Walter Redaelli: A Timeless Tuscan Table

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 9/08/2025

Walter Redaelli: A Timeless Tuscan Table

In the rolling hills of Tuscany, Ristorante Walter Redaelli is more than a place to eat — it’s a place to savor. Housed on the ground floor of a late 18th-century Leopoldina farmhouse in Bettolle, it radiates rustic charm: exposed brick walls, high timber beams, and a grand fireplace speak to its history. In the warmer months, dining extends outdoors, where rosemary hedges and a vine-covered pergola frame candlelit tables beneath the Tuscan sky.

Behind it all is chef-owner Walter Redaelli, whose culinary journey began in Milan under the legendary Gualtiero Marchesi. A Michelin star at Locanda dell’Amorosa and years of experience across France and Italy shaped his craft, but Tuscany became his true canvas. For more than four decades, Walter has expressed a style of cooking that is at once patient and refined, deeply traditional yet open to imaginative twists.

Walter Redaelli (photo from Ristorante Walter Redaelli website)

His philosophy begins at the source: the produce. Walter goes to local producers, selecting the freshest ingredients that inspire his menus. His dishes follow the rhythm of the seasons — vibrant spring vegetables, rich autumn flavors, and hearty winter comfort. Risotto, a nod to his Lombard heritage, is a constant, reinterpreted with seasonal pairings. Alongside it, succulent meat dishes and inventive vegetable creations celebrate Tuscany’s bounty, with vegetarian menus ensuring every guest feels welcomed.

The restaurant is directly connected to La Leopoldina Relais, offering guests the option to stay overnight. Conveniently located in Bettolle, near the Valdichiana exit of the Autostrada del Sole, it’s easy to reach and makes it simple to combine a meal with comfortable accommodation. Its position is ideal for exploring southern Tuscany, with Siena, Montepulciano, Cortona, and Arezzo all within easy reach.

The Walter Experience: Tasting Journeys and À la Carte

At Ristorante Walter Redaelli, every meal is an invitation to explore Tuscany on the plate. Guests can choose a three-course tasting menu (€55) that showcases Walter’s culinary vision, or the five-course degustation (€75) for a more extensive journey through seasonal flavors. To complement the tasting experience, a curated wine pairing of four glasses is available for €30, highlighting the subtleties of each dish.

For those who prefer a more flexible approach, the à la carte menu allows guests to craft their own meal: antipasti and primi from €12 to €20, secondi from €25 to €30, and desserts averaging €10. Each dish reflects a balance of tradition and creativity, made from the finest seasonal ingredients and presented with understated elegance.