12 Top Places to Eat in and Around Siena

Looking for an incredible dining experience in Siena? These are the best restaurants in Siena, Italy — tried, tested, and absolutely worth your appetite.

Siena is historic, well-preserved, and quietly confident. Deeply rooted in tradition, Siena is the kind of place where food isn’t just something you eat; it’s a reflection of the land, the seasons, and the people who’ve lived here for generations. Meals are hearty, local, and often unchanged for decades — that’s exactly the point.

As a travel writer and photographer based in Italy — living just a few hours away in Puglia — I’ve had the chance to visit Siena multiple times over the years. Being based here gives me a better sense of what to look for: places where locals eat, menus that shift with the seasons, and kitchens that take real pride in the food they serve.

This guide focuses on the best restaurants in Siena, Italy, right now — not the ones packed with tour groups or riding on old reputations, but the spots that are genuinely worth your time (and appetite).

From family-run trattorias serving up handmade pici and wild boar ragu to more contemporary spots that still keep things local, these are the restaurants that deliver great food, good value, and a true taste of Siena.

Read more: 20 Best Restaurants in Florence, Italy: A Curated Guide

12 Best Restaurants in Siena, Italy

1. Osteria Permalico

Tucked away on the charming Costa Larga, just a short stroll from Siena’s iconic Piazza del Campo, Osteria Permalico offers delightful, traditional Tuscan flavors and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. This osteria is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its commitment to authentic regional cuisine and warm hospitality.​

The menu at Osteria Permalico showcases the best of Tuscan culinary traditions. Highlights include the pici all’aglione, a classic Sienese pasta dish featuring thick, hand-rolled noodles in a rich garlic and tomato sauce, and the tagliatelle al ragù di cinta senese, made with the prized local Cinta Senese pork.

For starters, the selezione di salumi di cinta senese offers a curated selection of local cured meats and is a must-try.

The ambiance is equally appealing, with rustic brick-lined interiors that create a warm and intimate dining experience. The attentive staff are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to recommend wine pairings from their extensive selection of Tuscan wines. Given its popularity, especially during peak dining hours, it’s advisable to make a reservation in advance.

2. Osteria degli Svitati

If you’re exploring Siena and seeking a dining experience that combines authentic Tuscan flavors with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, Osteria degli Svitati is another spot worth visiting. Located on Via della Galluzza, this osteria offers a menu that highlights traditional Sienese dishes prepared with care and quality ingredients.

The menu features a variety of local specialties, including handmade pici pasta, hearty meat dishes, and classic Tuscan soups. The ribollita, which I ate here, was the perfect dish on a crisp winter’s day.

Desserts such as tiramisu and cheesecake provide a satisfying end to the meal. The wine list includes selections from the region, complementing the flavors of the dishes.​

The interior is simple and rustic, creating a relaxed dining environment. It’s fairly popular, so make sure to make a reservation, particularly on evenings and weekends.

3. Compagnia dei Vinattieri

La Compagnia dei Vinattieri isn’t your average Tuscan trattoria — and that’s exactly why it stands out. Set just a few steps from Piazza del Campo on Via delle Terme, it’s one of those places that manages to feel both classic and current, which is harder to pull off than it sounds in a city steeped in medieval charm.

The interior hits the right notes: vaulted brick ceilings, white tablecloths, soft lighting — it nods to Siena’s history without getting stuck in it. The menu takes a similar approach.

You’ll find the Tuscan staples, sure — tagliata di manzo, pici cacio e pepe, or wild boar ragù — but the execution is sharp, and the ingredients are top-tier. This isn’t rustic comfort food with a shrug; it’s elevated, thoughtful, and clearly built on a foundation of solid technique.

Service is polished but relaxed, and the wine list is as much a star of the show as the food — unsurprising given the restaurant’s name. Expect a deep dive into Tuscan reds, plus a few elegant surprises from elsewhere in Italy.

This is the kind of place I’d recommend for a special lunch or dinner when you want to go a level above the casual osteria, but without veering into anything stuffy. It’s refined, reliable, and still very much rooted in Siena — just with a little more style.

