Excellent food and service is exceptional. One of the best places if you stay in San Gimignano and if you are content to stay in SG proper. Florentina beef was fine as were the numerous appetizers. Desert and wine were solid.
Therese L.
Place rating: 5 London, United Kingdom
Do not consider anywhere else. Cum Quibus is just too good to pass up. I made a booking 2 months in advance through my hotel. It would be the only dinner my wife and I would have in San Gimignano since we would only be staying for one night so I wanted to ensure it would be a memorable experience. We were the first ones in on a Thursday evening and were shown to a table in a courtyard at the back. Although the place began to fill up shortly after we arrived, the restaurant was actually only ever at half capacity. Even so, the staff hung up a ‘we are full’ sign on the front door which meant that service was always attentive and, dare I say, very fast(for Italy). The food was very original, everything was flavourful without being overwhelming and if you’ve ever dreamed of having a real Italian style meal in a pasta and then meat fashion you’ll be glad to hear that the pasta dishes are not the sizes many other touristy restaurants offer but small enough for you to enjoy a fish or meat dish as well(if your budget can stretch that far). I think it should go without saying that Cum Quibus is not a budget establishment by everything is of a high standard and I feel the cost is justified. The staff looked after all the diners excellently and provided each table with small offerings from the kitchen which arrived as gifts tailored for us. My wife and I received a glass of champagne each for booking the table so many months in advance as well as a small dish of Tuscan soup from the chef and finally a small bag of biscuits when we settled our bill. Absolutely without a doubt the best meal we had in Italy. My wife even said that it’s the best meal she’s ever had in her entire life!
Orly F.
Place rating: 5 Malibu, CA
I don’t know what fate or fortune led us to Cum Quibus on our recent trip to Tuscany, but it was an unforgettable experience. Nestled in a quaint, tea light studded alley way in the medieval town of San Gimignano, this very elegant yet rustic ristorante accommodates no more than perhaps 30 people maximum, while serving up some of the most delectable dishes my boyfriend and I have ever had the good fortune to encounter. Not only are the ingredients the finest available, the culinary expertise rivals any Michelin starred restaurant in its innovation, presentation and all around delirious deliciousness. Although we called only an hour or so before we had hoped to have dinner, the proprietors went out of their way to accommodate and seat us, even offering us a glass of prosecco as we waited, albeit outside in the cold(Cum Quibus is too small and intimate for guests to wait inside for an available table). The truffle risotto I ordered was out of this world in its creaminess and delicacy of flavor. Every dish that emerges from that kitchen is ethereal in its authentic, earthy appeal, and the wines offered perfectly paired. Totally lacking in pretense, Cum Quibus is one of the finest restaurants I have ever been to anywhere in the world. The only drawback? It’s now 6000 miles away.
Charly R.
Place rating: 2 Presqu'Ile, Lyon
Je vais aller à contre-courant des autres avis laissés. Globalement, l’accueil et le service sont très agréables et le cadre du restaurant est sympathique. En revanche, du côté de l’assiette, on a été plutôt déçus par rapport aux recommandations. On avait choisi des spécialités locales à base de truffe noire et le résultat n’a pas été exceptionnel. Pour un des plats, c’était plutôt bon, pour l’autre il y avait une sauce lourde, limite écœurante. Je me dit que l’on a pas dû faire les bons choix surtout que l’on a pas pris de desserts(pour profiter d’une glacé en extérieur) qui aurait pu rattraper notre sentiment sur ce restaurant. Au final, l’impression du rapport qualité/prix est très moyenne.
Luis B.
Place rating: 4 São Paulo - SP
Excelente restaurante em San Gimignano. Restaurante charmoso e atendimento sensacional. Aos«portuguese speakers», procurem pelo Rafael. Atendimento especial do Italiano que viveu em Floripa. Sem mencionar os «mimos» do chefe que nos presenteou com excelentes tastes de pratos especiais da casa. Em San Gimignano, não deixem de experimentar.
Joel D.
Place rating: 5 Beaverton, OR
Was in town with a group and managed to break away and find this gem of a resturant for a quick lunch. I had the tagliatelle pasta with smoked goose breast, pistachio nuts and shaved fresh truffle — simply amazing. At € 16.50 it’s not cheap, but it is a great value for what you get.
