There is a lot to love about Tuscan cuisine. It has garnered the attention of food lovers worldwide for generations. The picturesque Tuscan landscape is stuff movies are made of: Gentile rolling hills dotted with olive trees planted in perfect rows, cross hatched with vineyards, and cypress trees looking watch over the whole of it imperiously.

The view from one of the areas most remarkable restaurants gifts the best of that majestic landscape while enjoying true culinary artistry. SaQua, situated in the medieval town of Montescudaio along Tuscan’s Etruscan coast, is the passion project of chef/owner Simone Acquarelli and his partner Sara Buti.

Our first visit to SaQua was in the early October. A magical time in Tuscany where the last of the year’s wine harvest overlaps with the start of olive harvest to turn out the region’s national treasures in liquid form!

After years cooking in Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy and abroad, the duo opened in its current location in 2022. Listed in the 2025 Michelin guide itself, SaQua is where you go to experience what inspires a young, talented chef to push his native Tuscan cuisine to new levels through the union of taste and technique. It’s an exploration from a contemporary point of view applied to the traditions that nurtured (and nourished) Simone growing up outside of the region’s capital city, Florence.

Simone’s menu embraces favorite regional ingredients without being tethered to the mondane. Fegatini (chicken liver paté), beef tartare, buffalo blue cheese mousse, wild boar, roasted duck, homemade pastas, and sweets plated with artistic flair. From Simone’s seasonal menu, it’s understood immediately that SaQua is for those who seek a culinary experience, not just eating. Whether for dinner, at a catered event or cooking class, you are ushered into Simone’s personal vision and passion for food. And that’s a rewarding place to be!

The extensive wine list features jewels from the local wine regions, among the best in the world, as well as other Italian and international labels. Rule of thumb, though, is to drink locally when premium local ingredients are on the menu. There’s no better pairing to accentuate the experience and to complement the food. Ask for advice for local favorites like Prima Pietra, Caiarossa or Duemani for a full-immersion into exceptional local flavors.

The dining adventure is skillfully guided by the professional service of Sara and her knowledgable front of the house staff. Attentive, not obtrusive, is what makes a dining experience seamless and relaxing and they aptly pull that off. SaQua’s modern dining room is inviting, not overly formal or stuffy, with just the right sandy-colored walls, mocha floor tiles and light oak to keep the space warm and comfortable. The tables are a clean canvas where the artistic plates take center stage under the interior’s recessed spot lighting. In warmer months, the panoramic patio dining is spectacular. A true picture perfect setting of the aforementioned rolling landscape with coastal views. And when the plates arrive … paradise is served in 360 degrees!

Visit:
Viale Vittorio Veneto, 40, 56040 Montescudaio PI

Tel. +39 0586 650381

www.saqua.it

Follow:
@saqua_byilfrantoio