Where to Eat in or Around the Piazza del Campo in Siena

If you’re wondering where to eat in or around the Piazza del Campo in Siena, the good news is that you don’t have to choose between convenience and a worthwhile meal.

Siena’s main square is one of the city’s biggest landmarks, so it naturally attracts plenty of places to stop for coffee, lunch, aperitivo, or dinner. But, not all are worth your time. 

I’m Louisa, and I’ve been living just outside of Siena since 2012, giving me plenty of opportunities to eat around the city. 

In this guide, I’ll share three spots I would recommend for meals near Piazza del Campo:

• Margheritè for a light lunch or drink right on the square
• Osteria Il Grattacielo for a fast but satisfying Tuscan meal just a short walk away or for a sandwich to eat sitting down in the the square
• Antica Trattoria Papei for a more traditional Senese trattoria experience in a historic setting.

Together, they cover some of the best options for eating well in central Siena without straying far from the heart of Siena, Piazza del Campo. 

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Margheritè

Best for: a light lunch in Piazza del Campo

When I want to eat directly on Piazza del Campo but keep things light, Margheritè is one of the best options.

Located at Piazza del Campo 72, it is ideal when I want to stay in the middle of Siena’s historic center and fit in an easy lunch, coffee, or aperitivo without a long, strung out lunch. 

What I like most is that it offers the atmosphere of the square without feeling too exposed to the busiest flow of people.

There is a particularly good indoor table with a direct view over Piazza del Campo, and there is also seating slightly tucked to the side, which makes it a smart choice if you want to be close to the square while still enjoying a calmer setting, such as with visiting Siena with kids.

The menu includes coffee, drinks, wines, tapas-style dishes, plated food, and desserts, making it flexible for anything from a quick break to a light midday meal.

For anyone searching for where to eat in Piazza del Campo in Siena without going for a full formal lunch, this is my top pick. 

Traveling through Tuscany? Check out best restaurants in Florence – Siena – Montalcino – Montepulciano – Cetona – San Casciano dei Bagni – Southern Tuscany. And before you dine, read about Traditional Tuscan Food.

Osteria Il Grattacielo

Best for: sandwiches, quick lunch, and casual Tuscan first courses

If you want to eat near Piazza del Campo but slightly away from the busiest restaurant stretch, Osteria Il Grattacielo is one of my favorite choices. It is on Via Pontani 8, only a short walk from the square, and it has the kind of informal, traditional atmosphere that works especially well for lunch. 

This is the sort of place I like when I want something fast, satisfying, and rooted in local food culture. Order from their short, seasonal menu with first courses, appetizers and a couple of main dishes. It is also a very good stop for sandwiches which you can eat there or take with you to eat sitting down in Piazza del Campo. 

Good To Know: Osteria Il Grattacielo has both shaded outdoor and indoor seating and a tucked-away feel that makes it a welcome break from the busiest parts of the center, while still being close enough to Piazza del Campo.

Antica Trattoria Papei

Best for: a classic Senese trattoria experience

For a more traditional trattoria meal around Piazza del Campo, I would head to Antica Trattoria Papei Located on Via del Mercato 6, just behind the square in the area of Piazza del Mercato, it is one of the best places to go when you want that unmistakably old-school Siena feeling. 

The restaurant offers typical local dishes and Tuscan cooking, and its menu includes familiar regional classics such as fresh pasta, Tuscan soups, pici, and meat dishes. It’s exactly the kind of restaurant that suits visitors looking for a proper sit-down meal hidden away from the tourist traps. 

The seating also adds to its appeal. There is indoor dining, an outdoor veranda, and in summer, open-air tables , which helps make it a strong choice in different seasons. 

Eating in Italy Basics: If you are curious to know more about navigating dining in Italy, you may be interested in
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