Last updated on December 14th, 2025
Are you touring around Southern Tuscany and perhaps visiting Cetona, San Casciano dei Bagni, Montalcino, Montepulciano or Pienza?Chances are you are setting some time aside for some quality Italian meals.
Ciao! I’m Louisa and I have been living in Southern Tuscany since 2012 with my family and writing about Italian food and wine.
It’s my job to develop recipes, review restaurants and eat Italian food. So, I can surely help you discover the best restaurants to try while you’re in Southern Tuscany!
Whether you’re traveling with kids, in a large group or with your partner, I have the right spot for you. Learn all about my personal favorite restaurants in Southern Tuscany based on first hand experience eating at each!
Tip: Be sure to pre-book if possible, as many of these places are no secrets and fill up quickly and be sure to read up on What to Eat in Southern Tuscany.
Jump to Section
Lieviti in Montepulciano
Lieviti in Montepulciano is one of my favorite pizzerie in all of Tuscany! The crust is Neopolitan style, thick and puffy. The toppings are original and different but you can certainly find classic combinations as well. Although this is some of the best pizza in the area, there is no outdoor seating.
Pizza Basics: To learn more about pizza in Italy, check out
Ordering Pizza in Italy
Authentic Italian Pizza Toppings
How Do Italians Eat Pizza?
Do Italians Eat Pizza With a Fork?
Where to Eat Pizza in Florence – Venice – Rome
What is Pinsa? and Where to Eat Pinsa in Rome
La Grotta in Montepulciano
La Grotta in Montepulciano is actually outside the city walls at San Biagio. It’s one of the nicer restaurants around and the prices reflect that.
La Grotta is a Michelin recommended restaurant with high-end Italian cuisine in an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere, which is why I find it best for small parties or a special dinner out. The only downside is that they do not have an outdoor terrace overlooking the church.
More on Montepulciano:
Montepulciano With Kids
One Day Itinerary for Montepulciano
My Favorite Cafés in Montepulciano
Things To Do In Montepulciano On Your First Visit
My Top 5 Wine Bars (Enoteche) in Montepulciano
Half Day Itinerary For Montepulciano
Montepulciano Restaurants – My Favorite Spots For First Time Visitors
Best Takeout Lunch Spots in Montepulciano
Montepulciano Vineyards to Visit
Which Is Better To Visit In Southern Tuscany – Montepulciano or Montalcino?
My 8 Favorite Restaurants in Southern Tuscany
Trattoria La Pace in Celle Su Rigo
Trattoria La Pace in Celle Su Rigo is THE spot you should eat at should you want to sample the absolute best pici in all of Tuscany. This is where this hand rolled pasta was invented and you can certainly taste the difference! Other notable dishes are tagliolini con ortica (thin egg pasta with nettles) and cinghiale (wild boar stew).
Castello di Fighine
The 1 star Michelin restaurant at Castello di Fighine in San Casciano dei Bagni is my favorite restaurant in southern Tuscany if I am looking for a really special experience. The food is definitely Tuscan style with a modern flare and per Michelin star restaurants, they tend to include several courses with pallet cleansers and special nibbles.
Trattoria Latte di Luna in Pienza
Trattoria Latte di Luna is my preferred restaurant in Pienza. It’s a casual family-style trattoria with both outdoor and indoor seating. Expect the food to be rustic but reliable and seasonal with an emphasis on local products and regional dishes such as pici all’aglione, pecorino cheese and Italian sausages and cured meats.
Re di Macchia in Montalcino
Il Re di Macchia is a historic restaurant in Monalcino known for their exquisite local cuisine and excellent wine list. Although the food is humble, the setting is intimate. They are particularly well known for their meats and desserts.
Montalcino Visitors: Be sure to read Montalcino Restaurants – My Favorites and Montalcino Wineries – My Top 5.
Dopolavoro La Foce in Chianciano Terme
Dopolavoro La Face is by far the best (and closest) restaurant to eat at if you are visiting the Five Gardens. It’s literally right down the road, making it a great place to stop after a tour.
They have both indoor and outdoor seating with a large, casual dining room, similar to a wide open loft. It’s casual yet elegant with particularly good appetizers (my favorite is the cheese platter).
Good To Know: Dopolavoro La Foce does close seasonally during the winter so be sure to check before planning your visit.
Da Nilo in Cetona
Da Nilo in Cetona is my family’s favorite restaurant in Cetona. It’s definitely the nicest although it’s not overly fancy.
You can find classic Tuscan dishes but with a slightly elegant flare. The menu changes seasonally, which we always appreciate as locals. Their wine selection is extensive and the service is great.
If you are visiting other areas of Southern Tuscany you may also be interested in
Montalcino Restaurants – My Favorites
Montepulciano Restaurants – My Favorite Spots For First Time Visitors
Cetona, Italy – A Local’s Guide
San Casciano dei Bagni – What To See And Where To Eat
Which Is Better To Visit In Southern Tuscany – Montepulciano or Montalcino?
