The Best Restaurants in Montepulciano

Glossy wood-panelled walls, heavy drapes and terracotta hues take you back to another era in this welcoming cafe and restaurant. First opened in 1868, the establishment has only one foot in the past, with typical local specialties and authentic produce cooked with love and a modern flair. Whether in the cosy cafe or on the beautiful panoramic terrace, order an aperitivo (or some pastries) and drink in the view.

A wine shop with a kitchen? Sign us up. La Dolce Vita was opened in 2005 and is located inside a historic building that dates back to the 13th century. In very romantic (and boozy) surroundings, they serve easy plates faithful to local cuisine but always with a twist of innovation. The menu changes daily, but if they have gnocchi – order it. Trust us.

Located off one of the side alleys around the back of Giardino di Poggiofanti, you’ll feel as if you’ve accidentally stumbled into someone’s front room when you arrive at La Briciola, but that’s part of the charm. The service is excellent and the Tuscan comfort food done to perfection. Make sure you try the tagliatelle al cocciaccio – the meaty, saucy house specialty made from a secret family recipe.

You couldn’t really ask for a more stunning location right in front of the Temple of Saint Biagio – one of the greatest examples of Renaissance architecture in Tuscany. Finding a balance between traditional and modern, the Tuscan art of eating well is taken very seriously at La Grotta. Quality ingredients and simple cooking lead to mouthwatering dishes such as rack of lamb in a crust of bread and herbs, or ricotta gnocchi with vegetables from the garden.

Dust off your credit card and surrender to this experience in the heart of Montepulciano’s old town. In one of two candlelit rooms, guests can savour Tuscan classics served with a touch of the chef’s idiosyncratic flair. The adventurous should opt for the surprise three-course meal. If not, choose a la carte: Tuscan vegetable tempura fried in extra virgin olive oil; pici pasta with black garlic and pecorino fondue; mustard-glazed lamb; or grilled Florentine steak.

Don’t be put off by this restaurant’s touristy location on one of the town centre’s main streets, near the Sanctuary of San Biagio and Montepulciano’s Fortress. The food is delicious and authentic whilst the knowledgeable, attentive is first-rate. All recipes are based on fresh, local ingredients and the menu varies according to the season. This usually translates as Tuscan delicacies like Montepulciano truffles, regional mushrooms and homemade pecorino cheese, always paired with robust local wines.

There’s a real community feel to this osteria, with its shared tables, healthy portions and staff that treat you like long-lost family. Appreciated among locals for its genuine and informal atmosphere, this place specialises in bistecca alla fiorentina (chargrilled T-bone steak). If you choose to sit inside, you’ll be surrounded by whitewashed stone walls and bare-brick arches, with close-knit staff bustling around you.

This buzzy restaurant has a pretty even mix of locals and tourists, who come for its great food, fast and knowledgeable service and family-friendly atmosphere. The chefs produce everything they can at home, with a distinctly local philosophy, which means everything from the pasta to the bread, jams, biscuits and even some liqueurs are homemade. The pizzas are particularly delicious here, baked in a wood-burning oven and topped with local produce.