Siena, an
Italian medieval town on a hill, world-known for its medieval horserace twice a
year – Il Palio -, very popular when paying Tuscany a visit. After living there
for six months on my Erasmus exchange, I can safely say I have my bearings
around places to eat around the city. Here’s a handy little list for those who
happen to trace my footsteps into this beautiful city.
First up, the
large majority of restaurants in Siena serve traditional dishes such as pici al ragù di cinguiale, which looks
like thick spaghetti in a meaty sauce (and you definitely have to try it!). A
plate of pasta usually costs between 7 and 10 euro, depending on the place, and
meat dishes are more expensive. You can also get great pizza; it’s a great
on-the-go meal, but there are also a few nice pizzeria around.
A quick
warning about the ‘pane e coperto’
charge if you decide to eat at a restaurant; you will most likely be charged
around 1,50 and 2 euro per person for the bread and cutlery (this will be
stated somewhere on the menu).
Before we
get into the places, little disclaimer that this list is only of places I
actually tried myself. There are many restaurants in Siena and it is nearly
impossible for me to list them all, so I’ve left a lot out. Take this list as a
starting point! Buon appetito!
TRADITIONAL FOOD
Osteria Al Gatto / Via S. Marco,
8
A
small, cosy restaurant, the atmosphere is very familiar and local, and they use
fresh produce so you cannot go wrong with this one!
Osteria Nonna Gina / Pian dei
Mantellini, 2
This
buzzing and quaint restaurant has a lovely and kind staff and a wide range of
different Tuscan dishes. Plus a shot of limoncello
or grappa to finish the meal off!
Osteria Boccon del Prete / Via S.
Pietro, 17
This was one of my
favourite restaurants in Siena. Every single meal was to-die-for and the prices
are affordable. I loved their sage pesto and polenta, as well as their Soave
Classico wine. Make sure you book to avoid disappointment!
Antica Trattoria Papei / Piazza
Mercato, 6
I
didn’t personally try it out, but Papei was popular amongst the students. Good
meals, good prices and great location on Piazza del Mercato just behind Piazza
del Campo.
Gino Cacino Angelo / Piazza
Mercato, 31
If you are looking for
an amazing taglieri or meat platter
and Tuscan wine, look no further. It was our tutor who invited us while he was
visiting, so I can’t talk prices, but the platter was absolutely wonderful! I really enjoyed the pesto
bruschetta and cheeses.
Antica Trattoria l’Aquila / Via Casato
di Sotto, 58
Just
off Piazza del Campo, this very touristy-looking restaurant is a gem. The staff
are lovely and they have a long list of different dishes to choose from. I
recommend the spaghetti carbonara with
zucchini or their lasagna. Always a hit.
LUNCH ON-THE-GO
La Trofea / Via Rinaldini, 12
On
the corner of Piazza del Campus, this little pizzeria sells pizza slices all day through to the early hours of
the morning. Siena students get a discount and it’s a great meal on-the-go or
after-night-out treat to get rid of the munchies!
Menchetti / Via Pianigiani, 5 (inside the Consorzio
Agrario store)
If
you are looking for another take away option, the pizza squares from Menchetti
were my favourite! They are bringing out freshly cooked pizzas from their oven
all day, full of different toppings. Try one with crudo or salciccia piccante!
Lievito Madre/ Via
Pantaneto, 59
If you are closer to
the southern side of the city, try out the pizza from Lievito Madre. It was
amazing, especially after a night out at Al Cambio!
Salumeria Il Cencio / Il Campo, 70/71
Fancy
a sandwich? Try the pulled pork with truffle sauce at Il Cencio, on Piazza del
Campo. They are massive and filling!
PIZZA
Il Pomodorino / Via Camporegio, 13
For a
sit-down pizza, definitely head to Il Pomodorino. The views of the Duomo and
Torre del Mangia are unbeatable, and their selection of white and red pizzas is
the best in town. Make sure you book because it’s a very busy and popular
place!
SWEET TREATS
Panifici Sclavi
The Sclavi bakeries
scattered around the town are your stop to enjoy the typical Senese pastries
like ricciarelli, panforte and cavalucci. My favourite? Chocolate ricciarelli.
