Poggio Rosso

The story

Poggio Rosso | Michelin-Starred Dining in Chianti, Siena | wattafork

At Poggio Rosso in the heart of the Chianti region, Chef Stelios Sakalis creates an experience rooted in the landscape. The restaurant, set within the historic Borgo San Felice near Siena, earned its Michelin star for what the guide describes as an "elegant culinary narrative" of the area, expressed through authentic flavors and modern techniques.

Chef Sakalis approaches cooking as "an act of love." He cultivates close relationships with local fishermen and farmers in the Chianti area, who share their finest products with him. This connection to the land is the foundation of his cooking. The result is cuisine that feels both precisely crafted and deeply tied to its Tuscan surroundings.

The menu offers what the restaurant calls a "power of creativity," turning regional ingredients into something surprising. A dish of rice with sage, charcoal butter, and cockscombs is paired with the estate's own Vigorello, the first Super Tuscan of Chianti Classico. Another standout is the "spring à la Grecque" – courgettes prepared in the Greek style, served with fermented ricotta and alchermes. These dishes showcase the chef's ability to bridge tradition and invention.

The atmosphere is one of unhurried pleasure – the kind of evening that begins after a day in the Tuscan sun. With outdoor seating available and a carefully curated wine list, Poggio Rosso is a place where the cooking and the setting are in harmony. It is a destination for those who appreciate fine dining that respects its source.