Andre V.
Place rating: 5 Nice, France
We tried the top rated place on Unilocal and the reviews looked really good. My partner is gluten, dairy and sugar free, we don’t drink so some may say that we miss half of what’s on offer but our taste buds seem to be more sensitive than before. It’s hard to find, but it’s within 50m of the pinpoint so not impossible. On a Wednesday after the Sienna Market we arrived and got a table at 8pm with no delay and no reservation. Everything we had was amazing, the quality of ingredients and chef-ery was the best we had in Paris and Italy so far. What they managed to provide with our requirements was amazing, left us fulfilled and definitely not a hint that we’d missed anything. Best cooked chicken in my life, best lamb in our lives, best cooked potatoes — no butter, must have used lard to make them this good… ‘Well Made Tiramisu’ — as if all other tiramisu has been made poorly, they are correct… The creamy mess that arrived was uncovered to be carefully and perfectly layered beneath with local Amedei chocolate. Service was impeccable and they wanted to provide not offer more and more, we had to say no to additional lavishings at every turn. Wanted to reserve for every night we were there but thought we must try other local fare too.
Camilla Z.
Place rating: 5 Middletown, CT
«Cum Quibus» is the best restaurant in San Gimignano, hands down. It is also one of the best restaurants in Italy. I am Italian, and I live in L.A. I have experienced traditional Italian cuisine and edgy, artsy nouvelle cuisine in L.A.“Cum Quibus” miraculously blends the two. One can order earthy Italian meat dishes with interesting twists, unexpected pairings, exceptional new flavors. All of this for a reasonable price and in the company of a truly great owner. First of all, «Cum Quibus» is young and hip. This is such a welcome novelty for an Italian restaurant, usually too tied to a traditional, old-fashioned appearance. The ambiance is cozy, cute, and blends so well with the surrounding town of San Gimignano, a small medieval town in the heart of Tuscany. I loved the cool little details: the colorful chandelier, the mismatched and colorful glasses, the ivy on the ancient walls, the stylish logo. This place is as hipstery as you can get, in Italy(and that is meant in a very positive sense). On top of an intimate, pleasant space, the service was impeccable. The owner Lorenzo in particular was extremely nice. He took the time to talk to us about the place and the philosophy behind the menu choices, and he brought some samples of food(a yummy pâté‘ wrapped in cucumber slices paired with a delicate ricotta mousse) and wine(a fantastic Moscardello dessert wine later in the evening) for us to try. Further, Lorenzo told us about his story and his passion for food, which added a nice touch to the experience. The main reason for this 5-star review, however, is the food. I can’t find an appropriate adjective to describe the mix of pleasure, surprise, and satisfaction we experienced during this dinner. It might suffice to say that we almost cried over our main courses. But I will go through our choices. We started by ordering water and two glasses of the local Chianti(3 euro): we were surprised, indeed shocked, at its quality. Fabulous wine, don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s cheap. As an appetizer, we shared a delicious farro salad(tomatoes, cucumbers) with burrata on top. Before that, our waitress brought us a tasting of «panzanella» — a sort of bread salad, also delicious. Our main courses were: pappardelle with smoked(and thinly diced) goose breast, crushed pistachios, and truffle; and beef sirloin, cooked rare, with porcini mushrooms and truffle. Both were unbelievable. I asked the meat rare and it was delightfully pink and juicy. The pasta was thick and so flavorful. As we had just started eating, the waitress came around and shaved more truffle on our dishes! We decided to try a dessert, and we chose a pear poached in Vernaccia wine and paired with pecorino cheese icecream(made in collaboration with Dondoli gelateria, also local): it was fantastic. The owner gave us a tasting of Moscardello wine, which was strong and sweet. An apt ending to a perfect dinner. All of this amazingness was very reasonably priced. I tend not to leave tips in Italy(it is not required nor expected, as it is in the US), but I was happy to show my appreciation tonight. I couldn’t recommend this place more. If you are in San Gimignano(but also in Poggibonsi, Siena, or Firenze — escape the tourist traps!), you must try«Cum Quibus.» I will surely be back. !!! It is crucial to reserve in advance. The staff is nice and will try to seat passers-by, but the place gets really crowded and most likely you won’t get a table if you don’t reserve. !!! No parking next to the restaurant. San Gimignano is a small medieval town, you will have to leave your car in the ample parking areas outside the walls. And trust me it’s worth it. Take a stroll after dinner and you won’t regret the money spent for parking.