They are made out of sugar and ground
almond, with a little bit of chocolate. I could eat them forever.
Gelateria Caribia / Via Rinaldini, 13
Looking
for a cold treat? Try their whipped ice-creams. The texture is that of a
mousse, so bizarre but tasty. Their pompelmo
(grapefruit) granita is also the
perfect slushie to fight off the heat of the summer.
La Favorita / Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 32
My
favourite stop for ice-cream was La Favorita. Great choice of flavours and
massive cones for very cheap prices. Can’t beat that.
Gelateria Il Bacio / Viale
Vittorio Emanuele II, 55
Didn’t
try it myself, but Il Bacio was recommended to me numerous times for its
ice-cream!
COFFEE
First of all, if you
want to avoid being ripped-off by the price, definitely avoid Piazza del
Campus: you will be paying for the view rather than the quality.
Meet Life Café / Via Pantaneto, 90
The
closest thing to Starbucks that you will find in Siena. Caramel and Vainilla
coffees, luxurious hot chocolates and Art Aperitivo every Wednesday evening.
Hip hub.
Bar Pasticceria Nannini / Via Banchi di
Sopra, 24
If
you are looking for the traditional Italian experience, head to Nannini to
enjoy an espresso on the bar. Or sit
at their tables to enjoy pastries or even their tiramisù- one of the best in town!
APERITIVO
Gastronomia Morbidi / Via Banchi di
Sopra, 75
The
best aperitivo in town was definitely that of Morbidi. Head over between 6pm
and 10pm on a Friday or Saturday to enjoy a buffet of various finger-foods, prosciutto and cheese while sipping on
some wine or cocktail of your choice. The price is worth it (only 6-7€).
DRINKS / MUSIC
There are a few
different bars in which you can enjoy live music or dance to some DJs until the
early hours. Here are some of them:
Caffè Le Logge / Via
Pantaneto, 11 – Where all the art and literature students are at.
Al Cambio / Via
Pantaneto, 48 – The Erasmus night on Wednesdays (discounts with the ESN
card), and reggeaton on Saturdays!
Bellavista Social Pub / Via
Pantaneto, 102 – Supposedly the best mojito in town.
Cacio e Pere / Via dei
Termini, 70 – Best for live music.
OTHERS
Osaka / Via Pantaneto, 107
Osaka
is the place to go for sushi. 12 euros for the lunch all-you-can-eat buffet!
Zest Ristorante & Wine Bar / Costa
Sant'Antonio, 13
Great
views of the Duomo and amazing combinations of food. They have a more unique
menu than the usual eateries in Siena. Slightly pricy, but their melon gazpacho and crudo salad with figs were amazing!
Tea Room / Via Porta Giustizia, 11
Head
over to the Tea Room in the evening to enjoy a nice cup of tea and some cakes.
The place is charming and the staff are super nice!
Mense (Bandini & Sant’Agata)
I have to mention the mense (cantines) for the students there.
Great options for lunch or dinner: salads, full meals, pizzas… All for 4,50€
just by showing your student ID!
Finally, I’m sure
that, on your way to Siena, you’ll be able to make a short stop in either
Florence or Pisa, both beautiful cities in themselves and definitely worth
exploring. If you do, definitely check these out:
Florence - Osteria All’Antico Vinaio / Via
dei Neri, 76R
Their
schiacciate are an Instagram hit, but
not only that. For 5€ you can enjoy a filling, tasty meal on-the-go. I can
never get tired. I loved their schiacciata
di inverno and Inferno – truffle
sauce and pulled pork (porchetta) is the
way to go!
Pisa - Il Vecchio Forno / Vicolo del
Tidi, 28
Definitely
make your way through the narrow alleys to find Il Vecchio Forno in Pisa – you must try their panpepato (a sweet pastry with pepper)! Makes for a great snack
on-the-go!
A couple of extra
kilos later, I hope you have eaten your way through Tuscany, as should be. I
sure did.
Please share this post
amongst your friends and family or anybody who might be going to Siena!
Arrivederci e buon appetito!
Zoe
Snapchat: zoeamma
Absolutely delicious....I will follow the route if I have the oppotunity of visiting Siena again! Excellent work!
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