Where to eat in Lari: the authentic cuisine of Bottega di Canfreo

Tuscan artisan cold cuts, cave-aged pecorino cheeses, pasta from the Pastificio Martelli, local wines, and homemade desserts: at La Bottega di Canfreo, every bite tells the story of Lari.
If you’re wondering where to eat in Lari, this is a place that blends tradition, quality, and authenticity in a truly memorable lunch.
If you’re visiting the village of Lari and looking for a place to have lunch in Lari with honest flavors and a focus on top-quality ingredients, La Bottega di Canfreo is a must. More than a simple restaurant in Lari, it’s a real deli with a kitchen, where every dish is rooted in Tuscan tradition and local identity.
This isn’t just a place to eat: it’s a space that recreates the atmosphere of old village shops, where the relationship between customer and shopkeeper is built on trust, recommendations, tastings, friendly chats, and delicious aromas.
The place is perfectly located, right at the foot of the Vicari Castle. The interiors have been recently renovated but still keep their rustic, convivial soul, with just a few tables and shelves packed with typical products of Lari… exactly the kind of spot I personally love to find when traveling.

COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:
The Products Sold and Served at La Bottega di Canfreo
If you’re wondering where to eat in Lari to enjoy an authentic experience far from the usual tourist paths, La Bottega di Canfreo is not to be missed.
The selection of products here is truly unique: cured meats, cheeses, preserves, and wines all come from small local producers. In many cases, they are exclusive to the shop. You won’t find them in supermarkets or large city stores, making each taste even more special.
The meats and cured products, for instance, come directly from the Macelleria Balestri in Lari, while the famous “Tre Latti Lari” Pecorino cheese from the Busti family is aged in a Maturing cave just steps from the shop. A perfect example of zero-kilometer cooking that enhances the land in every detail.


Even the first courses follow this philosophy: prepared with local ingredients and traditional recipes, using only the artisanal pasta from the Pastificio Martelli, a symbol of Lari’s culinary excellence.
At La Bottega di Canfreo, you don’t just eat well — you discover an authentic Tuscany made of ancient gestures and genuine flavors. It’s an ideal spot for those looking where to eat in Lari while savoring the true soul of these hills.
Starters: Cheese, Cold Cuts, and Territory
We started with two boards. The Poeta Cheese Board offered a selection from the Busti dairy, including the “Tre Latti Lari” pecorino aged in the nearby cave. The cheese was paired with a sweet pepper, ginger, and honey jam from a local producer — an unexpected but well-balanced and delicious combination.
The La Villa Board featured a well-composed mix of cold cuts and cheese: Tuscan prosciutto, orange-flavored soppressata, and truffle salami (all from the Macelleria Balestri in Lari). The truffle pecorino was particularly excellent — highly recommended!


First Courses: Local Tradition and Creativity
For our lunch, we chose two first courses deeply connected to Lari’s culinary tradition, made with artisanal pasta from the renowned Pastificio Martelli (which I talk about more in this article).
The first, probably the most iconic dish of the place, was Spaghetti al Tafferuglio: a surprising and original dish I’d never encountered elsewhere. The secret? A mix of aromatic herbs (dried parsley and chervil, garlic, and chili) with a slightly spicy kick that gives the dish personality and vibrancy. A true taste of rustic and flavorful Tuscany!
If you’d like to try it at home, you can purchase the mix directly here: Spaghetti al Tafferuglio – Bottega di Canfreo
The second first course was more delicate but equally delightful: Fusilli della Regina, with a fragrant carrot pesto and sliced almonds. A light but tasty combination, perfect for those who love creative pairings.
Two very different dishes, but both marked by the quality of the pasta and the desire to tell the story of the land through its flavors.


Main Course: The “Rifatte” Cutlets
For the main course, we chose the daily special: the braciole “Rifatte”, a dish I had never tried before but fell in love with at first bite. It’s a slice of beef, breaded and fried, then simmered in a tomato and caper sauce.
A simple traditional recipe full of character, where each ingredient plays a role. The meat, provided by Macelleria Balestri, was of excellent quality. No fancy tricks — just a great product, cooked right, and the comforting flavor of homemade food. Served with it were cube-shaped French fries that deserve a special mention. Out of this world!

The bond between the typical products of Lari and the land is profound. It’s not just about eating well, but about connecting with locals, with natural rhythms, and with a food culture centered on care and respect.
Homemade Desserts
To end the meal on a sweet note, we sampled the homemade desserts — simple but well-crafted, just like the best of Tuscan tradition. The panna cotta, soft and velvety, was paired with a jam made from Lari IGP cherries that enhanced the creaminess without overpowering it.
The tart, with its crumbly crust and jam filling, brought us back to childhood memories — the kind that taste like grandma’s kitchen.
As a final treat, we were offered a small glass of “Festa di Ciliegia”, a fragrant liqueur made with the famous Lari IGP cherries, giving a rich and aromatic finish that honors one of the most iconic typical products of Lari.
A final indulgence that once again shows just how deeply this place is rooted in its land.


A Typical Restaurant in Lari that knows what it offers
La Bottega di Canfreo isn’t the place for fancy or gourmet dishes: it’s real food, made with top-quality ingredients and traditional methods. A few tables, a peaceful atmosphere, and friendly but unobtrusive service. People come here to eat well and feel connected to the territory, without unnecessary frills.
It’s rare to find a place where every detail truly reflects the land you’re in. If you’re nearby, it’s definitely worth sitting down and letting yourself be surprised by this simple yet extraordinary cuisine.
Want to enjoy the flavors of La Bottega di Canfreo at home? Check out their online shop!
Still wondering where to eat in Lari? The answer is easy: try this kitchen-deli combo. Just remember to book, as seating is limited and it often fills up, especially on weekends.
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