Montepulciano, our charming hilltop town located in the heart of Tuscany, is renowned for its delicious food and wine culture. The town’s rich gastronomy is a reflection of its deep-rooted culinary traditions, which have been influenced by its surrounding regions. Montepulciano’s food scene is characterized by a blend of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and an emphasis on flavor and presentation.
The food scene in Montepulciano offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, from fine dining to rustic, traditional cooking. Whether you’re a foodie or simply enjoy delicious, high-quality food, you won’t be disappointed by the richness of regional dishes that this town has to offer.
The restaurant reviews provided on this platform are based on our personal opinions and feedback from guests. We make every effort to keep the information up-to-date, however, some details such as opening hours and menu items may have changed since the time of our visit. Therefore, we highly recommend that you check with the restaurant directly or search on Google for the most current information on their opening hours and any changes to their menu. Please note that the reviews are subjective and may not reflect your personal experience.
CITY CENTER (within the city walls)
LALMA CAFE
Via del Poliziano 38 – by Santa Maria Church. Tel +39 351 886 1394
($)($$)(Informal/Cosy) www.lalma.cafe Open from 9 am to 230 pm Closed on Thursday
Lalma Cafe is a charming coffe & tea shop that captivates visitors with its cosy atmosphere and culinary offerings. It offers delectable continental breakfast and lunch options, featuring an array of dishes prepared with premium ingredients sourced from local suppliers. From scrambled eggs with Tuscan bacon to artisanal pastries or delicious sandwiches.
RISTORANTE “IL POZZO”
Piazza Michelozzo, 7 . Tel +39 057 772170
($$)($$$)(Informal/Dressy)(Traditional&Creative). www.ilpozzomontepulciano.it/
Always open for lunch in Summer. Closed for dinner on Wednesday.
Since April 2024 is managed by Gionata Gattavecchi the latest custodian of an esteemed winemaking lineage and his talented wife Lilian who redesigned the local culinary standards in the past decades. Highly recommended.
OSTERIA “ACQUACHETA”
Via del Teatro, 22. Tel +39 0578 71086. www.acquacheta.eu
($)($$)(Informal/Traditional). Closed on Tuesday. Reservation mandatory!
The old-school Osteria style: jam-packed, rowdy, bustling, you’ll have to share a table, they serve carafe wine, and don’t expect fancy utensils or table settings. But despite all that, it’s become one of the hottest spots for grub in central Italy. The owner, Giulio, chops and grills huge Fiorentina steaks right in front of you, and they whip up some amazing pasta and local dishes. And if you’re looking for the freshest seasonal treats like truffles and porcini mushrooms, this is definitely the place to be.
OSTERIA “DEL CONTE”
Via di San Donato, 19. Tel +39 0578 756062. www.osteriadelconte.it
($)($$)(Informal/Traditional) Closed on Wednesday.
This restaurant located by the city fortress in Tuscany is an exceptional dining experience that stands out for its outstanding food and service, reasonable prices, and perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner. The dishes are prepared to perfection using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the staff is friendly and attentive, making sure to provide an unforgettable dining experience
LIEVITI PIZZERIA
Via di Cagnano 33 . Tel 0578 440240
($$)(Informal) (Traditional Neapolitan Pizza).
Via di San Donato, 19. Tel +39 0578 756062. www.osteriadelconte.itLocated in a cellar under the streets of Montepulciano, this pizzeria offers outstanding pizza made with fresh and savory ingredients. The convenience of being able to take the pizza away and enjoy it in the comfort of your own apartment is a plus. The rustic decor and dim lighting make for a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a meal with friends or family. I highly recommend this pizzeria to anyone visiting Montepulciano who loves quality pizza.
RISTORANTE “LA BOTTEGA DEL NOBILE”
Via di Gracciano, 95. Tel +39 0578 757016.
($)($$)(Informal/Dressy)(Traditional).
Small restaurant with a finely restored cellar as dining room and a lovely terrace on the busiest corner of the town. The restaurant opened only few years ago but soon became a landmark for traditional local cuisine. It offers a fantastic choice of wines and the possibility of multiple tasting and pairing the wine with the food.
TRATTORIA “CAGNANO”
Via Opio nel Corso, 30. Tel +39 0578 758757. www.trattoriadicagnano.it
($)($$)(Informal/Traditional) Closed on Monday.
This place also offers a full restaurant menu based upon traditional recipes and grilled meats. It also has a lovely summer terrace secluded in the small Cagnano square.
TRATTORIA “ROSSO RUBINO”
Via Opio nel Corso, 34. Tel +39 0578 716373. ($)($$)(Informal/Traditional)
Very small restaurant with only few table (indoor), very intimate atmosphere. The menu offer simple dishes but of outstanding quality. Soup, pastas and meat courses are prepared using selected ingredients and nicely presented. Good selection of local wines to pair. All fairly priced.
