Il Mulino Di Ferraia - REGGELLO

The restaurant Il Mulino di Ferraia is situated 35 km from Florence in the beautiful Val D 'Arno countryside of Tuscany. The character and atmosphere of the 500 year old building make it the perfect location for those in search of some of the best of what was Once Upon A Time cooking and setting in Tuscany. The house motto, Cucinare E Voler Bene or To Cook is to Love , is a reflection of the passion that the owners Elizabeth (the cook) and Marco Ceri (your waiter) have for searching out natural quality ingredients from producers of excellence in Tuscany for the preparation of traditional Tuscan dishes. Our fixed price meal, which was quite a deal, included everything: choice of appetizers of three or four cheeses, breads, salami, salads, then fried polenta, tagliatelle in a pistachio sauce, risotto, two types of meat dishes and then fabulous desserts. Our evening began at 8:30 and we couldn 't believe that it was midnight when we left. Did I say that wine and water is included in the price too? We have not had so excellent a meal in such a relaxing and warm atmosphere in years. Do not worry about a language barrier because the owners speak English. After only two months, the restaurant attracted the attention of the Accademia Italiana della Cucina awarding it their highly regarded certificate of recommendation for the food and the setting. The restaurant would make a wonderful choice for rehearsal dinners, university sojourns, or a date night. Il Mulino di Ferraia offers what you would expect from a five star restaurant at reasonable prices.

We spent 2 nights in this wonderful, 500 year old, former water mill. Our hosts Elizabeth and Marco made us warmly welcome and, in looking after us, nothing was too much for them. The cooking was magnificent and we thoroughly enjoyed 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner, made with loving care and great ability, in true Tuscan style. We enjoyed Prosecco (home-bottled according to the lunar calendar) and beautiful, very locally sourced Chianti. Our room was comfortable and set within a fascinating rambling old water-mill, full of interesting furniture, prints and artifacts. The rooms that we freely drifted though were atmospheric and unique. There is beautiful countryside to be explored nearby and Marco is an experienced and able guide with his own tourist 'map '. Elizabeth and Marco are to be congratulated on the warmth of their hospitality and the wonderful dining that they execute so well. A unique experience!

What an amazing day. Chef Elizabeth and host Carlo welcomed us to their 500+ years old Tuscan home for an experience to remember. We had a full day of cooking with Elizabeth and then ate everything we had prepared. Recipes were simple but traditional. Highest quality ingredients and superb wine. Loved it.