Pack your walking shoes and wear your stretchy pants because Montepulciano is an epicurean dream, serving up traditional fare that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Known for its Vino Nobile, it should come as no surprise that the culinary offering, like the delicious Sangiovese, will linger long after you leave. From the perfectly curated meat and cheese boards, to their famed pici pasta and melt-in-your-mouth Fiorentina alla brace, these Montepulciano restaurants serve up dishes that will have you planning your return trip to Montepulciano by dessert.
Grab a coveted spot on the balcony at Caffe Poliziano, Montepulciano to watch the sunset over the valley below. | © Skye Gilkeson
E lucevan le stelle at Locanda San Francesco is a lovely lunch or sunset spot for wine tasting, cocktails or a meal. | © Skye Gilkeson
Montepulciano Restaurants
Caffe Poliziano
The historic Caffe Poliziano is a must for a coffee or aperitivo, preferably on your way down, not up the hill. The panorama on show from the windows or their terrace is breathtaking, so arrive with plenty of time to get one of the coveted balcony seats before sunset. This cafe could easily overcharge or become a cheesy tourist trap due to its enviable vista. But, it is far from that. The service is friendly, the coffee, snacks and their Spritz are delicious.
Related: Things to Do in Montepulciano
Afternoon tea and aperitivo time at Caffee Poliziano, Montepulciano. | © Skye Gilkeson
E lucevan le Stelle
E lucevan le stelle is a winery, restaurant and boutique art space located in Locanda San Francesco. While we didn’t eat here on this recent trip, we still talk about their mouthwatering pici pasta, meat plates, and friendly advice on wine selections we got during another visit, years on. The reviews online also reflect that this remains one of the best places for a long lunch, wine tasting or afternoon sunset drink leading into dinner.
Enoteca La Dolce Vita
As we wandered past the tables gripping the slope outside Enoteca La Dolce Vita, we both immediately recognised it. We had a great meal and tasting there on our last visit so we stopped in again and we weren’t disappointed. So much so, we visited twice. The outdoor seats are great to perch on for people watching or there are larger, longer tables in amongst the shelves of wine perfect for groups. The meat and cheese platters are to die for and the wine is delicious. They also have a wine shop so you can take a bottle back to your hotel or send some home.
Related: What to do in Bologna: An Insider’s Guide
The most mouthwatering spread of meat, cheeses and glasses of Vino Nobile at Enoteca La Dolce Vita. | © Skye Gilkeson
Bottega Del Nobile
La Bottega del Nobile was where we started our day with breakfast and on a couple of occasions finished with a drink or dinner. A popular spot with locals and visitors alike, it was the ideal place to go for a slow afternoon sessions of Aperol Spritz, vino nobile with lots of people watching on the side.
Pane Vino e Zucchero
One of the best dining experiences I’ve had anywhere in the world, it is the story of Pane Vino e Zucchero that is just as appealing as the food served there. This quaint little cucineria began when the owners began sharing the delicious fresh ingredients they grew on their farm with friends and family, at their dining table. It became so popular that they were encouraged to open a proper restaurant. She dances around the table checking in on diners like they are old friends as each of the delicious courses comes out from the kitchen. It’s the freshness of the food that stands out, equal to the warmth of the atmosphere. Even our daughter was welcomed and greeted with laughter and a smile. This has to be one of the best restaurants Montepulciano has to offer; there is no view, it’s not fine dining, but you feel like you are a part of someone’s larger friendship circle and their evolving culinary story.
Related: How to Spend Two Days in Rome
Home made pasta perfection at La Briciola, Montepulciano. | © Skye Gilkeson
Ristorante La Briciola
You feel a little like you’re in someone’s personal dining room when you walk into La Briciola. Discreetly located off a side alley from the main, busy walking thoroughfare, this restaurant welcomes you with comfort-style Tuscan dishes in a cosy environment.
La Vineria
This whole in the wall wine bar is the pick if you want a cosy place for an aperitivo near Porta delle Farine. Even the house wine here is delicious and very affordable. There are small plates available too. Simply ask the friendly owner for a recommendation on both and sit back and enjoy the people watching out on the Corso as you eat and drink into sundown.
Related: What to do in Lucca, Italy
The quirky cool design features of whole-in-the-wall spot, La Vineria. | © Skye Gilkeson
Montepulciano Restaurants Recommended by Locals
Other Montepulciano restaurants that were recommended to us by a local and remain on our list to try on the next visit are:
Acquacheta – We tried on multiple occasions to get into Osteria Acquacheta but unfortunately it was booked up every evening we were in town. From what the locals say, steak lovers will want to pre-book a table here even before you arrive in Montepulciano, something your hosts or hotel can easily do for you.
Osteria Porta Di Bacco – Home style Tuscan cooking.
Osteria Del Borgo – Located off Piazza Grande in the Osteria Del Borgo BnB, this is a very popular restaurant with consistent rave reviews on TripAdvisor
, so book as soon as you get into town (or with hotel reception on booking your room).
Osteria Del Conte – Situated near the fortress, also at the top end of town, this is a traditional restaurant where Tuscan fare is served in cosy, modest surrounds.
Related: The Ultimate Malta Summer Travel Guide
Fresh handmade pasta from Bottega Del Nobile, Montepulciano. | © Skye Gilkeson
Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller. She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health. As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.
Skye created The Fit Traveller as a beautiful online space and community where people feel inspired to escape the desk to move and explore more.
Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.
Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her insatiable appetite for adventure.