4. Osteria Il Grattacielo

If you’re in Siena and craving an authentic, no-frills Tuscan dining experience, Osteria Il Grattacielo is a must-visit. Tucked away on Via Pontani, this tiny osteria, blink and you might miss it, has been serving locals and savvy travelers since 1840.​

The menu is straightforward and changes daily, focusing on traditional dishes like pici all’aglione (thick hand-rolled pasta with garlic and tomato sauce) and ribollita (a hearty Tuscan vegetable and bread soup). The antipasto platter, featuring local cured meats and cheeses, is a popular choice.​

The atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious – we encountered mainly locals at lunchtime, with a few tables spilling out onto the narrow street. It’s a favorite, so arrive early or make a reservation.​

For a genuine taste of Siena’s culinary heritage, Osteria Il Grattacielo is a real gem for delicious food at very reasonable prices in a charming and wonderfully historic setting.

5. Osteria Le Logge

Osteria Le Logge sits just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Campo, but despite the central location, it’s anything but a tourist trap. Housed in what was once a historic grocery shop, the space still carries that character — original wood shelving, glass cabinets filled with bottles, and an interior that feels lived-in and quietly elegant. I

t’s one of those places that understands the weight of tradition but doesn’t let it limit the menu.

The kitchen, led by chef Andrea Trigona, takes Tuscan cooking seriously — then gives it room to breathe. You’ll find dishes like spaghetti with yellow tomatoes and turmeric that feel fresh and unexpected, sitting comfortably alongside a classic coda di manzo (braised oxtail) served with velvety mashed potatoes and citrus zest.

The marinated cod with tomato confit is a favorite among regulars, and for good reason — it’s light, balanced, and not something you’ll find on every trattoria menu.

For dessert, the crema di gianduia is worth saving room for, as is their refined take on tiramisu. The wine list is extensive and thoughtfully curated — if in doubt, ask the staff. They’re not just friendly; they know their bottles and are happy to talk you through the options.

It’s the kind of place you’d go for a leisurely lunch that accidentally turns into dinner, or for a special occasion where you want everything to feel just right — without it being fussy. If you’re serious about food but still want to feel relaxed while enjoying it, Le Logge delivers.

6. La Taverna di San Giuseppe

When it comes to where to eat in Siena, La Taverna di San Giuseppe is one of those spots that gets recommended for a reason — and for once, the hype is justified. Tucked inside a centuries-old stone building just beyond the heart of the old city, it’s the sort of restaurant where you immediately notice the warmth — from both the space and the staff.

Vaulted ceilings, terracotta floors, and even an ancient Etruscan cellar set the tone, but nothing here feels overdone or theatrical.

The kitchen sticks to Tuscan tradition with confidence and skill. Expect dishes that lean rustic but are plated with just enough polish. Their pici al tartufo — hand-rolled pasta with truffle — is deeply flavorful without being showy, while the tagliata di manzo is tender, generous, and reliably excellent.

If you’re lucky enough to catch the pecorino soufflé as a starter, order it. It’s rich, savory, and one of the best examples of the region’s cheese-forward cooking.

The wine list is extensive, as expected, and smartly curated, with a particular focus on local Chianti and Brunello producers. Staff are knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic, happy to talk through pairings without a hint of pretension.

Reservations here are smart, especially in high season or on weekends — locals love it as much as visitors do. And while the setting may be historic, the overall experience feels refreshingly straightforward: high-quality, grounded, and driven by flavor.

7. Prètto Prosciutteria e Convivio

Prètto Prosciutteria e Convivio walks the line between shop and casual eatery, and it does so with ease. Just a few steps from Piazza del Campo, this is where you go when you want quality without ceremony — sliced prosciutto over white tablecloths swapped out for wooden boards and a glass of local red.

At its core, Prètto is about the ingredients. Their taglieri — loaded boards of Tuscan salumi, cheeses, crostini, and pickled vegetables — are the main event. The quality speaks for itself: silky ribbons of prosciutto, aged pecorino with truffle honey, and fennel-studded finocchiona that melts on contact.

You can build a meal entirely from the board, or dive into their warm dishes, like pappa al pomodoro, ribollita, or a well-done take on panino al lampredotto for those wanting to lean into local flavors.

There’s wine, of course — good Chiantis and a few lesser-known bottles, served by the glass or bottle. No frills, just the good stuff. Seating is tight, a bit bustling, and exactly as it should be — the kind of energy that reminds you you’re in the middle of a city that really cares about what’s on the plate.

Drop by for a light lunch, a casual dinner, or even just an aperitivo-style snack. It’s informal, delicious, and entirely Sienese in spirit.

8. Salefino Vino e Cucina

Salefino Vino e Cucina is a quietly confident spot on the edge of Siena’s historic center. The interior is understated—whitewashed walls, a chalkboard menu, and a few well-placed shelves of wine. It’s one of the best Siena restaurants, a place where the focus is squarely on the food and wine, without unnecessary distractions.

