Dopolavoro La Foce (Strada della Vittoria, 90 53026 Pienza, SI, Italy) literally means after work at La Foce, where in days gone by workers at the nearby La Foce gardens and villa (Strada della Vittoria, 61 53042 Chianciano Terme, SI, Italy) would gather for a drink before heading home. Now, the laid back eatery in Pienza is a cross between California industrial and Tuscan vineyard in decor and simultaneously laid back with upscale dining.
Dopolavoro was a pleasant surprise, suggested by our host at Relais Val d’Orcia, just down the road, and a paved road, we might add. That’s a great comfort in this area of Tuscany, where most roads look like the surface of the moon.
The staff was welcoming and did not try to relegate our solo diner to the worst corner of the room but rather sat her at a great table in the middle of the action, where she could watch the grill master in his open kitchen, or the chef behind the bar turning out drinks and/or boards of formaggi, salumi and crostini from the gastronomia, otherwise known as charcuterie boards for hungry diners.
You should know, if you’ve never been to Tuscany, that it’s big meat country, much like Texas. They love their steak. So, don’t expect to find fish on the menu at most Tuscan restaurants. It’s just not customary or easy to get.
We chose “Pici al ragù toscano di carne di manzo in punta di coltello” for our entree, which was the typical pici pasta so known in Pienza, with a meat ragu. The pasta was cooked to perfection and while the sauce could have been heavy, it wasn’t but it was filling. Italians always seem surprised when Americans don’t order what they consider a main course after the pasta. Who has the room? Don’t they know we have to pay for excess weight with our “baggage” going home?
Besides, we must always leave room for dessert and in this case it was the most delectable tiramisù with lemon cream and chocolate crumble in just the right portion after a filling meal. You might find the portion size shocking, as it was presented in an edible flower pot about the size of a shot glass, but it was just right. As a side note, while you can eat the flower pot, we suggest against it. The candy pot was way too sweet, most likely made with colored white chocolate. It actually ruined the lovely taste which lingered on the palate from the tiramisù with the chocolate crumble made to look like the dirt topping a lovely plant.
Italian menus, post-Covid, now include an elaborate code after each menu item to indicate which allergies may be impacted by each and every dish. So, if you see a list of numbers, know that’s what it’s for and not the prices.
Dopolavoro boasts an impressive wine list. Hey, It’s Tuscany and that’s to be expected. So, it was no surprise that a glass of Rosso di Montepulciano (2020 Sangiovese – Cantina Dei, Montepulciano) with dinner was actually very good, a bit acidic but still fruity. With the coperto and tip, the meal was less than $40 for a great dinner at a charming, welcoming ristorante, and a great foodie find in Pienza, Tuscany.
🍴🍴🍴🍴 out of 5