Agriturismo Gignola in Province of Massa and Carrara

"Dear Agriturismo Gignola, We had one of the most comfortable and culinary wonderful evenings with you on our trip to Italy. We can only warmly recommend Agriturismo Gignola to anyone who wants to experience hospitality and exceedingly good italian cuisine. Many thanks to the wonderful hosts! If we are ever in the area again we will definitely come back! Grazie mille!"

"We had a lovely dinner here. The place is a little hard to find, approximately 15-20 minutes by foot from Fosdinovo castle. The host however makes more than up for it with a warm and gentle welcoming atmosphere. Very friendly guy who spoke little English but with good will and the help of Google Translate we were more than able to communicate. We started our dinner with a assortment of cold cuts and selected cheeses all from the region. This was very nice, accompanied by tasty homemade bread. We shared two ravioli’s (the house specialty of potato-stuffed ones with mushroom sauce and spinaches-filled ones with meat ragu). The ravioli was amazing, especially the potato filled one. Tasted almost like eastern-european vareniki/pelmeni. We then had a small side of tasty and crunchy pickled vegetable. To finish the dinner, out came the best tiramisu of our lives. Creamy, juicy, sumptuous. After dinner the host even brought us home, because it was dark Definitely have dinner here if you are in the area!"

"We had such a wonderful a time here that we went twice within a few days. Simone gave us a wonderful tour of the garden and shed where some of his ingredients to his menu was obtained from. The staff was fantastic. The atmosphere was very cheerful, conducive to friendly chatter with the people next to us and a happy experience when together with friends. No complaints with the food. Suggest to try the rabbit and the local fish dish."

"We were staying at the nearby Castello Malaspino for the night and were recommended this place for dinner. Upon arrival we were surprised because we did not immediately recognize the the house as our dinner place. Luckily, the owner immediately called us over and brought us to our table. The setting is very rustic, in what I presume to be an old Italian farm or country house. It's very authentic and brings across the spirit of 'Agriturismo'. So, don't be afraid if the place feels a bit off at first or surprises you! The owner did his best to help us choose from the menu and privided us with great recommendations. All the food we received was home cooked and really delicious. So, if you are unsure about what to order, just ask for advice. What's more, the price is more than fair; at this place, you'll get home cooked, authentic, local food for a real good price. I can't stress enough how nice the owner is! After we finished our dinner, it was already very dark out and walking back to the castello where we stayed would have been more difficult. So, the owner drove us back to the castle in his personal vehicle. Thank you!"

"My wife and I had a very special and memorable experience dining here. It's a very small dining room in a farmhouse where the host family prepares local dishes, including some specialties made from their home-grown produce. Be sure to make a reservation so they know you're coming. You might be the only ones there! That was the case for us since we were there in the off-season, so the setting was very peaceful and intimate. The hosts gave us their full attention to make sure everything was good, and kept a nice warm fire burning in the fireplace. We loved the mushroom ravioli, the fried lake trout, and the fried rabbit. Would highly recommend for anyone looking for a unique, home-style, authentic experience."

"Magical. Absolutely incredible, authentic Italian experience visiting this family farm & vineyard. Delicious homemade food & wine sourced the farm. All very affordable. Served by the kindest, welcoming Italian family that has lived on the farm for multiple generations. Very intimate experience. We had no reservation and showed up and were served lunch on their beautiful terrace overlooking the vineyard. And very accommodating for gluten free / celiacs (had gf pasta and separately wrapped bread)."

"To say this was the best farm to table experience of my life is an understatement. To say this was a family owned feel is understatement. Simone and his family are literally inviting you into their home and farm. They literally live above the first floor restaurant. The restaurant itself sits on amazing grounds overlooking the region and castle fusdinuovo. The family are the only ones touching your meal or foods. They served homemade wines and beverages. Everything is made with love and the ingredients out back. Truly for the culinary enthusiasts. We had several courses of foods starting with appetizers of the most amazing cheese and meat plates with fresh homemade mushroom toppings that you stuff into a hollow style homemade local bread-pocket. Just amazing. Then we had two flights of different homemade raviolis to die for. Then we had the main course of rabbit, potatoes and mushrooms fritte. They were so lite and delicate, you don't need a napkin because there is no grease. Then they fill you up with an assortment of desserts, after dinner drinks and coffees/espressos. I think they just keep serving you until you are truly full. There is no feeling of being rushed if you're looking to enjoy yourself. For the price, you cannot find a better quality meal. I would highly recommend this whether a date, or business or family function. For a region with amazing food, this is truly the freshest original locale faire I've had in the many many years I've frequented our family home. Couldn't ask for better service and people to support. They will make you feel like family. And everything is beyond fresh and organic from out back of the house. I have eaten all over the world, and Michelin restaurants, but if you want a true taste of the region and local food, look no farther! Five stars all the way, "soup to nuts!" Back in the states this would easily be a $100-125 per person meal if you'd find this quality of food. Maybe more. I promise it's impossible to be disappointed and take this from a "picky eater". If you want to taste the region, definitely choose this spot!"

"This is the Tuscan dream and vibe: dining on a terrace overlooking the valley and the sea, while eating local specialties. My wife and I absolutely loved it. The quality of the food is amazing and the owner is very sweet and his recommendations are great."