The promontory of Populonia and the gulf of Baratti are today one of the most characteristic landscapes of the Tuscan coast. Rolling hills, Mediterranean underbrush on steep slopes that drop sheer into the blue sea, history and archaeology, all come together to evoke pictorial images. Here, we encounter traces of ancient populations, starting from the beach of Baratti: an open-air museum shining with iron scoria that testifies to the impressiveness of the Etruscan industrial city of Populonia.
From here, climbing up the past the necropolises of San Cerbone and Le Grotte, we reach the acropolis of the Etruscan city and the medieval village of Populonia, led by archaeological artifacts narrating millennia of history.

Sitting up high above the cliffs over looking the Mediterranean is the hill top village of Populonia and the castle fortifications that surround this ancient town.

Nestled in the heart of the tiny main street is the most incredible restaurant known as Il Lucumone, owned by Giuseppina Grasso (Pinuccia) who is proud to have a two Michelin Star rating (which out of a three star measure, puts this restaurant at the top of the world literally and figuratively).

The chef, Maria Capaccioli invited us into her kitchen and prepared some amazing dishes, including a stuffed Zucchini blossom with Sheep Milk Ricotta, Pureed Pumpkin with Capers, Sword Fish Rolled with Egg, a special Pasta “Trofie” with Longostine and Salt Crust Baked Orata Fish! Plus an array of desserts that just wouldn’t stop coming!

What a wonderful experience to find such a romantic location, eating some of the freshest, most delicious recipes, and having to pinch ourselves that we’re here experiencing all of this at Restorante Il Lucumone!