The menu changes regularly, reflecting the seasons and the chef’s creativity. You might start with a terrine of chicken liver, enriched with vin santo and served alongside brioche. Pastas are thoughtfully prepared; consider the pici with cacio, black pepper, and sweetbreads for a dish that balances richness and depth.​

Main courses often feature local meats and seafood, prepared with care and attention to detail. The wine list is extensive, offering a range of options to complement the meal. Staff are knowledgeable and happy to provide recommendations.​

Salefino offers a dining experience that is both grounded and refined, making it a worthwhile stop for those seeking quality cuisine in Siena.

9. Osteria da Divo

Antica Osteria da Divo is another of the best restaurants in Siena, offering a dining experience steeped in history. Situated just steps from Siena’s Duomo, the restaurant is set within ancient Etruscan caves, providing a unique and atmospheric backdrop for your meal.

The menu showcases Tuscan cuisine with a refined touch. Dishes like pici all’Antica—thick spaghetti with a rich beef ragù—and braised wild boar with Chianti Classico highlight the region’s culinary traditions. For truffle enthusiasts, the restaurant offers selections such as egg tagliolini with black truffle and slow-cooked veal cheek with grated truffle.​

With attentive service and an extensive wine list featuring over 300 labels, Antica Osteria da Divo provides a memorable dining experience that combines the flavors of Tuscany with the ambiance of its historic setting.

10. Du’ Cose da Berna

Du’ Cose da Berna is a casual eatery in Siena, offering a selection of sandwiches and aperitivo options. Located near Piazza del Campo, it provides a convenient spot for a quick bite or a relaxed drink.​

The menu features a variety of sandwiches made with local ingredients, such as cured meats and cheeses. Additionally, they offer a range of wines and beers to accompany your meal. The atmosphere is informal, with both indoor and outdoor seating available.​

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or an evening aperitivo, Du’ Cose da Berna offers a straightforward dining experience in the heart of Siena.

11. Officina della Bistecca

These last two options aren’t in Siena itself, but smack bang in the middle of the road between Siena and Florence — ideal for those wanting to take a fantastic lunch break while on the road between the two cities.

Officina della Bistecca, tucked inside Antica Macelleria Cecchini in the tiny village of Panzano in Chianti, is one of Tuscany’s most legendary carnivore experiences. This is not just a meal — it’s a full-blown ritual of meat, theatrics, and Tuscan pride, hosted by none other than Dario Cecchini, the world-famous butcher known for quoting Dante as he sears a steak.

The setup is communal, the mood is high-energy, and the format is fixed: a multi-course, meat-centric feast that runs through tartare, grilled sausages, and several iconic cuts of the famed bistecca alla Fiorentina. Vegetarians need not apply — this is unapologetically all about beef, and it’s done with reverence and flair.

Lunch or dinner here is served at long tables with flowing Chianti, plenty of olive oil-drenched bread, and a convivial crowd that might include road-tripping Italians, in-the-know food tourists, and the occasional off-duty chef. The price is set, the portions are generous, and the vibe is more celebration than restaurant.

If you’re the kind of traveler who plans road trips around memorable meals, this is the stop. Just make sure to book ahead — tables fill fast, and it’s not something you want to miss out on.

12. Taverna Squarcilupi

If you find yourself exploring the hilltop towns of Chianti (a fantastic stop between Florence and Siena), Taverna Squarcialupi in Castellina is one to bookmark. It’s housed inside a 15th-century palazzo — the kind of setting that makes you immediately slow down and take your time. Stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and views over the surrounding vineyards set the scene, but it’s the food that holds your attention.

This isn’t an experimental kitchen trying to reinvent Tuscan food. It’s confidently traditional but with just enough finesse to feel special. The Tortello del Pastore, filled with ricotta and finished with a dusting of black truffle, is rich without being heavy.

There’s also a brilliant take on carbonara, made with local maltagliati pasta, egg yolk, aged pecorino, and Cinta Senese guanciale — Tuscan through and through, with a nod to Roman roots.

You’ll find plenty of seasonal dishes and a wine list packed with local Chiantis, many from the estate’s own cellar. And if you can, ask for a table on the terrace — the views across the hills are pure postcard material.

It’s the kind of place you come to when you want a long lunch with no agenda — just good wine, honest food, and the quiet buzz of people enjoying both.

---

Ready to experience the best restaurants in Siena Italy? Have any questions or comments about your trip? Let me know in the box below.