By Rosina Fracassini
For Over Forty Years in the heart of Greve in Chianti.
Some places go beyond being simple restaurants and, over time, become true landmarks—recognizable spaces where the value of hospitality surpasses even that of the cuisine, as important as it is. This is the case of La Cantina, a restaurant and pizzeria in Greve in Chianti, now run by Alessandro Manetti but founded in 1982 by his parents, Giovanni and Lorena.
In the beginning, it was the “Bar della Stazione,” a small-town bar where pizza was made just once a week—on Sundays. A simple, authentic setting that, over the years, evolved alongside—and in some ways ahead of—the changes in the local area. In the 1990s, with the growth of tourism in Chianti, La Cantina also transformed: from a village bar into a restaurant and pizzeria, expanding its offerings to meet increasingly international demand.
This evolution, however, never betrayed its original identity: that of a family-run business deeply rooted in its territory.
The location adds further depth to the experience. The restaurant is housed within the 19th-century spaces of an old icehouse, once used by local merchants to preserve meat and food supplies. Today, those same rooms offer a unique atmosphere, telling a story that goes beyond dining turning every meal into something more than just food.
Alessandro officially joined the business in 1992, but as he likes to say, he grew up in that place. Among tables and customers, he built a recognizable presence defined by spontaneity, energy, and his unmistakable “taaaac”—a kind of personal trademark that reflects his direct and genuine way of interacting with people. Today, he is the face of La Cantina, leading a team of around sixteen people.
The restaurant stands out for its philosophy of genuine, uncompromising hospitality: it is open seven days a week, with continuous hours from 10 a.m. to midnight, welcoming guests at any time of day, even without a reservation. This unconventional choice reflects a “traditional” approach to dining, where availability and attention to each guest come first.
The real highlight, however, is the cuisine, deeply rooted in Tuscan tradition and capable of telling a story of simplicity and bold flavors through every dish. Among the specialties are great classics such as ribollita, pici cacio e pepe, and maccheroncini alla Norcina with sausage and truffle, all prepared according to time-honored recipes with careful attention to detail.
The main courses showcase the richness of land-based cuisine, featuring iconic dishes like bistecca alla fiorentina, peposo, and wild boar—bold, hearty options that truly represent the region.
Alongside these traditional offerings, the menu also includes a carefully curated selection of seafood dishes, ranging from simple, fresh preparations to more elaborate recipes.
To conclude the dining experience, there is a wide selection of homemade desserts, from creamy tiramisu to classic cantucci served with vinsanto—perfect for ending the meal in the spirit of authenticity and tradition.
At the same time, in response to guests’ needs, the menu also includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, certified by the Italian Celiac Association (AIC). It’s a balance between identity and openness that allows everyone to feel at home.
The team is another essential element. The kitchen is led by Liliana, Alessandro’s partner, who coordinates a large and diverse group. It’s a team he himself describes as “family,” and one of the pillars of La Cantina’s success.
Alongside dining, La Cantina offers an even more immersive experience: cooking classes in traditional Tuscan cuisine and pizza-making. These go beyond a simple meal, allowing visitors to take home something more—a skill, a memory, a piece of Chianti. The classes are organized by Lorena, Alessandro’s mother, highlighting the ongoing importance of family continuity. Flexibility is key here as well: classes can be held every day, even with very little notice to meet guests’ needs.
In 2008, Alessandro expanded his vision of hospitality into the tourism sector, launching his first apartments in Piazza XXV Luglio, in the center of Greve in Chianti. These accommodations are designed to offer an authentic stay, immersed in village life, with all services within easy reach.
The idea proved successful, and in 2021 the project grew further with the opening of “Casa Vacanze Alessandro” (nicknamed by locals the “Pink House”) on Via Maggio, where four additional apartments were created. Here too, the philosophy remains unchanged: spaces renovated in respect of Tuscan tradition, complete independence, and a strategic location in the heart of the village, just steps from shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Everything revolves around a simple idea: making people feel part of the place. Even the menu reflects this connection with the territory and its people. Some pizzas are named after local sports clubs, while others carry the names of loyal customers who helped create them over the years.
La Cantina is, in essence, a large extended family—and as we know, you never truly leave family behind. Tourists, even from far away, return year after year to sit at the table, eat, and greet Alessandro and his team. During our visit, we witnessed this firsthand: a devoted American couple stopped by for lunch and their usual greeting. A simple gesture that says more than any description about the relationships built here.
It is also a point of reference for large groups, hikers, and families—a place where you can arrive without a reservation, at any time, with the certainty of being welcomed.
Because, ultimately, La Cantina is not just a restaurant. It represents a way of doing hospitality that today feels almost rare: direct, sincere, and deeply human.
And perhaps that—alongside the quality of its food—is its greatest value.
Info: La Cantina, Piazza Trento 3, Greve in Chianti (Fi) / Tel. +39 055 854097 / info@pizzerialacantina.it / www.pizzerialacantina.it
