Last updated on November 11th, 2024
Are you looking for the best Montepulciano restaurants? If you’re already in town, you’ve probably noticed that every other window seems to be some kind of eatery. So, which ones are the best? Right for you? Tourist traps?
If you are asking yourself any of these questions, you are in the right place. I live just next door and have been eating out in Montepulciano restaurants for years. After much trial and error, I know which Montepulciano restaurants are worth your time and money. I know what to expect and where to go for any occasion.
No matter what you are looking for – be it a family friendly joint, a romantic evening or traditional Tuscan cuisine, there is something for you in Montepulciano!
In this article, I will cover my top choices for Montepulciano restaurants based on my first-hand experience, including what each is best for and categorized by location within Montepulciano, making it user-friendly and easy to read, even on the go.
Tip: If you are looking to just grab a quick bite in Montepulciano, read Best To-Go Lunch Spots in Montepulciano.
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Top Of Montepulciano Restaurants
Osteria Del Conte
Address:Via di S. Donato, 19
Best For: Outdoor seating
My Favorite Dish: Ravioli al pecorino di Pienza
Osteria del Conte is the best Montepulciano restaurant for outdoor seating, all of which is shaded with large umbrellas. I like this Montepulciano restaurant because it’s slightly off the main square in Piazza Grande yet is central to other activities in town.
I suggest having an aperitivo in Piazza Grande and then move onward to the Osteria but be sure to book a table a couple days in advance, especially if you want to sit outdoors and if it’s the height of tourism.
Tip: Keep in mind that restaurants are great places to try wine and buy wine in Italy.
Il Teatro
Address: Piazzetta del Teatro, 5
Best For: A Romantic night out OR eating at anytime of the day.
My Favorite Dish: Tagliata di Cinta Senese (local breed of pig)
Il Teatro is just down the hill from Piazza Grande, offering great Tuscan food with a modern spin in a romantic, white table cloth setting.
I first came here over four years ago when my kids first started going to school and my husband and I had more time on our hands but it has remained a favorite because the kitchen is open all day. Unlike other restaurants in Italy, you can sit down and order food whenever, not just at typical Italian eating times.
The menu changes seasonally but remains true to local tradition and products. Ask the staff for their wine suggestions to pair with each dish and you won’t be sorry.
Look the Part: Check out these 5 Items Not to Wear When Dining Out in Italy and What to Wear to Dinner in Italy.
Osteria Acquacheta
Address: Via del Teatro, 22
Best For: Rustic, family feel
My Favorite Dish: Sausages and bistecca
Osteria Acquacheta is the most casual and authentic Montepulciano restaurant with paper placemats and communal tables. Eating in Italy is all about sharing delicious Italian food and enjoying good company, which is why I am particularly fond of this Montepulciano restaurant.
The prices are very reasonable and the food is always reliable. Osteria Acquacheta is best for families, especially those of us with loud children (like me!).
Good To Know: Osteria Acquacheta is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for lunch and dinner!
Mid-Town Montepulciano Restaurants
Depending on what time of day you visit Montepulciano, you might find yourself at lunch or dinner mid-town, ready to fuel up before hiking to the top of Piazza Grande. These are my top picks for mid-town Montepulciano restaurants.
Trattoria di Cagnano
Address: Via dell’Opio Nel Corso, 30
Best For: Families
My Favorite Dish: Tagliolini al tartufo
When you see the word trattoria in the name of an Italian restaurant, it’s usually a good sign and this is no exception. Trattoria di Cagnano offers up classic Tuscan cooking at reasonable prices and in an easy-going yet elegant setting.
This is my top pick for families because they have a good sized outdoor section and even a kids menu (which is not typical of Italians!).
Good To Know: Although Cagnano says it’s a pizzeria, it no longer makes pizza!
Pentolaccia
Address: Via di Voltaia Nel Corso, 86
Best For: Traditional Tuscan cuisine
My Favorite Dish: Pici
Pentolaccia is a little easy to miss as it blends in with all the other Montepulciano restaurants on either side.
But watch out, don’t miss this great Montepulciano restaurant for traditional Tuscan cuisine. My kids always get the pici but I usually get the secondo or meat dishes. They also have daily fish specialties that aren’t on the menu.
Montepulciano Restaurants At Port Al Prato
At Porta al Prato, the base of Montepulciano, these are my top picks for restaurants to try:
La Briciola
Address: Via delle Cantine, 23
Best For: Local Poliziano cuisine (food from Montepulciano)
My Favorite Dish: Pollo e Coniglio (a stew of chicken and rabbit) and the sformato di verdura (savory flan)
La Briciola is my family’s favorite Montepulciano restaurant for typical Poliziano cuisine, meaning dishes from Montepulciano, including my favorite chicken and rabbit.
They are hidden away in a back alley so you won’t see them on the street. This doesn’t mean you don’t have to pre-book a table, however. It’s always full so call ahead and ask for one of their few tables outdoors.
My good friend Ali, who lives in Montepulciano, thinks La Briciola has the best ribollita in all Southern Tuscany! If you love veggies or are vegan, come here and order it.
Vineria
Address: Via di Gracciano nel Corso, 101, 53045
Best For: Tagliere (cheese and charcuterie boards) and people watching.
My Favorite Dish: Tagliere di formaggio (selection of local pecorino cheese)
Vineria is my top pick for an early dinner option. Here, their specialty is wine and meat and cheese boards although you will also find other things on the menu such as pici and crostini.
The Vineria is actually more of an enoteca so keep in mind that the kitchen closes early at 9:00 pm. But unlike other Italian restaurants, the kitchen is open all day and doesn’t close for an afternoon break so you can always come here for a small snack.
Montepulciano Restaurants Outside City Center
Pizzeria E Cucina Da Linda
Address: Via Elio Bernabei, 2, 53045 Montepulciano
Best For: Take-out pizza and quick meals
My Favorite Pizza: Parmigiana (with eggplant and parmesan cheese
Pizzeria Linda is a reliable pizzeria located just outside the city walls of Montepulciano.
We have eaten outdoors here (indoor seating as well) but we mostly choose this restaurant for take-out pizza.
Here you will find a lot of locals eating lunch on the earlier side, around noon, before they go pick up their kids at school which lets out at 1:30.
And if you don’t want pizza, they have plenty of daily pasta and meat specials.
Pizza Lovers: For more information on pizza in Italy, read Authentic Italian Pizza Toppings – My Italian Family’s Favorite + Printable Quick Guide and Do Italians Eat Pizza With A Fork? Answers From An Italian Family.
La Grotta
Address: Via di S. Biagio, 15
Best For: Special night out and foodies
La Grotta is a very famous Montepulciano restaurant on the street overlooking the Temple of San Biagio. This is perhaps Montepulciano’s most unique and interesting location in terms of restaurants.
La Grotta is a Michelin recommended restaurant with high-end Italian cuisine in an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere. The only downside is that they do not have an outdoor terrace overlooking the church.
I have actually not actually eaten here yet, so I cannot recommend my favorite dish to order but I have many friends who confirm this is a very good choice. It’s on my list for my next date night for sure!
Tired of eating out at restaurants? Make your own Italian picnic!
