PIENZA 18 km
La Buca delle Fate.
Corso Rossellino, +39 0578 748448
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This is a non-pretentious place in the pedestrian zone of Pienza with a great, cathedral-like ambiance. It can accommodate even larger groups for a big table dining experience. We love the pasta with mushroom (pici con funghi) but everything tasted good here. You can choose the fresh desert from the trolley - be careful, it can be hard to resist. Alternatively, across the street is the best gelato artigianale in the area.
SAN QUIRICO D'ORCIA 18km
Trattoria Toscana al Vecchio Forno - Michelin recommended
+39 0577 897 312
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This place is operated by one of the luxurious hotels in town, but you don’t feel it in any negative way. It offers an ample bit of space, the large outside gardens are especially pleasant. Consider the seasonal offer or, again, any pasta. Oh, and don’t skip the desserts here! Service has been always very attentive here and don’t be surprised to get a glass of prosecco on the house.
Taverna Da Ciacco - Michelin recommended
+39 0577 897312.
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The best Fiorentina steak we ever had in the region. Or any pasta, of course. Great interior ambiance with wine boxes all over the place, also reflected in a long wine list of Tuscan reds. Prepare your wallet for a bit of wind. Very limited outside seating, unfortunately.
La Taverna Del Barbarossa.
+39 0577 898299.
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This place is a bit out of town driving in the direction to Pienza on your right. The ambience is not top-notch but they can accommodate large groups of families and friends. The menu is a bit longer than in most places, so we come here for some less-usual options beyond the great local pasta and steaks. They offer out-door and in-door seating, with a playground for kids; and if you make just a few steps, you get a nice view as a bonus. Good budget alternative to places in the town center.
MONTALCINO 28km
Boccon DiVino.
+39 0577 848233
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A little out of town, driving in the general direction of the Strada Provinciale to Siena or Rome (or simply back home to Chiancianello), you find this place with great food, exquisite wine selection of local gold and long & wide views of the town and the valley below. Book outside if you can.
Taverna del Grappolo Blu.
+39 0577 847150
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Just off the main pedestrian street (Via Mazzini) of Montalcino, you find this small restaurant. It’s been a while since we visited (summer 2020), but the memory of pici con ragu cinghiale and a good Brunello still holds strong. Kids and dogs friendly. Great views over the valley.
SARTEANO 21km
Osteria Da Gagliano.
Via Roma 5, +39 0578 268022
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This is a little place at the old-town center, so make sure you call in advance. The food is great and service provided directly by Gagliano, the owner. He is extremely friendly - to the extent that you are offered reading glasses should you forget yours. The menu is traditional with overflow of meaty choices
Wine bar Dopoteatro. (closed in 2021)
+39 0578 321907.
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This is a wine bar and snack bar operated by the owners of Dopolavoro, located at the main plaza (Piazza XXIV Giugno 16), right across the theatre (hence the name). It’s a great place for a tapas and glass of wine. Although if you take more of the snacks and starters, you may have a great dinner sharing with friends… It’s not too big, so you may want to call in advance, esp. if there are more of you. (was closed for most of the pandemic, check in advance)
AGRISTORO
Il Poderuccio.
+39 349 565 1630, 16 km direction Pienza
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This amazing place is run by an elderly couple Gabriela and Antonio and their daughter Erica. The service is warm and authentic, this is our most frequented place as a family. Food is traditionally simple and of excellent quality, portions larger than you expect, probably the best value per weight of the food :-). Make sure not to miss the bruschetta con pomodoro or pecorino caldo… But they have some of the best in the valley dishes: best ribollita soup, best buffalo burrata (not on the menu, need to ask for it when making reservation to be fresh), best ravioli. And if you can, pay by cash, you will earn an honest smile!
La Fonte.
+39 0578 749142 , 22km just past Pienza
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Slightly out of town in the direction to San Quirico, you find this agristoro (agriturismo with a restaurant). They rely heavily on their own production and seasonal ingredients. Highly recommended for dinner with views of sunset. Small children can run around on a large lawn, playing with friendly dogs of the house. While having a decent wine list, the owners run a brewery with specialty beer, which is worth trying.
Podere Il Casale.
+39 0578 755109, 20km direction Monticchiello
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Located on a white road north of Monticchiello you find this amazing agristoro – farm with a restaurant. Come on a nice day, sink in the views and fresh home produce. They make their own pecorino cheese and olive oil. Food is simply fantastic and good value for money. It’s worth the drive off the beaten track (which we consider more intriguing than the beaten one :-))