Heading southeast from Florence to Arezzo, this vivid pink villa in an olive grove is the perfect lunch stop, especially in summer when the dining action spills out onto the terracotta-brick terrace with its 360-degree view of olive trees, vines and hills beyond. Cuisine is Tuscan and there's no written menu – the chef cooks different dishes every day.
The mixed platter of antipasti (which includes delicious bread-and-tomato 'soup') is a mainstay, as are imaginative primi (green pepper and mint risotto) and the classic T-bone steak, bistecca alla fiorentina (€45 per kg). Advance reservations are recommended at weekends when Florentines flock here for a taste of the Tuscan countryside.
To find Acquolina, 34km northwest of Arezzo, take the Valdarno exit off the A1 and follow signs for 'Terranuova Bracciolini' and 'Arezzo' until you pick up 'Osteria dell'Acquolina' signs.
