Antica Macelleria Cecchini
World-famous butcher Dario Cecchini's Tuscan institution, offering legendary meat feasts and a vibrant, unforgettable dining experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience the full culinary show
Antica Macelleria Cecchini
Best Time
Experience the full culinary show
Highlights
Must-see attractions
World-famous butcher Dario Cecchini's Tuscan institution, offering legendary meat feasts and a vibrant, unforgettable dining experience.
"Prepare for an unforgettable experience with world-class beef and free-flowing Chianti at this iconic Tuscan butcher shop."
🚗 Rent a Car for Panzano
Panzano in Chianti is best explored with a car. Consider staying overnight to fully enjoy the experience!
🥩 Meat Lover's Paradise
Prepare for generous portions of high-quality meat. The 'Solociccia' and 'Officina della Bistecca' menus are highly recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Solociccia' Menu
Antica Macelleria Cecchini
A fixed-price menu celebrating various cuts of meat, served with local wine. A true taste of Tuscany!
The 'Officina della Bistecca'
Antica Macelleria Cecchini
Experience Dario Cecchini's legendary Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut T-bone steak grilled to perfection.
Meet Dario Cecchini
Antica Macelleria Cecchini
The charismatic, eighth-generation butcher himself, known for his passion, poetry, and showmanship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for a True Tuscan Feast
Embrace the Carnivore's Dream
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Panzano
Panzano in Chianti is best explored with a car. Consider staying overnight to fully enjoy the experience!
🥩 Meat Lover's Paradise
Prepare for generous portions of high-quality meat. The 'Solociccia' and 'Officina della Bistecca' menus are highly recommended.
🍷 Unlimited Chianti
Enjoy free-flowing Chianti wine with your meal – a true Tuscan treat!
💰 Great Value for Money
At around €50 per person, it's considered one of the best restaurant deals in Italy for the quality and quantity.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Panzano
Panzano in Chianti is best explored with a car. Consider staying overnight to fully enjoy the experience!
🥩 Meat Lover's Paradise
Prepare for generous portions of high-quality meat. The 'Solociccia' and 'Officina della Bistecca' menus are highly recommended.
🍷 Unlimited Chianti
Enjoy free-flowing Chianti wine with your meal – a true Tuscan treat!
💰 Great Value for Money
At around €50 per person, it's considered one of the best restaurant deals in Italy for the quality and quantity.
🎭 Embrace the Show
Dario Cecchini is a showman! Relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and let him entertain you.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and unforgettable experience at Antica Macelleria Cecchini, praising Dario Cecchini's showmanship, the exceptional quality and quantity of meat, and the incredible value for money, especially with the unlimited Chianti. Some vegetarian diners found the options limited, but the overall atmosphere and culinary artistry are consistently lauded.
"Fantastic, unique experience. Dario is an engaging showman, and a talented chef and butcher. Highly recommended. You damn well better love copious amounts of raw and barely cooked yet world class beef! Considering all the Chianti straw bottle wine you can drink and delicious first and second courses, €50 per person could be the best restaurant deal in Italy."
Wayne Bagrowski
"For my vegetarian peers who might find themselves accompanying their carnivore friends:
The vegetarian menu was, for the most part, a selection of vegetables marinated in oil and vinegar. Apart from that, we were served a plain, unseasoned potato wrapped in aluminum foil—without even a dip. Except a single fried egg, there was no protein to be found, let alone anything with real substance.
Of course, expectations for vegetarian food at a butcher’s restaurant should naturally be modest. Still, one could argue that if a vegetarian option is offered at all, it could be crafted with just a bit more thought and care.
Especially since the cost for the veggie menu is the same prize as the meat-menu.
For wine, the only choice was a really good red wine and overall the atmosphere was open and fun :)
Attached are the photos of each dish so you know what to expect"
Jasmin H
"Everything that I could imagine, perfect meat, great atmosphere, a little bit emotionally loud, but you here exactly for this.
Amazing meat, great service.
Have no words to explain how happy I am that had this experience.
I'm just happy that I had an opportunity to visit this iconic place."
Iryna Ecker-Tafintseva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Antica Macelleria Cecchini is located in Panzano in Chianti, Tuscany. The easiest way to reach it is by car, as public transport can be infrequent. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the region.
Parking can be challenging in the small village of Panzano, especially during peak hours. Arrive early or be prepared to walk a short distance from available street parking.
Yes, it's possible to visit as a day trip from Florence, but it's a significant drive. Many visitors recommend staying overnight in Panzano to fully experience the atmosphere and avoid rushing.