SR M.
Place rating: 5 Lowell, MA
We visited Tuscany during our honeymoon back in May ’12 and this restaurant was highly recommended by a friend. Well she was right because this is where we had our best most delicious meal while we were in Italy. Husband got the wild boar pasta and I got the homemade pasta and gnocchi. To die for! If we ever go back we are definitely gonna make sure we eat here.
Christos T.
Place rating: 4 West Village, Manhattan, NY
I should give my first 5 stars to this one. But I should give 1 for the bad, slow and the almost rude service. The food? Amazing! The fried egg with fresh shaved truffle was perfect. A kind of «ancient» pasta(that they compare it with crêpe) with basil pesto was delicious. How often do you feel comfortable to order pork liver in a restaurant? Here you have to do it otherwise you will loose a unique experience. Deserts were on the same level(try the Tiramisu and La Princessa Inamorata) and even coffee was great. A little bit expensive but it worth it. Sorry for not giving 5 stars but a restaurant is not only the food.
Jeremy B.
Place rating: 5 St-Laurent-du-Var, Alpes-Maritimes
La plus grande claque culinaire de mon voyage en Toscane, allez y ! Foncez MAIS… ! Réservez sinon vous risquez d’être déçu !
G B.
Place rating: 5 Monsanto I, Italy
This restaurant is spectacular. I wholeheartedly agree with the previous reviews. Tripe is excellent, and so is the truffle pasta — they even refill the truffles! It is incredibly hard to find, as there is no name on the menu that’s hanging outside — so if you come a bit before it’s open(ie at noon, since they open at 12:30), you may miss it entirely. But do not despair — it is where it’s supposed to be, between #15 and #19. If you’re in San Gimignano, you MUST go here.
Jamie J.
Place rating: 5 Pawtucket, RI
Visited initially April 2012. This is my second favorite place to eat in the world. The owner is fantastic(his mother owns a restaurant down the way so food must be in his blood) and treated a large group like we were family. Steak with extra truffles shaved on top, white beans in olive oil, and before and after prosecco. Looking forward to visiting again in a few weeks. Counting the days in fact.
Vickyb
Place rating: 5 Brighton, United Kingdom
If I went to San Gim again(which I hope i will), I would definitely make sure we were booked to go here at least twice. It was, by far, the best restaurant in San Gim. Everything has been put together so thoughtfullyfrom the art to the plants in the romantic back garden; to the lighting and wonderful attention you get from the waiting staff. Then, the food is in a league of its own. I can’t tell you which was my favourite dish but it would have to be a toss up between the courgettes wrapped in aubergine with sheeps cheese or the warm chocolate pie I had for desert. Excellent! Photo link:
Lclvs
Place rating: 5 Paris
Très bon accueil en français. Une addition mesurée et une excellente cuisine authentiquement toscane. Le cadre feutré comprend une petite cour très agréable en été. On a pas pris de dessert(économie et aussi, les portions sont généreuses), aussi on nous a offert un tiramisu a partager, joliment présenté. Un conseil: réservez car on est venus tôt mais sinon on aurait pas eu de place. 577943199 Nota: service non compris. Ils sont sympas(et discrets) et c’est un plaisir que de verser le service.
Art H.
Place rating: 5 Sebastopol, CA
Yay! I get to Unilocal about this wonderful place in San Gimignano. The place takes classic Italian cuisine and takes it up a few notches in terms of presentation, texture and flavor. As with most of the restaurants in the city, it is small with intimate seating and lots of character. The space is a bit more modern than the others we visited. The food was stunning. The tripe was perfectly cooked and seasoned, rich and robust. Incredibly nice evening.