The Antica Macelleria Cecchini in Panzano in Chianti: To Beef or not to beef!

Nina in Chianti with Dario Cecchini

A few weeks ago, in my blog post about Panzano in Chianti, I briefly mentioned my friend Dario Cecchini and his Antica Macelleria. But there's still so much, much more to tell about Dario himself, his journey, his passion for meat, his embodied visions, and his countless ideas.

And another great reason to learn more about Dario Cecchini is that, starting now, some of Dario's homemade products – his excellent mustard, his spicy Mediterranean sauce, his flavorful herbal salt, and his tasty olive oil – are also available in my online shop. A few little pieces of Dario's deliciousness for your home!

Dario Cecchini: To Beef or not to Beef

If you take a look at various Tuscany travel guides, you'll usually find a visit to Antica Macelleria Cecchini listed as an absolute must-do under "Panzano in Chianti"! Dario Cecchini himself isn't just famous in cooking circles – mega-star Jamie Oliver, for example, has immortalized him in his cookbooks. The butcher from Panzano is also invited to give talks, interviews, and attend symposiums all over the world.

So, the question is, how did a simple butcher from a small town like Panzano become so famous? Dario's story begins in 1955 in Panzano in Chianti, where his father was already the eighth generation "Macellaio" (butcher). Dario originally started studying veterinary medicine at the University of Pisa, aiming to improve the lives of animals. However, his studies came to an abrupt end when he was forced to take over the family business in 1976 after his father's death.

Dario Cecchini doesn't just love Bistecca Fiorentina, but every part of the animal

However, even as a butcher, Dario carried some crucial principles from his studies with him: an animal that is slaughtered to serve as food for humans should have had a good life. We should treat an animal with respect, even in death. And most importantly, a butcher shouldn't waste anything that the animal gives us. And it was exactly this way of thinking and approaching things, which Dario initially pursued all alone, that became the cornerstone of his success.

Just around the corner from the piazza in Panzano in Chianti – a little bit hidden behind red and white striped walls on Via XX Luglio number 11 – you'll find Panzano's international hotspot: The Antica Macelleria Cecchini with its famously infamous owner, Dario Cecchini.

It's a hotspot, not least because things literally get lively here: between the meat counter and the cold room, AC/DC or Luciano Pavarotti blast from the speakers, a seemingly endless crowd bustles in the sales area, wine is poured, and people taste the famous fennel salami, Burro del Chianti, and other delicacies. Behind the counter, Dario jokes with his guests, explains things, chats, and poses for photos. He especially loves to recite poems by the poet and philosopher Dante Alighieri, whose works the well-read butcher adores.

And when Dario blasts his trumpet, it's time to eat! That's because Antica Macelleria has a restaurant – or, to be more precise, three restaurants, each representing one of Dario's unique food concepts. And naturally, it's all about – you guessed it – meat!

Three restaurants, three concepts, countless delicious treats!

More than ten years ago, Dario opened his first restaurant called Solociccia. Solociccia basically means "only meat" – and that's exactly what they served back then and still do today: just meat, prepared in all sorts of different ways. With this restaurant idea, Dario brought his own meat dishes to the table for the first time. Even today, he still says about himself: "I'm not a cook, not a chef – I'm a butcher!" So, he simply calls his business "Macelleria con Cucina" – a butcher shop with a kitchen.

Not long after, Dario opened Officina della Bistecca one floor above the Macelleria. The idea behind it was to prepare Bistecca alla Fiorentina and its variations fresh on a charcoal grill. Originally, there was just one big table, meant for a maximum of 20 guests. The Officina della Bistecca concept was a huge hit, and the restaurant grew super fast, so Dario expanded it shortly after. Guests are served Dario's meat creations in several courses, starting with Sushi del Chianti, all the way to three variations of Bistecca: Costata alla Fiorentina, Bistecca Panzanese (the Panzano version of Bistecca), and last but not least, Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Dario himself presents the Bistecca Fiorentina with his legendary words: To Beef or not to beef!

Bistecca alla Fiorentina on the grill

And then a third meaty restaurant variation came along: the Dario Doc concept – which was originally called Mac Dario, but had to be renamed due to objections from a certain fast-food chain we won't mention... You can enjoy this "high quality fast food" in two variations. Basically, it's a freshly grilled burger that comes without bread, but with lots of fresh sides, plus excellent homemade mustard and a spicy paprika sauce.

You can also order something called an Accoglienza, which is basically a rich mix of products Dario sells in his Macelleria. And with the exception of Dario Doc, for everything else, you pay a fixed price, then it's "eat as much as you can," and wine, spirits, and coffee are all included. If you want, you can even bring your own wine to enjoy with your meal – no extra charge!

While Dario initially served all dishes only on selected days and at specific times, today you can indulge in meaty delights every day of the week. If you're in or near Panzano, you absolutely have to visit Dario – it's totally worth it!