What to try in Siena

Discover typical Sienese dishes

A guide to learn about Siena's typical recipes

There are many ways to learn about an area and one of them is to explore the flavours of its cuisine. Gastronomy is a unique experience, especially in Italy, which is the home of good food.

The identity of a territory from an anthropological point of view is captured in the dishes.

If food and wine tourism is your passion and you want to find out what to eat in Siena, start with our guide to Sienese dishes.

We will start with local products, many of which are known and appreciated around the world, and then we will show you traditional recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.

‘The fewer we are at the table, the more we eat’

Tuscan proverb

Strolling through the streets of Siena, you may have noticed how many grocery stores there are including bakeries, pastry shops, fresh pasta workshops and food shops.

So, what are Siena’s specialities to eat? Liver crostini, Pienza pecorino cheese and cinta senese salami with fennel are the icons of the Tuscan antipasti.

The traditional menu: here's what to eat in Siena

For lunch or dinner, Siena’s osterias will offer you pici, large spaghetti made from wheat flour, or pappa al pomodoro, a thick tomato soup that is a staple of Tuscan cuisine, as well as ribollita, a bread soup that tells the story of the Sienese peasant tradition.

If you are a meat eater, you will love Siena. The Chianina breed is a prime quality beef and the meat par excellence that can be found in restaurants and trattorias.

What to order for dessert? The sweet tooth of Siena is represented by ricciarelli almond biscuits, panforte (a chewy fruit and nut dessert) and cavallucci biscuits accompanied by Vin Santo.

Are your taste buds tingling?

Then, find out more with our tips on eating in Siena to make it extra fun.