An outdoor dining area, with a vibrant breakfast served on the nearby table, before the stunning views of the lush vineyards and countryside of Tuscany, from the Borgo Pignano, in Italy.

May 27, 2025

Where To Eat in Tuscany: Top Food & Wine Experiences

Senior Travel Designer

Picture this: you’re perched on a sun-soaked terrace, a glass of Chianti Classico in one hand and a forkful of pappardelle al cinghiale in the other.

Welcome to Tuscany — where wine and food aren’t just staples; they’re part of the soul of the place.

At SmoothRed, we know that every great glass of wine deserves a meal to match. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just someone who loves a good plate of pasta, this guide will help you discover the tastiest corners of Tuscany and what to eat when you get there.

Why Tuscany?

There’s a reason Tuscany is always top of the list for food and wine lovers. It’s not just the Chianti (though that helps).

The landscapes here practically demand good food and wine: golden hills dotted with vineyards, olive groves stretching to the horizon and soil that seems to practically grow flavour.

Tuscan food is refreshingly unfussy — think rustic, seasonal and full of character. Crusty bread with a peppery drizzle of just-pressed olive oil. Hand-cut pasta tangled in slow-cooked ragu. Meat kissed by woodfire smoke. And that’s before we’ve even mentioned the wines: a bold Brunello, a zesty Vernaccia or a silky Super Tuscan blend.

The ingredients are humble, but the experiences aren’t. Picture candlelit dinners in hilltop villages, Michelin-starred feasts in medieval castles and sunset suppers on vineyard terraces.

Where to eat in Tuscany: Top foodie destinations & Tuscany’s must-try dishes

Tuscany isn’t just a pretty face — it’s a full-on feast. Each town brings its own local twist, from wild boar pasta in the hills to saffron risotto in medieval squares. With so many Tuscan regional specialities to sample, it’s tricky to know where to begin. In this guide for where to eat in Tuscany, we’ve outlined some of our favourite stops for eating (and sipping) your way through this Italian region.

Florence: Art, architecture… and bistecca

Yes, the Duomo is stunning. Yes, the Uffizi is world-class. But Florence also nails it in the food department.

Must-try dish: Bistecca alla Fiorentina — a mighty T-bone steak, chargrilled and best served bleeding (trust us). This is one of Tuscany’s must-try dishes for meat lovers.

Wine pairing: Chianti Classico, naturally. All that boldness holds up perfectly next to the steak’s richness.

Where to go: Treat yourself to dinner at Enoteca Pinchiorri: three Michelin stars, an iconic wine list and the kind of service that makes you feel like royalty.

Siena: Medieval beauty with plenty of pasta

In Siena, you’ll find winding streets, stunning piazzas and food that tastes like it’s been passed down for generations.

Must-try dish: Pici al cinghiale — hand-rolled pasta smothered in a rich wild boar ragu. It’s no surprise that pasta is on the list of the best food in Tuscany.

Wine pairing: Brunello di Montalcino — big, deep and beautifully balanced.

Where to go: Grab a table at Osteria Le Logge, a cosy spot that’s all about classic flavours. The ground floor is especially lovely for a romantic evening.

San Gimignano: Towers, truffles & terraces

This medieval hill town looks like a fairytale — and tastes like one too.

Must-try dish: Risotto al Zafferano: creamy, golden and perfumed with local saffron.

Wine pairing: A chilled glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano — fresh and floral, and just the thing to cut through the richness of the risotto.

Where to go: Settle into a trattoria terrace (there are too many good ones to highlight just one!) and watch the sun dip below the hills.

Lucca: Under-the-radar and absolutely delicious

Lucca might not shout as loudly as Florence or Siena, but it whispers “you’re going to eat very, very well here.”

Must-try dish: Tordelli Lucchese — plump little pasta parcels stuffed with meat and served in a savoury sauce.

Wine pairing: Colline Lucchesi Rosso, a local red that’s a little under the radar but worth seeking out.

Where to go: Wander the old streets to find the best food in Lucca — you’ll stumble across family-run osterias that feel like secrets worth keeping. Try Sottosotto and L’Angolo Todo for the best views of Piazza dell’Anfiteatro (and even better food).

Chianti Region: Classic Tuscany, bottled

Rolling vineyards, winding roads and enough wine to keep you happy for weeks.

Must-try dish: Crostini Toscani — toasted bread slathered with chicken liver pâté — it’s rich and addictive! Classic Tuscan food at its very best.

