17 Locally-Loved Restaurants in Siena, Tuscany in 2024
If you’re a frequent traveler, gastronomist or Italian food enthusiast, there’s no doubt you’ve heard about all the fabulous restaurants in Siena, Tuscany. Even if you’re unfamiliar with this famous province, you may have enjoyed some foods that originated here!
Siena is both a province and a city in the Tuscany region of Italy, which spans over a portion of Italy including the city of Florence. Each year, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Siena to explore its rich culture, historic architecture and, of course, delicious food.
If you’re planning a trip to this iconic city, you might wonder, “What is a famous food from Siena?” or “Where do the locals eat in Siena?” There’s no shortage of incredible restaurants in Siena, Tuscany, but if you’re having trouble narrowing your options or looking to avoid the crowds, there are a few locations you need to have on your itinerary.
Check out these popular Italian restaurants in Siena, Tuscany to explore indulgent flavors, remarkable views, decadent wine and more.
Jump to Section
What Is Siena, Tuscany Known For?
The province of Siena is known for having some of the most well-preserved historic medieval buildings in Europe. Many of the structures are significant examples of Gothic architecture and were built between the 12th and 15th centuries, according to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Other factors that draw tourists to Siena include famous artworks, underground tunnels built by the Etruscans and the Palio di Siena, a twice-annual horse race held in Piazza del Campo.
Food is extremely important in Italian culture and it holds added significance in Siena. Memphis has its fried chicken and barbecue, London foods include Yorkshire pudding and fish and chips, but what is Siena, Tuscany known for? Or more specifically, what pasta is Siena known for?
If you’ve never visited this bustling province, you might wonder what to expect from the Siena food scene.
Italian restaurants in Siena, Tuscany are some of the best in the world, with many serving traditional dishes like pici pasta and panforte cake, but there’s also an abundance of restaurants in Siena, Tuscany that give old recipes a modern twist. To learn directly from local chefs, consider signing up for cooking classes in Siena.
Top Restaurants in Siena, Tuscany
1. La Taverna di San Giuseppe
Although La Taverna di San Giuseppe was already widely recognized as possibly the best restaurant in Siena, Michelin-star awards have drawn even more people to the prestigious location.
This restaurant located in the Centro Storico (historic center) used to be an Etruscan house from the 3rd century B.C.E., and serves authentic Tuscan cuisine. If you’re looking for cooking gifts or experiences for history lovers during your time in Siena, La Taverna di San Giuseppe is one of the best restaurants in Siena, Tuscany to enjoy a decadent and inspiring meal.
2. Compagnia dei Vinattieri
Compagnia dei Vinatierri is an authentic Tuscan restaurant with an extensive wine list, excellent service and cozy outdoor courtyard for al fresco dining amid the historical buildings of Siena. An excellent place to enjoy a romantic date night or special occasion lunch or dinner, Compagnia dei Vinattieri is located in the Via Delle Terme.
With tasty dishes like homemade pici pasta with leaf cabbage and bacon or guinea fowl breast with persimmon sauce and lemon air, many visitors claim that Compagnia dei Vinattieri serves the best Italian food they’ve ever tried.
3. Osteria di Castelvecchio
Osteria di Castelveccio is another one of the best restaurants in Siena, serving traditional Italian favorites and more eclectic dishes, including a great selection of vegetarian options and a thoughtful wine menu.
The restaurant’s bright and charming alleyway seating as well as their attentive service and incredible desserts make for an unforgettable meal. One of this restaurant in Siena, Tuscany’s specialties is panforte, a chewy cake-like dessert made with various candied fruits, nuts, spices and honey syrup.
4. Tre Cristi Enoteca Ristorante
Built into a 15th-century building in 1830, Tre Cristi Enoteca Ristorante is one of the best restaurants in Siena, Tuscany to escape from the busy city noise and enjoy a revitalizing lunch or dinner with friends.
If you’re looking for fresh seafood, Tre Cristi Enoteca Ristorante is among the top restaurants in Siena to enjoy dishes like cuttlefish and cereal prawns with carrot cream or calamarata with monkfish, cherry tomatoes and tuna bottarga.
5. Antica Osteria da Divo
Wistfully charming and decadent, Antica Osteria da Divo is just steps away from Piazza del Campo and features dining areas on three levels with medieval stone and brick walls and Etruscan caverns.
While it’s one of the dreamiest restaurants in Siena, Tuscany for anyone obsessed with history, Antica Osteria da Divo also appeals to modern foodies with options like crepes with parsley grated sea bass, braised leeks and green pea veloutè or stir-fried pigeon with port reduction, red fruits, fennel and ginger flan.
6. Osteria Da Trombicche
Not far from Piazza del Campo, Osteria Da Trombicche is quickly making a name for itself as one of the best restaurants in Siena, Tuscany – but many fans would love to keep it a secret all for themselves.
This hidden gem is loved by locals for its calm, intimate setting and fresh, new take on Tuscan-inspired foods. The somewhat small restaurant features an open kitchen where you can watch staff work their magic, crafting dishes like onion and truffle soup or tortelli pasta with beef tail, smoked potato and pine nuts.
7. Osteria le Logge
Another top restaurant in Siena that Michelin has recognized, Osteria le Logge was built in 1977 in what was once an old grocery and pharmacy and has retained many of its historic features over the decades.
