2 Best Restaurants in Empoli, Tuscany

Everything in this restaurant, which seats no more than 20 people, is carefully curated, from the table settings to the myriad options for vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free diners—a rare thing outside of Italy's cities. Chef–owner Giovanni Avano really shines in his come mi sveglio la mattina set menu, which is a daily variation of seasonal dishes cooked with flair.

Panini are the order of the day here, and they come with historic names (bearing no relation to what's actually contained between those two pieces of bread). Cured Italian pork products figure heavily, but there are vegetarian and pescatarian options, too. As evidenced by the caramello burro saltato con mascarpone (caramelized butter with a soft, spreadable, cow's milk cheese), dessert might also be served on the restaurant's tasty bread.