A rental car offers the most flexibility for exploring the Chianti region and visiting places like Antica Macelleria Cecchini at your own pace.
While not as common as general Chianti tours, some private tours might include a stop at Dario Cecchini's butcher shop. It's worth checking with local tour operators.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for the 'Officina della Bistecca' and 'Solociccia' menus, as they are very popular. Book in advance to secure your spot.
The restaurant typically serves lunch and dinner with fixed seatings. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours and reservation times.
The 'Solociccia' menu is around €40, and the 'Officina della Bistecca' menu is around €50 per person, which includes unlimited Chianti wine. 
The 'Solociccia' menu typically features a variety of slow-cooked meats and other Tuscan specialties, served family-style.
This menu focuses on Dario Cecchini's famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a large, thick-cut T-bone steak grilled over coals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The 'Solociccia' and 'Officina della Bistecca' menus are the signature experiences, showcasing Dario Cecchini's mastery of meat.
Yes, vegetarian menus are offered, though they primarily consist of vegetables and may be simpler compared to the meat dishes.
Yes, both the 'Solociccia' and 'Officina della Bistecca' menus typically include unlimited Chianti wine.
The atmosphere is lively, festive, and often described as a 'show.' Dario Cecchini himself is a charismatic host, adding to the unique experience.
Yes, the Antica Macelleria Cecchini is also a functioning butcher shop where you can purchase high-quality meats and other products to take home.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Many visitors capture the vibrant atmosphere, the food, and of course, photos with Dario Cecchini himself.
Capture Dario in action, the beautifully prepared meat dishes, the rustic interior of the butcher shop, and the charming village of Panzano in Chianti.
Dario is known for his hospitality and often interacts with guests. Many visitors manage to get a photo with him, especially if you're there during the meal service.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions, but always be mindful of other diners and ask permission if you're focusing on individuals.
The lively atmosphere during meal times provides great opportunities for candid shots. Natural light during lunch can also be lovely for food photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking the 'Solociccia' menu for a broader range of flavors. If you have very young children or picky eaters, it might be wise to pack some familiar snacks. The experience is more about the communal dining and the show, so if your kids enjoy a bit of excitement, they might have fun. However, it's not a typical 'kid-friendly' restaurant in terms of dedicated play areas or a children's menu.
💰 Budget Travelers
To make it even more budget-friendly, consider visiting for lunch, which can sometimes be slightly less formal than dinner. The cost is fixed, so you know exactly what you're paying for, and the generous portions mean you won't need to order extra sides. The experience itself is priceless!
🥩 Carnivores & Foodies
Beyond the food, it's the entire experience – the atmosphere, Dario's personality, and the unlimited Chianti – that makes it a must-visit. This is not just a meal; it's a cultural immersion into the heart of Tuscan gastronomy. Don't miss the chance to meet Dario and hear his philosophy on food and life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Dario Cecchini
+1His fame has spread globally, partly due to appearances on shows like Netflix's 'Chef's Table.' This has transformed his humble butcher shop in Panzano in Chianti into a culinary pilgrimage site for food lovers worldwide. Dario's energy is infectious, and he often engages with his guests, sharing stories and his love for food and life.
Visiting Antica Macelleria Cecchini is not just about eating; it's about experiencing a piece of Tuscan culture through the eyes and hands of a master. His approach is deeply rooted in tradition yet vibrantly contemporary, making him a true icon of Italian gastronomy.
Experiencing the Menus: Solociccia vs. Officina della Bistecca
+1The 'Officina della Bistecca' is for the ultimate steak lover. This experience centers around the iconic Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut T-bone steak grilled over coals to perfection. It's a more focused, yet equally impressive, culinary event. This menu is designed for those who want to savor the pure, unadulterated flavor of high-quality Tuscan beef.
Both menus offer incredible value, especially considering the quality of the ingredients, the unlimited wine, and the unique atmosphere. While the vegetarian options are available, the true essence of the Antica Macelleria Cecchini experience lies in its dedication to exceptional meat preparation.
Panzano in Chianti: A Tuscan Gem
Beyond Dario Cecchini's renowned butcher shop, Panzano is a destination for wine enthusiasts. The area is dotted with wineries offering tastings and tours, allowing visitors to explore the nuances of Chianti Classico wines. The slower pace of life here encourages visitors to relax, savor the local flavors, and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
Staying overnight in Panzano, as recommended by many visitors, allows for a more immersive experience. You can explore the village at leisure, enjoy a leisurely dinner, and truly appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the Tuscan countryside. It transforms a meal into a complete Tuscan getaway.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit