and patinated walls, reflect the history of the place whilst giving it a bold, playful atmosphere. The central mirror-clad butcher’s counter serves as a reminder of the Filippini family’s meat-centric heritage.

What are the signature dishes?

Here, meat reigns supreme. Guests have been entranced by the raw authenticity of Il Ristoro di Cristiano Filippini’s menu, filled with exceptional dishes that honour the family’s longstanding love for high-quality cuts. Favourites include the hearty salumi antipasti and the beautifully simple, yet flavourful, beef tartare. The dishes boast the quality and tradition of the family’s nearby historic butcher shop, but in a new, modern context. And for those who might not share the family’s meat devotion, the pizzas are equally compelling – praised for their fine crust and the distinct, mouth-watering flavour of the fresh tomatoes.

Drinks, anyone?

Il Ristoro di Cristiano Filippini takes pride in a meticulously chosen array of local wines, a tribute to Tuscany’s prestigious wine heritage. The list shines with names like Brunello di Montalcino, famed for its intense and age-worthy flavours. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Tuscan wine menu without the dependable presence of Chianti, its full-bodied charm making it the ideal counterpart to the rich meat dishes. The selection doesn’t stop there, extending to other Italian favourites and less-known treasures, all chosen to exhibit the region’s varied viniculture.

What’s the region like?

Tuscany, a picturesque region nestled in the heart of Italy, is a tapestry of rolling hills, lush vineyards and charming medieval towns. Steeped in history and culture, Tuscany is home to iconic cities like Florence, Siena and Pisa. The region’s idyllic countryside is dotted with quaint hilltop villages, ancient castles and sprawling olive groves, reflecting Tuscany’s rich agricultural heritage. As a haven for food and wine connoisseurs, the area offers world-renowned wineries, rustic trattorias and bustling markets featuring an abundance of local produce.