As you saw in my previous post, San Gimignano is a pretty unique place. A complete fossilized city in the middle of nowhere. One of the most intriguing things about the city is their delicious food!
I found a restaurant that Tripadvisor gave more than 1200 reviews. It was located in a non-descript alley, with an unmarked door.
A little curious fact is that the restaurant was right next to the Museum la Tortura.
(As you may have guessed, “Museum la Tortura” means “Museum of Torture.” Because my hands were shaking when taking the photo, you may notice the skeleton in the cage.)
The restaurant that I was looking for was called Cum Quibus. The sign said they will open at 7:30 pm. And just in case someone wanted to open the door to peek in, it had curtains in front of it: a complete mystery.
It was only 3 o’clock and I had to eat something. Some American tourist suggested Cafe Stella, and I thought, well maybe something light will help me survive to 7:30 pm. Of course I ended up eating a 3 course meal (dessert included) since this was the absolute best food I have had in Italy so far! Caffe Stella was not even close to Cum Quibus’ ratings on TripAdvisor, so my desire to go there was hightened 10 fold!
At 7:25 I went back to Cum Quibus and waited another five minutes under the pouring rain, for the doors to open. The restaurant was booked completely but somehow they managed to find an extra table. The place had a really cool rustic Tuscan vibe and was very small.
Food started coming in and despite the more casual presentation it had the most surprising, bold flavor combinations that were extremely artistic.
Then some of the loyal patrons started coming and congratulating Lorenzo, the restaurant’s young owner that TripAdvisor just announced Cum Quibus as the 8th BEST Restaurant in the WORLD!
That was unbelievable! 8th restaurant in the WORLD in the middle of nowhere?! How is it possible?
But it made me think of an Armenian proverb that says “a polished diamond won’t sit on the floor for too long”.
Regardless of where you are and how small you are, if you’ll do a good job, it won’t be unnoticed.
That was the beautiful lesson from old San Gimignano and wounderful Cum Quibus.
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Evelina Galli 
The restaurant sounds lovely and just my style. “Regardless of where you are and how small you are, if you’ll do a good job, it won’t be unnoticed” these words from you though I find very true and a great mantra for the many as they climb towards their goals.
Sincerely
Benjamin
Benjamin, you will really love this place, since you have a great appreciation for interesting food!..But even the colors of their interior I feel work with your favorite red/orange tones of your paintings!
xo
I’m sure I would adore it 🙂
Yes, you never know what you might get with us Italians. The simpler, the better.
Emilio I don’t know about “simpler” but Italians definitely know how to live well 🙂
Such beautiful photos! Looks like fun!
Thank you FashionHuntress !
This looks like my kind of place Evelina and the dessert looks awesome. I included a link to a post I did in September that you might like. http://joeinfocus.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/we-interrupt-our-regularly-scheduled-posting/
I really enjoy your entires… and the pics are wonderful.
really pretty girl!
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‘a fossilized city in the middle of nowhere…’ Love this description…
Next time I’m in Italy, I’ll have to check this place out. I wish there was more time in life for travel! Thanks for sharing.
I love your photos. That cake! Yummy..
Hello Evelina:
I’ve been following your blog for last three or four days and enjoying your narrative and photographs. There are several gorgeous pictures of yourself. Do you have a professional photographer with you or are then taken by a friend. Just curious! 🙂
Bye,
Omar.-
8th wonder– haha.. Sure looks like it.. specially the museum of torture 😉
I adored San Gimignano when I was there, but will now have to look this restaurant up on my next visit!
!A donna che prende in giro! When is your post about Museum la Tortura coming??
Great!!!
Oh such a long, long time that ago that I was there 😦
haha In the second photo you look like Kate Welsh! 🙂
I will follow your blog..
Thank you for introducing me to your worldview — love how you experienced “the 8th wonder of the world”!
Wow that’s a fascinating place.
Gorgeous shots!
The scenery is lovely, as well.
How can anyone not enjoy San Gimignano?!!!
It sounds delightful and a real find!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading about your trip through Italy, reminiscing about my own trip there in ’02. It is a magical place, so alive with history, especially Venice and the old towns like S.G. and Sienna. And the food, of course, is to die for! As for the men, well, you must have been beating them off with a stick! 😉
Your stories make me miss the time in Italy I spent so long ago! As for restaurants, have you ever heard of “La Guarida” in Havana? Definitely check it out if you are ever in Cuba, an amazing, and all but totally hidden experience!
Wow! Great travel advise – I want to go there next time in Italy! We’ll have a fabulous 2014!!