Ristorante Degli Archi, Montepulciano

With the weather being overcast we decided to have a relaxing last day in Montepulciano. We enjoyed a last stroll through town, checked out a few of the shops, churches and wine cellars before having lunch at the very eccentric Ristorante Degli Archi, a restaurant that has been operating for 126 years under the one family.

With amazing views overlooking the gorgeous valley, the interior is just as interesting with its bright pink walls, mismatched furniture and decor items, and a very eclectic decorating style. It is a feast for the eyes. It was such a great experience with the owner being a very engaging man with his limited English. Once he found out we were Australian he went on to tell us about the famous Australian actors who had eaten there and even pulled out his phone to show us his photos. Among the past famous clientele were Russel Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicolson, Muhammad Ali, Robert Patterson (for all those Twilight fans) and Sophia Loren, who the owner said was his girlfriend, but he couldn’t tell his wife.

He also schooled me on how to hold a wine glass and I almost got a smack on the wrist for doing it wrong. He was a brilliant host and added to our experience. And to make things even better our food was amazing. It was the perfect lunch for our last day here.Read more