RISTORANTE “LA PENTOLACCIA”
Via di Voltaia, 86. Tel +39 0578 757582. www.lapentolaccia.com
($)($$)(Informal)(Traditional&Seafood).
Another small restaurant located on the main street offering good traditional food AND an excellent alternative to local “meaty” recipes: savory seafood! Seafood antipasti (starters) and pastas are delicious. It also offers fish as a main course (depending on the catch of the day) and grilled huge tiger prawns (frozen but excellent). Alessia, the kind owner, will suggest for you daily special and wine pairings. This is a good value for money.
ENOTECA “LA DOLCE VITA”
Via di Voltaia, 80. Tel +39 0578 758760. www.enotecaladolcevita.it
($)(Informal/Dressy)(Traditional).
This is the most comprehensive wine shop of Montepulciano. It boasts hundreds of labels from virtually all the wineries of the region. It is worthy to visit only for the beauty of the premises (old vaulted cellars) but you may also have a wine tasting performed by a professional and knowledgeable persons. In addition to the wines it also offers simple foods (bruschettas & similar) to compliment sipping the vino or as a quick healthy meal.
RISTORANTE LE LOGGE DEL VIGNOLA
Via delle Erbe, 6. Tel +39 0578 717290. www.loggedelvignola.com ($$)($$$)(Dressy)(Traditional/Creative).
This restaurant takes the name from the opposite beautiful loggia allegedly designed by Vignola architect in late 1500. It is possibly the most intimate, tiny and cozy restaurant in town. The owner Massimo is a true restaurant professional, extremely kind and knowledgeable devoting his time in researching, studying and proposing innovative cuisine based on a rigorous selection of local or Italian produces. It has an excellent selection of wines that can be paired with dishes for an unforgettable “degustazione”.
WINE BAR LUCEVAN LE STELLE
Piazza San Francesco. Tel +39 0578 758725. ($$)($$$)(Dressy)(Casual).
It is mainly a wine bar with an extensive list of local and Italian wines but also offers delicious platters of cured meats and cheeses and some pasta, salad and other dishes to go with a glass or a bottle of wine. There is a lovely terrace and the view at sunset is breath taking. Locals go there for an aperitif (take a Franciacorta sparkling wine) or to listen to jazz during occasional live concerts or from sound system.
LA VINERIA DI MONTEPULCIANO
Via di Gracciano nel Corso 101, Tel +39 0578 850153. ($$)(Casual).
La Vineria di Montepulciano is a wonderful informal eatery that is definitely worth checking out. The staff is known for being friendly, enthusiastic, and well-informed about the menu. The mixed meat and cheese board is particularly outstanding, as it’s highly recommended by patrons and offers generous portions at a great value. Overall, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.
BAR “PIAZZA DELLE ERBE”
Piazza delle Erbe (on the main street).
Lovely busy little bar located on the main street close to the language school Il Sasso (a meeting point for its students). Excellent cappuccino with a variety of biscotti’s and croissants. It offers simple meals or sandwiches for lunch. Locals favorite & always very busy!
RISTORANTE “LA BRICIOLA”
Via delle Cantine (on the main street).
Small quaint restaurant hidden under an arch just off the main street.
RISTORANTE “IL POZZO DI MONTEPULCIANO”
Piazza Michelozzo (on the main street). Tel +39 0578 772170. ($$/$$$)(Casual/Dressy).
Recently and finely renovated place combining the original architecture (mostly vaulted cellars) to a contemporary design. Same for the menu offer: a combination of tradition and modern style. Ideal place for couples and small group.
OSTERIA “PORTA DI BACCO”
Via di Gracciano nel Corso, 94/96. Tel +39 0578 757948. ($$)($$$)(Dressy)(Casual).
Newly refurbished in summer 2020.
RISTORANTE “LA BOTTEGA DEL NOBILE”
Via di Gracciano nel Corso, 95. Tel +39 0578 757016. ($$)($$$)(Dressy)(Casual).
Creatively presented traditional dishes served in a cozy eatery set in an exposed-stone cellar.
OUTSKIRTS AND NEAR VILLAGES
RISTORANTE “LA GROTTA”
Localita San Biagio. Tel +39 0578 757607. ($$$)(Dressy)(Traditional/Creative).
La Grotta has an outstanding location (facing the temple of San Biagio) and a great reputation. It is possibly the best restaurant of the town and since generations. It may be pricy but definitely worthy. Davide, the owner, will attend you professionally and cordially
NEARBY VILLAGES RECOMMENDED PLACES:
(google for websites)
SANTALBINO: RISTORANTE “LA LOCANDA DEL VINO NOBILE”
MONTICCHIELLO: OSTERIA “LA PORTA”
MONTICCHIELLO: RISTORANTE “DA DARIA”
PIENZA: RISTORANTE “LATTE DI LUNA”
PIENZA: TRATTORIA “DA FIORELLA”
PIENZA: RISTORANTE “TERRAZZA DEL CHIOSTRO”