Wine pairing: Chianti Classico, smooth, structured and all-but born for this moment.

Where to go: La Bottega del 30 in Castelnuovo Berardenga. It’s Michelin-starred but still full of heart — and the pork liver dish is next level.

Let SmoothRed craft your dream wine getaway

At SmoothRed, we’re here to make sure your trip is as flavour-packed as it is unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend in a Chianti villa, a full-on food and wine adventure or a bespoke tour across Italy’s top wine regions, we’ve got you covered.

Our expert Travel Designers build every trip from scratch — so whether you want truffle hunts, Michelin-starred magic or slow mornings sipping espresso in the piazza, we’ll make it happen.

Plan your Tuscan escape

Where to Eat in Tuscany: The Best Restaurants & Bars

Deciding where to eat in Tuscany is a delightful dilemma to have — the Italian region excels when it comes to restaurants, bars and wineries. We’ve done our best to narrow down a list of the best restaurants in Tuscany from the extensive selection. As with wine, our expert Travel Designers know their stuff when it comes to food and will be able to offer even more suggestions as part of your personalised itinerary.

Best Restaurants in Florence

Enoteca Pinchiorri: this Tuscan institution has been voted among the top fifty in the world and represents luxury and haute cuisine at the highest level in Italy. With a world famous wine list and traditional Tuscan dishes, its three Michelin stars speak for themselves.
Osteria Pastella: for homemade pasta in the heart of Florence, this is the place to go.
Trattoria ZaZa: try the signature Florentine steak at this classic trattoria.

Best Restaurants in Siena

La Taverna di San Giuseppe: home-style cooking, homemade pasta and an ever-changing menu make this authentic Tuscan restaurant one of our favourites.
Antica Osteria da Divo: with its unique location, in ancient Etruscan rooms cut out of Siena’s soft volcanic rock, this is a culinary experience to remember.
Tre Cristi: Siena’s oldest restaurant is also one its best. Founded in 1830, this beautifully frescoed restaurant serves some of the best seafood in town.

Best Restaurants in Pisa

Ristorante La Buca: enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine made with fresh local produce, in the beautiful setting of La Buca.
Osteria dei Cavalieri: renowned for its homemade, flavourful cuisine.
Cantina Vasari: just minutes from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Cantina Vasari serves seasonal dishes and classic Italian cuisine.

Best Restaurants in Montalcino

Osteria di Porta al Cassero: as authentic as they come, with classic Italian stonework, and chestnut beams, in the heart of Montalcino
Boccon Divino: breathtaking countryside views and elegant pasta dishes — what more could you want?
Enoteca Grotta del Brunello: Tuscan food and wine pairings in the centre of Montalcino.

Tuscany’s Protected Regional Products

Tuscany boasts over 30 EU-protected regional foods and wines, one of the highest numbers of any Italian region. These products are regulated by PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status, which ensure that ingredients, heritage and production methods are strictly tied to specific Tuscan localities. A few of our favourite protected regional products include:

Product	Description	Origin
Finocchiona IGP	A soft and crumbly salami, made with fennel seeds and garlic	All over Tuscany, except for the islands
Prosciutto Toscano DOP	Dry-cured and flavoured with sea salt, rosemary and garlic	All over Tuscany
Lardo di Colonnata DOP	Cured pork back fat, aged for months in traditional concave marble basins	Apuan Alps
Cinta Senese PDO	Meat from an ancient breed of pig, raised wild in Siena's hills	The hills of Siena
Pecorino Toscano DOP	Sheep's milk cheese, produced in both fresh and aged varieties	Across Tuscany - the milk used must come from flocks grazed within Tuscany and a few specifically designated neighbouring areas in Lazio and Umbria
Pecorino delle Balze Volterrane DOP	Raw sheep's milk cheese made using vegetable rennet	Pisa
Olio Toscano PGI	Extra virgin olive oil, made from Frantoio, Moraiolo, and Leccino olives. Bright green in colour with a slightly peppery flavour	Across Tuscany
Local PDO Oils	Micro-regional oils can be found across Tuscany	Sub-regions of Tuscany e.g. Chianti Classico DOP, Lucca DOP, Seggiano DOP
Pane Toscano DOP	Tuscany's famed saltless bread, characterised by its crispy crust and dense inside. Legend states that, in the 12th-century, Pisa bloackaded Florence's salt deliveries due to a bitter rivalry between the two cities - Florentines were forced to bake saltless bread as a result	Florence, but now produced all over Tuscany
Cantuccini Toscani IGP	Almond biscotti, often paired with Vin Santo dessert wine. Their history dates back to the Medici family and the Renaissance, when Tuscany became a hub for the spice trade	Roots tracing back to the 16th-century Medici Court, anchored in Florence. Now produced across the region
Miele della Lunigiana DOP	Acacia or chesnut honey	Lunigiana territory in northern Tuscany
Farro della Garfagnana IGP	Variety of spelt grown in the mountainous Garfagnana region	Garfagnana region

