It's no secret that dining at Villa Toscana transports you instantly to the hills of Tuscany. Housed in the extremely luxurious St Regis hotel and just a short walk from the beach, this elegant Tuscan restaurant is perfectly located for a relaxing private meal. The decor is based on that of a Tuscan villa and feels like the lavish summer residence of some Italian noble. The walls are lines with landscape paintings of Italy, while tall vases perch on backlit alcoves. Each table, charmingly, has its own basil plant, which fills the space with a gloriously fragrant scent. And, behind a metal gate, you'll find a truly awe-inspiring wine collection, housed in smart glass-fronted fridges.
Settle down with your group of guests banquet-style to enjoy a sumptuous feast of Tuscan delicacies. You might start with beef carpaccio, stuffed with rocket, radicchio, tomatoes, parmesan and caramelised onion, or grilled octopus with confit potatoes, pink peppercorns and parsley. The burrata-enthusiasts amongst your party can enjoy their favourite cheese with tomato soup, focaccia croutons and basil pesto, while those seeking a lighter bite might want to try the Caprese salad.
No Italian private dining experience is complete without pasta, and Villa Toscana has an impressive selection. Meatier options include a Senese-style lamb sauce with pappardelle, sage and roasted pine nuts, while vegetarians might opt for the handmade artichoke and ricotta ravioli with truffle butter. Elsewhere, you'll find a decadent lobster and prawn chitarrucci with a light tomato sauce, basil and cherry tomatoes.
You and your guests will certainly want to try the house signature dishes, including beef tenderloin with grilled vegetables and polenta brittle, wild black bass with king oyster mushrooms and turnip crackers or a steamed salmon fillet with white mascarpone sauce and parmesan mashed potatoes. End your feats with an authentic Italian dessert such as panna cotta or tiramisu.