Lunching in the Lunigiana - Hidden Tuscany

Today we went to our Lunigiana favorite, Spino Fiorito, for the long Sunday lunch. The place was full and people without reservations were turned away. The set-menu meal started with antipasto - eight tempting small plates including puntarelle with anchovy sauce and artichokes, both in season now. Next came gnocchi with gorgonzola and pear followed by ravioli. There were two meat courses as well including a roast pork that James loved. By this time I was too full to eat the dessert. Wine, water, coffee, and an after dinner drink was included. Including tax and service, the tab was only 22 euro each, less than $35.

If you're looking for a tranquil and economic place to vacation in the countryside, Spino Fiorito might be the perfect spot. Although I haven't stayed there, the four rooms look inviting. Far from the tourist crowds, you can enjoy fabulous scenery, hiking, and medieval villages in both the Lunigiana and the Garfagnana region north of Lucca. Read more about Spino Fiorito on Europe Travel.

It might seem like all we do is eat but food is one of the pleasures of being in Italy. Friday we had a simpler lunch, also good, at Osteria L'Oca Bianca in Pontremoli, one of the main towns of the Lunigiana (shown in the photo). Our pastas were little pasta packets stuffed with gorgonzola that had a delicious mushroom sauce and an equally good fish ravioli. James then had a nice seafood salad while I had a plate of fresh artichokes in olive oil.

More about Pontremoli and the Lunigiana:

• Pontremoli Visitors Guide
• Pontremoli and the Stele Statue Museum Photo Gallery from Wandering Italy
• Pictures of Pontremoli in Winter from the Wanderer's Eye
• Lunigiana Map from Europe Travel
• Lunigiana Pictures from Europe Travel