Bracali is situated in the small village of Ghirlanda, about forty-eight kilometres from Grosseto and, like so many of Italy’s best restaurants, has helped put the modest village on the culinary map. The two-Michelin starred restaurant needs little else to attract gourmands, who frequently travel great distances to experience the stunning food of Francesco Bracali. Visitors still have plenty to see, however – the historic town of Massa Marittima is just a short journey away and has many points of interest, including the thirteenth century Saint Cerbonius Cathedral and an impressive archaeological museum, containing work by the pioneering naturalist artist Ambrogio Lorenzetti.

Francesco runs the business with his brother Luca, who manages the front of house and is also an experienced sommelier. First-time visitors will marvel at the restaurant's elegant interior – beautiful classic paintings and large ornate mirrors line the walls, while white linen tables and grand gold and black chairs dominate the dining room. This splendid, stately decor serves as a suitable backdrop for Francesco’s refined cooking.

Inspired by tradition and the recipes of his ancestors, Francesco takes aspects from classic dishes and reimagines them in new and exciting ways. The menu depends entirely on the season, but typical creations may include Eel tempura with smoked lardo sauce, or Beef tartare with sesame cannelloni. Guests are welcome to order à la carte, but for those looking for the full Bracali experience, the restaurant's famous tasting menu is hard to resist. When it comes to ordering, the front of house team will provide detailed descriptions of each dish, the origins of the ingredients and methods used for its preparation.

The wine cellar is considered one of Tuscany’s best. Meticulously curated by Luca, it strikes the perfect balance between classical Italian wines and exotic New World varieties. Using his decades of experience, Luca is happy to make suggestions for food and wine pairings.