The first floor dining room offers a pleasing aesthetic, with walls lined with books, bottles and paintings and a wine cellar housed in an old Etruscan tunnel. Osteria le Logge is known as one of the best restaurants in Siena, Tuscany for its traditional, homestyle dishes and list of unique local wines.
Best Restaurants in Siena for Lunch
8. Osteria Permalico
Nearby to Piazza del Campo and the Pinacoteca Nazionale art gallery, Osteria Permalico is one of the best restaurants in Siena, Tuscany for a delicious and affordable lunch with classic tavern-style dishes.
Osteria Permalico has both a cozy indoor dining area and outdoor tables perfect for an al fresco lunch at one of the best restaurants in Siena, Tuscany. To satisfy your sweet tooth before returning to your busy day, try their delightful ricotta mousse with cantucci crumble and vinsanto gel.
9. Il Bargello
If you ask anyone, “Where do the locals eat in Siena?”, you’re likely to hear about Il Bargello at least a few times. One of the best restaurants in Siena, Il Bargello is just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Campo and features incredible options like freshly made rigatoni alla gricia with cinta senese pancetta. Most dishes here are priced under 15 euros, making it a great spot to satisfy your hunger cheaply without skimping on flavor.
10. Fischi per Fiaschi
Nestled south of central Siena near the University of Siena’s botanical garden, Fischi per Fiaschi’s relaxed atmosphere and excellent variety of pastas make it one of the best restaurants in Siena frequented by locals.
With roomy communal tables and outdoor seating, this is one of the best restaurants in Siena for lunch with a group, but it’s also suitable for casual lunch dates and single diners. Look forward to dishes like gnocchi with pesto al dragoncello or artichoke rigatoni with sharp gorgonzola and affordable house wines.
11. Salumeria Il Cencio
One of the best restaurants in Siena for lunch, Salumeria Il Cencio is a small sandwich shop in a great location for people watching with a lovely balcony view of Piazza del Campo. If you’re craving something different from your typical pasta, Salumeria Il Cencio has you covered with delicious panini sandwiches, focaccia and more.
Early risers may also rejoice; if you’re always asking, “What time does Siena open on Sunday?”, you’ll be happy to know that Salumeria Il Cenio starts serving at 9 a.m.
12. Osteria Il Grattacielo
A popular lunch spot for locals, Osteria Il Grattacielo is among the best restaurants in Siena, Tuscany for a quick lunch with fresh, filling ingredients and affordable yet delicious house wines. A hole-in-the-wall among restaurants in Siena, Tuscany serves everything from homestyle pasta dishes like tagliatelle al ragu to light antipasto and Italian soups, but menu options may vary depending on what the family chef decides to cook.
Best Restaurants in Siena, Tuscany With a View
13. Ristorante Tar-Tufo
Ristorante Tar-Tufo one of the best restaurants in Siena, Tuscany with a view over Siena, a romantic, private atmosphere and outdoor terrace seating.
Named after the luxurious truffle mushroom, the restaurant relies on fresh seasonal ingredients to create their traditional Tuscan-inspired dishes. Because of this, the menu may vary throughout the year – which means there’s always something new worth trying.
14. Vivace Ristorante
Exploring the streets and alleyways of Siena can be a fun adventure, but if you’re feeling a little cramped in the cityscapes, head to Vivace Ristorante, one of the best restaurants in Siena with a view and lots of greenery.
This modern and fresh restaurant in Siena features a large and sunny multi-level terrace that’s perfect for catching the sunset over the city. Their menu is also a breath of fresh air, with unique choices like chicken stuffed with fig and pecorino or fettuccine with crispy bacon and thyme.
15. Il Pomodorino
Not only is this one of the best restaurants in Siena with a view, but it’s also where you’ll find some of the best wood-fired pizza in all of Italy – better than even the best pizza in Manhattan – and they even offer vegan options.
If you’ve been craving a pizza party ever since you arrived in Siena, Il Pomodorino is sure to satisfy with its drool-worthy pizzas featuring toppings like fresh basil, sausage, burrata cheese, taggiasca olives, gorgonzola, pears, walnuts and so much more.
16. Il Convito di Curina
For one of the most stellar restaurants in Siena, Tuscany with some truly breathtaking views, take a quick drive outside the city to Il Convito di Curina, a Michelin-rated restaurant with a romantic atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside.
Aside from its gorgeous panoramic terrace, visitors also flock to this luxurious restaurant in Siena, Tuscany for its decadent menu. Choices are always plated and presented beautifully and may include options like dry marinated orbetello sea bass, tender rack of lamb and hazelnut semifreddo for dessert.
17. Antica Trattoria Papei
It can be tricky to find restaurants in Siena, Tuscany with a view of the surrounding hills and valleys, but Antica Trattoria Papei is one of the best restaurants in Siena, Tuscany for enjoying the gorgeous 11th-century architecture, sights and sounds of the city.
Established in 1936, Antica Trattoria Papei offers comfortable outdoor garden seating all year round and simple, traditional dishes like bruschetta with olive oil and tomato, pici cacio e pepe and minestrone vegetable soup. This is a popular spot among locals alike, so make sure to reserve a table.
Whether you’re craving handmade pastas in historical surroundings, unique wines with breathtaking views or irresistible wood-fired pizza at a local hidden gem, Siena offers a wealth of scrumptious experiences for tourists and locals alike. Perhaps the best way to find delicious restaurants in Siena, Tuscany is to follow your nose and take a chance somewhere new!
For even more things to do in Siena, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
