Strolling through the medieval streets of Montepulciano, you’re bound to work up an appetite. This Tuscan hill town is famous for its robust red wine, but it also boasts a rich culinary tradition rooted in rustic, local ingredients. After spotting a local signboard brimming with dining recommendations, I set out to try the best of Montepulciano’s cuisine. From handmade pastas to succulent steaks and pungent cheeses, here’s an inviting guide on what to eat in Montepulciano – and exactly where to enjoy each specialty.
Pici Pasta – Hand-Rolled Tuscan Tradition
Pici is the pasta of southern Tuscany: imagine thick, hand-rolled spaghetti, made simply from flour and water, yet bursting with comforting flavor. This humble peasant-origin pasta often comes with equally traditional sauces: a garlicky tomato sauce known as aglione or a hearty ragù (try wild boar ragù if you find it, a local favorite). In Montepulciano, there’s even a unique twist called pici alle briciole, which tosses the pasta with toasted Tuscan bread crumbs and olive oil for extra texture. No matter the preparation, pici truly embodies the heart of Tuscan home cooking.
Where to try it: Head to Osteria del Conte or Ristorante La Briciola for authentic pici that tastes like an Italian nonna made it.
Osteria del Conte is a cozy, family-run spot serving up traditional Tuscan dishes (their menu features local classics like pici pasta alongside big Florentine T-bone steaks and house wine. At La Briciola, handmade pasta is a point of pride. This restaurant is beloved for its authentically Tuscan cuisine and even offers gluten-free pasta options that earn rave reviews. Both eateries will treat you to thick, al dente pici noodles coated in rich sauce; truly comfort on a plate after a day of exploring. For a more upscale twist on Tuscan pasta, Le Logge del Vignola presents traditional recipes with a creative gourmet touch in an intimate, romantic setting. And if you’re wandering near Piazza Grande, Il Teatro Cucina Toscana also serves local specialties (don’t miss their charcuterie board) in a stylish yet historic atmosphere – a lovely spot to savor pici or whatever the daily pasta may be.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina – The Legendary Steak
Tuscans take their steak seriously, and the bistecca alla Fiorentina is the king of all steaks. This is a massive T-bone cut (often from local Chianina cattle), simply grilled rare, with a charred crust and a juicy center. It’s a carnivorous feast meant to be shared. In Montepulciano, the go-to place for a Florentine steak experience is Osteria Acquacheta, a rustic tavern so renowned for its bistecca that it’s practically an institution. Don’t expect white tablecloths here, but do expect a boisterous, friendly atmosphere (with communal tables) and a steak carved table-side by the chef. The meat arrives perfectly grilled, with a charred exterior and a tender, pink center, seasoned only with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, letting the quality of the beef shine. It’s an unforgettable meal for any meat-lover.
Where to try it: Osteria Acquacheta is the top recommendation for bistecca.
This unassuming osteria is famous for its grilled Florentine steaks, served in generous portions with a side of genuine Tuscan hospitality. You’ll want to reserve ahead if you can (the place is popular and only open on select days), and come hungry, the steak usually weighs around a kilo to start! For a different ambiance, Il Teatro Cucina Toscana offers Florentine steak in a more refined setting. At Il Teatro, you can enjoy your juicy T-bone with modern Tuscan side dishes and excellent local wine, all in a cozy dining room that blends old-world architecture with contemporary decor. If you prefer a one-stop shop for Tuscan classics, remember Osteria del Conte also grills up a mean bistecca alongside its pastas (wanderlog.com). No matter which spot you choose, pair that sizzling steak with a glass of Vino Nobile and toast to la dolce vita!
Pecorino Cheese & Local Wine: A Perfect Pairing
Tuscany isn’t just about big flavors and meats – its cheeses are a delight, too. Pecorino is the local pride: a savory sheep’s milk cheese that comes in various ages and intensities. Just a short drive away is Pienza, famous for its pecorino cheese (called Pecorino di Pienza), and Montepulciano menus make ample use of this nutty, aromatic formaggio. You’ll encounter pecorino on everything from antipasti boards to pasta and salads. A classic way to enjoy it is as part of a cheese and charcuterie platter, perhaps drizzled with local honey or paired with salty cured meats. In fact, one of the joys of eating in Montepulciano is lingering at a wine bar with a wooden board of pecorino slices and salami in front of you, indulging in the flavors of the Val d’Orcia countryside.
Where to try it: For a relaxed tasting experience, pop into one of Montepulciano’s inviting enotecas (wine bars).
La Vineria di Montepulciano is a highly rated choice, a cozy wine bar with a romantic old-world vibe, known for its top-quality wine selection and authentic local bites. Here you can order a generous cold cuts and cheese board showcasing various styles of pecorino, all while sipping on regional wines. (They even serve homemade pici with ragù if you’re in the mood for pasta again – it’s so good you might order it twice!). Another great stop is Enoteca La Dolce Vita, where you can sample excellent Tuscan wines by the glass. La Dolce Vita often features local cheeses as well. And for those keen on winery ambiance, Cantina Chiacchiera offers wine tastings; you can pair a robust Vino Nobile di Montepulciano with bites of aged pecorino for the whole local experience. In fact, Montepulciano’s famed Vino Nobile red shines alongside these regional foods, traditionally enjoyed with hearty fare like Florentine steak or aged pecorino cheese, so you honestly can’t go wrong.
Montepulciano’s culinary scene delivers rustic Tuscan soul on every plate. Whether you’re twirling pici pasta at a family-run osteria, slicing into a giant bistecca, or nibbling pecorino with a bold red wine in hand, each experience is a delicious immersion into local culture. The restaurants mentioned here all celebrate the authentic flavors of this region.
So follow your taste buds (and those insider recommendations), and you’ll discover exactly what to eat in Montepulciano for an unforgettable Tuscan food adventure. Buon appetito!
