<strong>Valserena</strong> is a local trattoria halfway between Siena and Buonconvento at Lucignano d'Arbia. Valserena is a neighborhood restaurant with the basic traditional menu, but it's definitely the best simple eatery in this valley and visited by the locals for their grilled meats. Great atmosphere, loud conversations, and everybody seems to know everybody. Come here for a good evening with delicious and really inexpensive food, drinkable house wine, and very friendly, relaxed atmosphere. We have feasted on their delicious spare ribs and gnocchi with pesto. Pizza is also cooked in the evenings. Don't miss this experience! Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Wednesdays. This authentic Tuscany restaurant is perched on a hill west of the Via Cassia, about 9 km  north from Buonconvento, and 1 km south of Lucignano d'Arbia. Via Cassia Sud, 2858, Monteroni d'Arbia. Tel: 0577-374-545.  <a href="http://www.lavalserena.com/" target="_blank">www.lavalserena.com</a></span></span>

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Via Soccini 53. On the main street, center of old town. Tel: 0577-806-320.($$) www.osterialaviadimezzo.com