Top 10 Cheap Restaurants in Tuscany

Description:

This intimate and very personable little restaurant has a devoted following of regulars who enjoy Simone Romi's skilled service and Mauro Lombardini's daily changing menu of creative Tuscan cuisine. There's at least one meatless dish nightly, and on vegetarian Wednesdays only one meat dish is available. I've had their excellent risotto of zucchini, mint, and basil, a delicious lentil-and-turnip soup, pennette in tomato sauce sprinkled with crunchy cream, vegetable pie with a mashed-potato crust, and chicken with peppers and onions.

Description:

Good food, a fine selection of wines and friendly service can all be found at this small restaurant located in the historical center of Siena next to the church of San Giorgio. The place (the literal translation is "Violante's rest before the road") takes its name after the Princess Violante who divided Siena into the actual districts at the end of 18th Century. The typical Tuscan menu features ravioli and pici (thick local spaghetti) with different sauces and traditional meat dishes as the tagliata, a grilled steak cut into bite-sized pieces. All desserts are very good! Outdoor tables are set up during warm weather months.

Description:

Completely suited to the original medieval building typical of the center of Siena, Enoteca I Terzi is elegant and refined in atmosphere. It is the ideal place for a quick snack during a visit to the city center, for lunch or for passing time with friends in the evening with a few glasses of good wine - whether local, Italian or international. The menu has a vast range of cooked choices plus cold meats and cheeses.

Description:

This is a small "tavern" opened in 1993 but is pleasantly refined inside. It is right in the center by Piazza del Campo. The cooking and wine is local, sold in any quantity you want. Try the brasato al Brunello, sausage and beans, Sienese tripe, cold meats, Pecorino and cold vegetables in oil.

Description:

This is a sort of historical restaurant being opened about 50 years ago. Right off Piazza del Campo, with tables along a pleasant street in the warm season, Nello provides a menu of well prepared quality food which combines traditional dishes and more creative choices as well. Special attention is given to cooking methods and to the choice of seasonal ingredients. A wide range of fish and vegetarian dishes are served as well. -Maria Frullini

Description:

This is a wonderful way of discovering the traditional district of San Niccolo. The restaurant serves classic local dishes and flavours. You should try unusual dishes such as budelline in umido intestines), tongue, cimalino in salsa verde or cavolo verzo rifatto (savoy cabbage). Dishes such as pappa al pomodoro (bread soup with tomato) or spezzatino ai porcini (mushroom stew) are also excellent. Good Tuscan wine is available. This fascinating ancient osteria is located in a crypt which dates back to the 11th century, and is at the back of the Chiesa di San Niccolo. You only have to go up the stairs on the inside of the establishment to visit the church.

Our Local Expert Says:

Try the famously made calzone, it will be difficult to finish.

Description:

The specialties consist of the wood-burning oven pizza presented to you hot right out of the brick oven.   Another favorite is the Calzone which is as large as your head, literally.  It is an enticing adventure in your mouth with so much mozzarella and ricotta.  The Pizza Lorenzaccio created by my friend, Michelangelo, topped with the famous prosciutto crudo, sun-dried tomatoes, arugala, black olives, mozzarella.  By the same name but an insalata(salad), Insalata Lorenzaccio is another favorite, consisting of prosciutto of parma, fresh tomatoes, mouth-watering mozzarella, black olives and lettuce of course.  It really is refreshing and full of flavor.  Perfect for a hot summer day.  Topping it with fresh olive oil and red wine vinegar,  I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Description:

The white cafe has a comfortable feeling as you enter. Located right over Ponte della Carraria, you would not normally see this hidden cucina(kitchen). With white tables and walls, the atmosphere is calm and relaxed. The entrance has tables chairs outside for smokers and there is also a back room for private functions or parties. The rooms are filled with books from child size to all the cooking books you can imagine. They serve every meal, Brunch is a common thing nowadays and they offer it for only 10euro. The aperitivi are originally done. For only 6euro for your drink, there is a buffet of chicken with rice, veggies, and potato like casseroles. They have on display Art from locals and special chocolate in the pastry window. Brunch in Florence, now that is a great idea.

Description:

It is a room full of warmth and the scents of a seasonal menu.  Coquinarius has a small menu of different types of bruschette for antipasti, tasty meats and fish. Salads are a forte here; creative choices include toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, eggplant, sunflower seeds, zucchini flowers or pear. This elegant and striking enoteca has a wide range of wines from Italy, California, Argentina, Austria and Chile. The camerieri(waitstaff) are very kind and full of life.  It is a great place to sit for the afternoon, bring a book, enjoy the chiacchiere(chatter) of the other patrons, or get lost in the glass of wine.  Wines are served by the glass or bottle in this relaxed, inexpensive experience of true Italian style.

Description:

A cozy wine bar located on Borgo Ognissanti closeby where the Arno calmly flows by.  Aperitivo starts at 7pm until 10pm, for 7 Euro you may enjoy a glass of wine and a hearty buffet of food.  The outdoor seating is usually packed in the summertime but in the winter all the tables inside are filled.  The staff is very friendly and always willing to recommend a good wine.  Sei Divino is perfect for reading a book, a secluded evening for two or a night out with the girls.