Guide to Val d’Orcia
Towns
Pienza - known as the 'ideal city'. Picturesque features from the Renaissance and beautiful view, known for pecorino cheese and pizza.
Montalcino - hill top where you can walk on city walls, famous for wine. Very beautiful
Montepulciano - hilltop town with epic city walls and winding streets. Famous for wine - Vino Nobile di Montepulciano as well as Rosso di Montepulciano wine.
San Quirico d'Orcia - charming village with narrow streets, historic sites, and tons of great food
Bagno Vignoni - famous for thermal baths of volcanic origins. Spa resorts nearby
Monticchiello - small medieval charming town with romantic narrow stone streets & flowery windows
Restaurants, Wine tasting & more
Pienza
Pummaro - Eat in, outside on the little square or takeout. Fresh, local, ingredients. The mozzarella is fantastic. Located in the historic center of Pienza. Easy to walk to from anywhere if you are staying in Pienza town.
La Combriccola - Very local place that offers a good quality pizza. They use a real fire oven and they make a very thin Pizza - different from the Neapolitan one but still appreciated by locals. The menu also has Pasta and meat dishes.
Podere II Casale - Farm to table with relaxing and more upscale ambiance. Genuine and fresh food with view of the farm, nestled in rolling hills, great for sunset. Fresh pastas, roasted pork, roasted lamb, raw milk cheese.
Trattoria Latte di Luna - informal, charming Tuscan ambiance, intimate with lovely outdoor seating. Traditional cooking with homemade pastas. Best roast pig in the region, vegetable sformati, semifreddo dessert trio.
La Terrazza Del Chiostro - Elegant & charming situated in 15th century Franciscan convent with seating in a garden terrace overlooking the hills. Traditional Tuscan served with a twist. Great for a drink and view during sunset too!
Ristorante Il Rossellino - Small simple, family run. The specialty is the carbonara but the lamb chops, polpette on fresh potato pure and carpaccio are also fantastic. Loved by locals, very romantic and has special charm.
Vitaleta - We would highly recommend going here as it is located in a very special and spiritual spot. It is right next to a UNESCO heritage site Vitaleta Chapel. Although we did not eat here, one of Jakky’s favorite moment’s during the trip was visiting the chapel during the end of the day while no one was there, it is very peaceful.
Montepulciano
Lieviti - Best pizza in the whole area. The chef came to Montepulciano directly from Napoli years ago and opened a restaurant where the typical and exquisite Neapolitan Pizza is the main focus. If you want to try a good pizza restaurant this is highly recommended.
Ristorante Le Logge del Vigola - Small, cozy and romantic. Only serves in season food and specializes in creative experimentation of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Pici with black garlic, lamb glazed with mustard, and ravioli with artichoke heart and quail egg.
Osteria Acquacheta - very lively and small. Good for an upbeat and loud vibe. Fiorentina steak is over 2lbs and grilled on wood fire oven. Everything is from local farms and extremely fresh.
Ristorante L’altro Cantuccio - For foodies. Mix of traditional Tuscan and Italian, the chef likes to experiment with land and sea. Ravioli filled with Piccione, Taglioni 40 turoli with clams, lemon and coconut. Meat, fish, picturesque dessert “sottobosco”, & delicious cheesecake.
Osteria Porta Di Bacco - Traditional Tuscan food. Quite and semi-formal atmosphere. Ingredients all from their organic farm. Great beef tartare, daily ravioli, spaghetti with duck ragu and black garlic.
Osteria Del Borgo - restaurant in Montepulciano historic building, terrace views
La Schiaccia dell’Opio - sandwiches in Montepulciano
L’Altro Cantuccio Ristorante - modern in Montepulciano
E Lucevan le Stella - casual bistro in Montepulciano
Osteria Sette Di Vino - rural atmosphere, informal, simple but unique food, outdoor seating framed around Piazza di Spagna. Warm crostinis, grilled pecorino cheese with regatino, bean soups, warm cookies with Vin Santo.
Ristorante Trattoria Dal Falco - informal, rustic, simple and traditional. Great for a group of friends. Homemade ravioli with ricotta and spinach filling, carbonara, spaghetti barrocciaia and grilled meat.
Agiturismo Ristorante Poderuccio - One of our favorites. Family owned, down to earth atmosphere, typical Tuscan Osteria. Sits at the bottom of the hill looking up at Pienza. Great pasta and super fresh salads. The restaurant is completely family run and Antonio brought us fantastic grappa and limoncellos.
Ristorante La Bandita Townhouse - Another one of our favorites from the trip. Incredible pesto tagliatelle with arugula and a great burger (apparently the best in the area with pecorino cheese). Very nice but not too formal with modern & chic touches. Situated inside of a charming courtyard garden.
Sette Di Vino - casual bistro in Pienza
Lignanello Wine - farm in Pienza
Fabbrica - modern and experimental winery in Pienza
Bars of Pienza
Bar Il Casello - Very small and popular. Typically people will stand by the wall and watch the sunset over the valley. Perfect for sunset before dinner.
Prosit - Go here for craft beer and natural wine. Our host is best friends with the owner and goes here all of the time, tell them you know Nicco from Cretaiole!
San Quirico d’Orcia
Pizzeria Anima e Passione - Very good Neapolitan pizza is an extremely vibrant ambiance. The restaurant is situated in the main square of the little village of San Quirico d’Orcia and is really appreciated by the locals in the area.
Agritusimo II Rigo - four course tasting menu in San Quirico d'Orcia
La Locanda di Fonte alla Vena - michelin romantic spot in San Quirico d'Orcia
Montalcino & Other areas
Poggio Antico - winery and wine shop in Montalcino
Osteria del Leone - in the heart of Bagno Vignoni
Baccano II Panino Toscano - casual charcuterie wine bar
Podere Albiano - winery and wine store near Petroio