The best food & wine experiences in Tuscany

Eating in Tuscany is wonderful, but experiencing it is where the magic happens. Here are some of our favourite, unforgettable ways to go beyond just sitting down at a table. And if you’re looking for some more Tuscany inspiration, read our guide on the Top Things to Do in Tuscany.

Vineyard lunches under the sun

It doesn’t get much more Tuscan than a long lunch at a winery, with fresh bread, aged pecorino and glasses of wine poured by the person who made it. Many estates, especially in Chianti and Montepulciano, offer private lunches overlooking the vines. Rustic, relaxed and oh-so memorable.

Truffle hunting in the woods

And yes, it’s as fun (and muddy) as it sounds. Head to areas like San Miniato in autumn for a truffle hunt with local experts and their trusty dogs. It usually ends with a tasting of truffle-infused everything.

Cooking with a local nonna

Learn to hand-roll pasta, stir a proper ragù and make cantucci from scratch. It’s a brilliant way to pick up tips (and stories) you won’t get in a restaurant. Many of our favourite boutique hotels that we work with here offer private cooking classes with local chefs.

Olive oil tastings

Tuscany’s liquid gold deserves its own moment. Visit an olive farm during the autumn harvest to taste just-pressed oil that’s peppery, green and unlike anything bottled in a shop. A drizzle over bread with a sip of wine is hard to top.

Sunset aperitivo spots

Before dinner, join the locals for a spritz or glass of Vernaccia somewhere scenic. San Gimignano and Cortona have terrace bars with jaw-dropping views and relaxed vibes. Order crostini or local cheese and soak it all in.

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FAQs about where to eat in Tuscany

What is Tuscany's most famous food?

Tuscany’s most famous food revolves around the region’s rustic, farm-to-table cooking style. Rooted in cucina povera (peasant cooking), it uses high-quality ingredients, including olive oil, legumes, unsalted bread and fresh herbs. Some iconic dishes include:

Bistecca alla Fiorentina: a thick-cut T-bone steak, grilled over wood fires
Pappardelle al Cinghiale: wide, flat egg pasta ribbons served in rich, slow-cooked wild boar ragù
Cacciucco: a hearty seafood stew from the coastal city of Livorno
Panzanella: a refreshing summer salad made with soaked stale bread, tomatoes, onions, basil and vinaigrette
Crostini Toscani: toasted bread topped with a rich, savoury chicken liver pâté
Cantucci: Crunchy almond biscotti, which is traditionally dipped in the regional dessert wine, Vin Santo

To read about Tuscany’s famous wines, check out our Tuscany Wine Guide.

What is a must eat in Florence?

There are many must eat foods to try in Florence — a few of our favourites include:

Bistecca alla Fiorentina: the crown jewel of Florence’s cuisine
Lampredotto: Florence’s most famous street food. A sandwich stuffed with slow-cooked cow stomach and salsa verde
Pappardelle al Cinghiale: hand-rolled ribbon pasta topped with slow-cooked wild boar ragù
Schiacciata Sandwiches: crispy Tuscan flatbread stuffed with local meats and cheeses

What is traditional Tuscan pasta?

Traditional Tuscan pasta is typically crafted in wide ribbons, designed to pair with rich meat sauces. The most famous varieties of traditional Tuscan pasta include:

Pappardelle: long, wide egg-pasta ribbons
Pici: thick and chewy hand-rolled noodle from the Siena region
Tortelli di Patate: a signature stuffed pasta from the Mugello region

What is a traditional Tuscan breakfast?

A traditional Tuscan breakfast is typically short and sweet, focusing on rich espresso and freshly baked pastries. The core components include:

Coffee: most locals in Tuscany start with a quick espresso at the bar, or a cappuccino (rarely ordered after 11:30am in Italy)
Cornetto: an Italian croissant, often filled with pastry cream, jam or chocolate
Fette Biscottate: a staple in Tuscan homes, this twice baked bread serves as a base for butter and jam

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