I had heard that there was a good restaurant in Benabbio so on a quiet winter Sunday I made my way to the hilltop village. Benabbio is about 5 kilometres uphill from La Villa. Take the road towards Abetone, turn right at the Benabbio sign and follow the winding road.

The road to Benabbio.

There are some lovely buildings in Benabbio and some spectacular views, even in winter.

It was easy to find the restaurant. It is right on the tiny piazza in the centre of the village

The restaurant was full for Sunday lunch….a good sign.

The menu was not written, but the very cheerful owner told me what was on offer for the day. I started with delicious antipasto.

These little pillows of deliciousness are pasta fritta. It is a bread dough that is fried rather than baked.

For those who don’t like pigeons, here is your revenge, risotto al piccione. I do like pigeons, but I pushed my guilt aside.

I was also given some home made pasta to try…..and it was very good.

I watched some wonderful looking dishes being delivered and eaten very quickly at nearby tables. I clearly need to come back to try some of the other choices.

Dessert was too good to refuse.

There is a downstairs bar as well as the upstairs restaurant.

Here is the lovely man who served me. I didn’t catch his name. I really will have to go back.

Cavallino Bianco, Piazza S. Maria, 13. Benabbio
http://www.ilcavallinobianco.com
(+39) 0583 804089