Eating & Drinking

Set just outside the picturesque, walled village of Monticchiello, east of Pienza, this is a pleasant, good-value, family-run inn. Stop here for lunch on the run and glass of wine, or a full meal, choosing from traditional and seasonal cuisine. tasty pici made with sheep's milk cheese and peppery cacio e pepe. In summer, sit on the panoramic terrace and choose from the well-chosen and well-priced wine list. In autumn, go for the ceps (funghi porcini) and truffles.



Address: Via del Piano 1, 53026 Monticchiello
Tel: +39 0578 755163
Web: www.osterialaporta.it

Pienza is famous for its homemade cheeses, especially pecorino and ricotta. For cheese-lovers, Pecorino is the taste of Tuscany and is certainly the probably the most admired of local cheeses. Pecorino is known for its particular salty taste and a dry, granular texture, which comes from the lengthy ageing process, during which the cheese is dry-salted numerous times. At best, Pecorino has a sharp, smoky flavour that works so well with wine, bread, pasta sauces, or just as a simple cheese platter. Fans recommend dipping it in local honey. Also see Eating and Drinking in Montepulciano, Montalcino, Val d’Orcia and their satelite villages.

This rustic trattoria is tucked into the 16th-century Palazzo Gonzaga, on the town’s main drag. As one of Pienza’s most reliable eateries, it serves wholesome Tuscan dishes, such as pici pasta with a sauce made of pecorino cheese or wild boar. Also on the menu are cured meats and hearty ribolitta soup.



Address: Corso il Rossellino, 38/a, 53026 Pienza (SI)
Tel: +39 0578 748272
Web: www.labucadellefate.com

Set snug between Pienza and Montepulciano, this destination restaurant is one of Tuscany’s fanciest. It's tucked into an old oil mill on the outskirts of Montefollonico and has scenic views. Seasonal dishes are lovingly prepared according to traditional recipes, using vegetables from the kitchen garden. Dine on ribollita soup, vegetable pastries, duck with wild fennel or tagliatelle with truffles. Come here for a special occasion.



Address: Via Madonnina 88, 43040 Montefollonico
Tel: +39 0577 669668

Once a farm-labourers’ canteen, this simple all-day estate eatery is set on the edge of La Foce estate (see Things to Do), just south of Chianciano. The restaurant excels at classic antipasti and hearty pasta, with produce from the estate and the surrounding area, ranging from olive oil to chick peas. You can also tuck into a classic Tuscan T-Bone steak or just come for coffee and a pastry.


Address: La Strada della Vittoria 90, 53042 Chianciano (SI)
Tel: +39 0578 754025
Web: www.dopolavorolafoce.it