Must-see restaurants in Central Tuscany

  • Consorzio Agrario di Siena

    Siena

    Operating since 1901, this farmer's co-op is a rich emporium of food and wine, much of it locally produced. Self-caterers can source meat from the on-site…

  • VolaTerrA

    Volterra

    Owner Jonni is a fifth-generation member of the Guarguaglini family, owners of the Frantoio dei Colli Toscani olive estate. His casual bistro and wine bar…

  • La Carabaccia

    Volterra

    Mother and daughters Sara, Ilaria and Patrizia have put their heart and soul into this charming trattoria with a country-style interior and attractive…

  • Osteria Volpaia

    Chianti

    Herbs and vegetables from the estate's organic garden are used to excellent advantage in the dishes served at this highly regarded osteria (tavern) on the…

  • La Taverna

    Val d'Orcia

    Occupying a vaulted cellar where oak barriques filled with Brunello were once aged, this elegant restaurant offers a menu of traditional but refined…

  • La Finestra

    Siena

    A finestra (window) onto Siena's historic open-air marketplace, this family-run business is notable for its pleasant streetside terrace and for the larger…

  • Ristorante Albergaccio

    Chianti

    Albergaccio bills its culinary approach as 'the territory on the table', and local seasonal produce certainly holds sway here. Once the proud possessor of…

  • Tre Cristi

    Siena

    Seafood restaurants are thin on the ground in this meat-obsessed region, so the long existence of Tre Cristi (it's been around since 1830) should be…

  • Osteria di Passignano

    Chianti

    This elegant Michelin-starred eatery in the centre of Badia a Passignano has long been one of Tuscany's best-loved dining destinations. Intricate, Tuscan…

  • Osteria Acquacheta

    Montepulciano

    Hugely popular with locals and tourists alike, this bustling osteria specialises in bistecca alla fiorentina (chargrilled T-bone steak), which comes to…

  • La Cantinetta di Rignana

    Chianti

    You might wonder, as you settle onto the terrace here, whether you've found your perfect Chianti lazy-lunch location. A historic mill forms the backdrop,…

  • Osteria Il Vinaio

    Siena

    Wine bars are thin on the ground here in Siena, so it's not surprising that Bobbe and Davide's neighbourhood osteria (casual tavern) is so popular. Join…

  • La Cantina

    Chianti

    Head to this popular local hangout to feast on thin-crust pizzas that are so huge they hang over the rims of the plates they are served on – bring a big…

  • Life Bistro

    Volterra

    Catering to vegans, vegetarians and anyone keen on organic plant-based cooking, this casual bistro stocks its bain-marie with an array of dishes that's…

  • Antico Travaglio

    Central Tuscany

    Boasting seating on the main piazza, on a rear terrace and in a former blacksmith's forge and stable, this sprawling business place has multiple strings…

  • Osteria delle Catene

    San Gimignano

    'The Prison' is as popular with San Gimignano locals as it is with visitors, something that can't be said of many places in this tourist-driven town. The…

  • Gallo Nero

    Siena

    A bastion of traditional Sienese dining, the Gallo Nero has a vaulted brick interior, tasty food and a wine list brimming with local and regional drops…

  • La Compagnia dei Vinattieri

    Siena

    Head down the stairs from Via delle Terme or through the side door on Via dei Pittori to enjoy a meal at this attractive basement eatery, which is known…

  • La Botte di Bacco

    Chianti

    A long-standing favourite, this romantic choice on the main road through Radda has a traditional interior but the menu has an untraditional tinge,…

  • Osteria Le Panzanelle

    Chianti

    An ideal lunch stop en route from Chianti to Siena, this friendly roadside inn on the SR222/SP2 5km south of Panzano serves traditional Tuscan dishes in…

  • Ristorante Taverna Squarcialupi

    Chianti

    Interesting and highly successful flavour combinations characterise the menu at this huge taverna (tavern) in the centre of Castellina. The handmade pasta…

  • Ristorante La Bottega

    Chianti

    Cucina contadina (food from the farmer's kitchen) is the mainstay of this pretty restaurant run by Carla Barucci – the kitchen garden is right outside and…

  • Ristorante Daria

    Val d'Orcia

    Occupying a stylishly renovated building with two dining rooms featuring brick-vaulted ceilings and walls lined with bottles of wine, Daria's well…

  • Officina della Bistecca

    Panzano in Chianti

    The flagship restaurant of celebrity butcher Dario Cecchini offers a simple but delicious set menu built around the famous bistecca (steak). There's also…

  • Zest Ristorante & Wine Bar

    Siena

    There are more vegetarian, seafood and gluten-free options on the menu of this contemporary eatery than is usual in Siena, and the cuisine is less…

  • Locanda di Sant'Agostino

    San Gimignano

    Family run, this trattoria next to the church of the same name has a dining room made distinctive by its bright colour scheme, a profusion of tables on…

  • Dario DOC

    Panzano in Chianti

    A casual, lunchtime-only eatery run by Tuscan celebrity-butcher Dario Cecchini. The limited menu offers three quality fast-food options: two burger plates…

  • Osteria Sette di Vino

    Val d'Orcia

    Known for its zuppa di pane e fagioli (bread and white-bean soup), bruschette, crostini and range of local pecorino (sheep's-milk cheese), this simple…

  • Perucà

    San Gimignano

    Set in an atmospheric vault under an ancient city arch, this trattoria serves modern cuisine inspired by local ingredients – try the fagottini (pasta…

  • Solociccia

    Panzano in Chianti

    Shared tables, an informal atmosphere and a menu featuring anything from the 'muzzle to the tail' is on offer at this eatery run by celebrity butcher…

  • Bar Dante

    Chianti

    No fuss, no pretension, family-run Dante is a fine place to plonk down after a long day on your feet, especially if you're in the mood for bruschetta,…

  • Grom

    Siena

    Head to this popular chain near the Campo for a gelato, frappé, milkshake or hot chocolate (winter only). Gelato flavours change with the seasons, and…

  • Trattoria Latte di Luna

    Val d'Orcia

    Famed for its succulent maialino da latte arrosto (roasted suckling pig), this much-loved trattoria is an excellent dining option, especially if you are…

  • Lievito M@dre

    Siena

    Close to the Campo, this popular bakery and cafe offers filled panini and slices of pizza to take away, as well as pizzas and cheap meal deals to enjoy at…

  • La Guardiola

    Val d'Orcia

    The pretty terrace at this wine bar next to the historic gate is a popular spot for lunch, a merende (afternoon snack) or aperitivo.

  • Caffè delle Erbe

    San Gimignano

    Enjoy a coffee or a light lunch and glass of Vernaccia at one of the pavement tables at this long-standing favourite near the duomo.

  • Ristorante-Enoteca Del Duca

    Volterra

    Volterra's best-known fine-dining establishment serves traditional Tuscan dishes on well-spaced tables in its vaulted 15th-century dining areas; there's…

  • Osteria La Porta

    Val d'Orcia

    Set just inside Monticchiello's main gate, this eatery has a wonderful terrace with a panoramic view of the Val d'Orcia. Inside, the dining room is…

  • Osteria Nonna Gina

    Siena

    The atmosphere here is pure Siena neighbourhood osteria: gingham tablecloths, postcards tacked to the rafters, and pictures of Palio jockeys on the walls…

  • Mangiando Mangiando

    Chianti

    Giving proud prominence to its list of producers (and gaining a Slow Food recommendation as a consequence), this small trattoria in the main square serves…