It has been nearly two years since we last visited what is without doubt one of the top Italian restaurants in Pattaya, none other than award winning Toscana Trattoria and Pizzeria.   So this week we went back to find out what is new.   In operation for nearly 5 years, and located on Beach Road with a super view over Pattaya Beach, this enormously popular Italian restaurant has certainly gone from strength to strength.  Toscana continues to serve up a wealth of superb dishes, especially rustic Tuscan recipes, all courtesy of restaurateur and master chef Luca Marchetti.

So what is new?  Well, the fact that Luca now has his very own free range farm, located just outside of Pattaya in Huay Yai, producing organic vegetables and herbs, free range eggs; plus different breeds of livestock, such as chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, rabbits, pigeon and quail.   As a result, Luca offers the freshest of ingredients for his recipes.   He even makes all varieties of pasta, fresh every day using his farm’s free range eggs for his outstanding pasta dishes.

Nearly all other ingredients, such as Extra Virgin Oil, Cheese, Salamis and Hams are imported directly from Italy to provide each dish with that extra authentic taste. 

The menu utilizes classic Italian, especially Tuscan, specialty recipes, with an impressive choice of top quality Antipasti, Pastas and Fish and Meat Main Course dishes.    Meat and Seafood Antipasti, such as 190 baht for Chicken Liver Pate and Clams Crostini (160 baht) to 390 baht for Bresaola and Marinated Salmon with Salad (450 baht).   

The amazing selections of Pizza are all made to order at the open plan Pizza kitchen and range from 220 baht for Bianca (Basil and Oregano) to 360 baht for Gorgonzola. 

The equally impressive variety of Pasta dishes, ranging from 280 baht for Tomato to 380 baht for Crab Meat Sauce, includes homemade Spaghetti, Fusilli, Penne, Fettuccine, Linguine, Ravioli, and Lasagna, plus some unfamiliar specialty Pasta such as Paccheri, Rigatoni and Pappardelle with either Duck, Pigeon or Rabbit meat sauces (all at 390 baht).   There are also delicious Gnocchi (Potato dumplings) and Sauce dishes around 340 baht. 

Main course Meat dishes start at 380 baht for homemade charcoal grilled Pork Sausage to 620 baht for Lamb fillet.  The imported Beef Steaks are all priced at 720 baht.

Fish dishes begin at 460 baht for Sea Bass to 480 baht for Grilled Salmon Steak. Seafood is available from 380 baht for Vongole (Clams) with Pesto and Polenta to 650 baht for Tiger Prawns and Clams in Mushroom Sauce.  There is also a special Chef’s Suggestion section offering free range meat direct from Luca’s farm, such as Duck Pate with Quail eggs (280 baht), Roast Quail (420 baht) and Grilled Pigeon with Polenta (750 baht).

Time for the eating!    We began with a beautifully presented Seafood Salad (280 baht) full of Mussels, Clams, Prawns and Calamari.   A house specialty arrived next – a super tasting Duck meat Ravioli served with Orange Sauce (410 baht).  Next to arrive was a plate of delicate tasting homemade Smoked Salmon marinated in Anise (360 baht).  This was followed by Porchetta (Roast Pork) served with fresh Tomato Salad (420 baht) and Bresaola, thin slices of delicious air dried Beef marinated with Lemon and Olive Oil.  Then it was on to specialties from Luca’s farm – Rabbit Ragout (490 baht) and Roast Quail (420 baht), both Tuscan dishes offering succulent meat and traditionally served with Polenta.  To end this terrific meal, we were tempted with freshly made Panna Cotta and ultra smooth Tiramisu classic Italian deserts. Scrumptious!

The wine list boasts 250 different labels of fine Italian Wines from his impressive walk in wine cellar offering superb tasting wines such as Barolo by the glass at 210 baht.

So, for a truly authentic unparalleled Italian meal experience we highly recommend Toscana! Open every day from midday to midnight.  Located near Soi 6 on Pattaya Beach Road.  Telephone: 038 362 370 or 081 890 8701. Buon Appetito!