As its name implies, Trattoria Nonna Lina takes its inspiration from chef Simone Vespasiani’s grandmother Lina. This charming restaurant serves traditional Tuscan favourites prepared with fresh seasonal ingredientsand according to family recipes handed down through the generations. The menu may not be extensive, but expect plenty of variety—there are 13 tantalising choices for pasta alone. The carpaccio di manzo, for instance, features slivers of raw beef kissed with truffle oil and a porcini dressing, and counterpointed by a bed of plump greens. The flavours of each element were at peak freshness and all mingled harmoniously to prove the point that when only thefreshest ingredients are used, even the simplest dishes can taste truly special.

The spaghetti alla fantasia di bottarga is a gorgeous briny mélange with salty discs of mullet roe, fresh clams and juicy prawns. The risotto with eggplant and button mushrooms in parmesan-truffle cream provides almost indulgent simplicity with the added bonus of beingsuitable for vegetarians.

Given its varied menu, it is a great idea to visit Trattoria Nonna Lina with a group of friends so you can sample a larger number of dishes. That said, smaller parties will find that whatever the choice, the food here seldom disappoints.