Val d'Orcia
Sometimes simple dishes are the hardest to perfect. And perfection is the only term to use when discussing this trattoria in Brunello heartland. Watching…
Must-see restaurants in Central Tuscany
Montepulciano
Chef and cookbook writer Sunshine Manitto presides over the kitchen of this chic enoteca overlooking the Palazzo Vecchio Winery, 13km northeast of…
Volterra
L'Incontro's rear salone is a top spot to grab a quick antipasto plate or panino for lunch, and its front bar area is always crowded with locals enjoying…
Chianti
The type of restaurant that fuels fantasies of moving permanently to Tuscany, Massimiliano Canton's ultrafriendly osteria bakes its own bread, makes pasta…
Val d'Orcia
The founding members of this 1939 dopolavoro (recreational club) would be amazed to see its recent transformation. A stylish interior makeover has endowed…
Montepulciano
Located just below Montepulciano, overlooking the Renaissance splendour of the Chiesa di San Biago, the town's best restaurant serves traditional dishes…
Siena
Sauntering through Siena's historic centre is always more fun with a gelato in hand. Just ask one of the many locals who are regular customers at this…
Osteria La Taverna di San Giuseppe
Siena
Any restaurant specialising in beef, truffles and porcini mushrooms attracts our immediate attention, but not all deliver on their promise. Fortunately,…
Siena
The epitome of refined Sienese dining, Da Enzo, as it is popularly called, welcomes guests with a complimentary glass of prosecco (sparkling wine) and…
San Gimignano
Nestled beneath the crumbling walls of the rocca, La Mandragola (The Mandrake) is deservedly popular – book ahead, especially if you're keen to dine in…
Montalcino
Husband-and-wife team Antonio and Roberta run this relaxed eatery in the centre of town with great aplomb. Roberta's cooking is much more sophisticated…
Chianti
The large terrace at this restaurant overlooks one of the Antinori vineyards and is perfect for summer dining. In winter, the elegant dining room comes…
Central Tuscany
Known throughout the region for the affordability and excellence of its food, the Bear Bar bustles from morning to night and is a great place to grab a…
Chianti
Family-run, this eyrie in the hilltop village of Lamole, 8km east of Panzano and 9km southeast of Greve, offers its diners one of the most spectacular…
Chiusi
Chef and sommelier Tiziana Tacchi is passionate about the cuisine and wine of the Chiusi region and showcases both in this acclaimed Slow Food destination…
San Gimignano
Think of it less as ice cream, more as art. Former gelato world champion Sergio Dondoli is known for creations including Crema di Santa Fina (saffron…
Val d'Orcia
The menu at this chic eatery is pared back in more ways than one: there are around four choices per course, presentation is minimalist and the emphasis is…
Val d'Orcia
Dining on this gorgeous terrace with its panoramic view is the stuff of which lasting travel memories are made, and the food also has plenty of pizzazz –…
Chianti
Offering a seasonally driven menu and boasting (of course) a wonderful wine list, this bistro in the Chianti complex seats diners in the former kitchen…
Ristorante Grotta di Santa Caterina da Bagoga
Siena
Pierino Fagnani ('Bagoga'), one of Siena's most famous Palio jockeys, swapped his saddle for an apron in 1973 and opened this much-loved restaurant. Now…
Montalcino
A perfect example of the sleekly styled wine bar that is trending in Tuscany today, Franci offers a menu that takes more than a few liberties when…
Montepulciano
The restaurant at Fattoria Le Capezzine only has 30 seats, so bookings are essential if you're keen to sample chef Luca Biancucci's creations, many of…
Chianti
Built on the rooftop of the sleek Antinori winery, this restaurant seats diners on an expansive outdoor terrace with a 180-degree Dolby-esque surround of…
Siena
Close to the Campo but off the well-beaten tourist trail, this enoteca (wine bar) is located in a vaulted medieval building but has a contemporary feel…
Siena
The huge slabs of Chianina beef displayed in a refrigerated cabinet in the window signals one of the specialities at this family-run trattoria on the…
Chianti
Italians do fast food differently, and what a wonderful difference it is. Greve's famous macelleria (butcher) and gourmet-provision shop operates this…
Montalcino
In a town overflowing with enoteche, this is definitely one of the best. Choose a bottle from a huge selection of Italian and European wines on offer …
Siena
Famed for top-quality produce, Morbidi's excellent-value basement lunch buffet (12.15pm to 2.30pm Monday to Saturday) includes freshly prepared antipasti,…
Chianti
Modern twists on classic Tuscan dishes are the focus at this osteria on the Castello di Brolio estate. The food here is light and full of flavour, made…
San Gimignano
The Bertelli family has lived in San Gimignano since 1779, and its current patriarch is fiercely proud of both his heritage and his sandwiches. Salami,…
Montalcino
We thought about keeping shtum about this place (everyone loves to keep a secret or two), but it seemed selfish not to share our love for its pasta dishes…
Siena
Serving fruit and vegetables grown in the surrounding cooperative organic farm, this rustic eatery is an excellent spot for lunch – when soup and pasta…
Chianti
Tuscan menus are dominated by meat dishes, so the existence of this upmarket cantinetta, which focusses on seafood, comes as a pleasant surprise. We…
Volterra
Contemporary cuisine is the exception rather than the rule here in Volterra, so the existence of this modern bistro next to the town's walls is cause for…
Siena
The name says it all. Prosciutto is the focus here, served in panini or on a taglieri (tasting board); cheese is an optional extra. Order to take away –…
Val d'Orcia
There aren't any vineyard views at this winery restaurant, but there's plenty of atmosphere. A particularly welcoming choice in the cooler months, when…
Chianti
Located in a hamlet 2km above Greve, this well-regarded trattoria has six indoor tables and a hillside terrace overlooking cypresses, olive trees and…
Volterra
Its blindingly white, ultra-utilitarian interior is miles away from the trattorias found elsewhere in Volterra, but this fast-food joint has one major…
Siena
The name means 'Whaddya want?' and the answer is simple – cheap and tasty food prepared fast and served in pleasant surrounds. Beloved of local students,…
Chianti
Sit inside the 18th-century villa or on the terrace of the restaurant on the Castello di Ama wine estate to enjoy rustic dishes featuring vegetables grown…
