Dario Cecchini: Butcher of Chianti

Dario Cecchini is an 8th generation butcher who recites Dante while slicing your steak. He's been featured on Netflix's Chef's Table, has written books about the death of the bistecca (he held a funeral for it when mad cow disease hit), and runs THREE restaurants attached to his butcher shop in tiny Panzano. At Officina della Bistecca, you'll sit at a long communal table while Dario and his team grill massive cuts of beef over an open fire, explaining the artistry of each cut. This is not just lunch. It's theater.

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1 Find the Butcher Shop First Adventure · Free

   Antica Macelleria Cecchini has been here since Dario's ancestors.

   Walk into the butcher shop (free entry) before your restaurant reservation. It's small but packed with character. Look for the Dante bust and the poetry on the walls. Dario (or his team) will likely be there, and they're happy to chat. Sample the 'chianti beef' prosciutto at the counter.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Experience Officina della Bistecca Adventure · Price: moderate

   The 6-course meat feast cooked on an open grill in front of you.

   At your reservation time, you'll be seated at a long communal table facing the open grill. The €50 fixed menu includes: various cuts of grilled beef (each explained), Tuscan beans, vegetables, bread, and unlimited Chianti. The 'sushi' course (raw beef with herbs) is legendary. Dario or his team will explain each cut as it comes off the fire.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Catch a Dante Recitation History · Free · Optional

   Dario famously recites passages from Dante's Divine Comedy while working.

   Dario is known for spontaneously reciting Dante while carving meat. It doesn't happen every service, but if you hear Italian verse booming across the room, that's him. Don't interrupt—just enjoy the show. He speaks passable English and loves talking to international visitors about his philosophy of meat.

   Log Memory
4. 4 Buy the Burro for the Road Adventure · Price: low · Optional

   Dario's "burro" (beef butter) is legendary for cooking.

   Before leaving, visit the shop and buy a jar of 'burro' (€10-15)—it's rendered beef fat that's phenomenal for cooking. They also sell chianti beef prosciutto that's unique to this shop. Everything is vacuum-sealed for travel.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• Book 2-3 weeks ahead—two seatings daily sell out

• Phone: +39 055 852020 (9am-4pm) or book online

• Fixed menu €50pp includes ALL courses (kids under 10 & over 90 pay half)

• Dario sometimes recites Dante's Inferno while carving—it's unforgettable

• His butcher shop sells meat to take home—ask about the "burro" (beef butter)