Tuscany is a region located in central Italy, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. Even if you haven’t visited Tuscany yet, you’ve likely seen images of its characteristic rolling hills covered with vineyards and olive groves. The region is famous for its historic cities and towns such as Pisa, Siena, and its capital, Florence, known as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance. While Tuscany is renowned for its wine, its cuisine is equally deserving of attention. In this article, we’ll explore the must-try food and dishes of Tuscany.
Don’t forget to check out our articles on Finest Wineries in Tuscany’s Chianti Region and Best Things to do in Siena.
Quick overview of Tuscan culinary traditions
Tuscan food embodies simplicity, authenticity, and delicious flavors. Each area of Tuscany has its unique culinary specialties, influenced by local ingredients and culinary traditions. Coastal areas specialize in seafood dishes, while inland areas are known for their soups, stews, and game meats.
Tuscan cuisine is deeply rooted in the region’s history, traditions, and agricultural practices, dating back centuries. Reflecting the region’s agricultural abundance, Tuscan dishes emphasize simple, rustic flavors made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The region’s diverse landscape, with fertile plains, rolling hills, and coastal areas, provides an ideal environment for agriculture. Tuscan olive oil and wine are considered some of the finest in Italy.
Interestingly, Tuscan bread is unique, with a lack of salt and a rather tough crust. While Tuscan people take pride in their bread, Italians from other regions find it flavorless.
In recent decades, Tuscany has embraced the Slow Food movement, advocating for the preservation of traditional culinary practices and the promotion of local, sustainable food systems.
Let’s explore some of the regional specialties and discover the best Tuscan foods and dishes worth trying.
1. Tuscan Pasta
Pici all'Aglione
Pici is often referred to as ‘pici Senesi’ because it is believed to originally come from Siena. These thick, hand-rolled noodles are similar to spaghetti but are thicker and more rustic in appearance. Pici is made from just a few simple ingredients: flour, water, and sometimes a touch of olive oil.
Pici all’Aglione is a classic Tuscan pasta dish that is served with a flavorful tomato and garlic sauce. Some recipes may also include red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for added freshness. The name “aglione” comes from the Italian word for garlic, “aglio,” which is a key ingredient in the sauce.
Pici all’Aglione is a comforting and satisfying dish. It’s a perfect example of how a few quality ingredients can come together to create a memorable and satisfying meal.
Pappardelle al Cinghiale
Pappardelle is a type of wide, flat pasta that originates from the Tuscany region of Italy. These broad ribbons of pasta are similar to fettuccine but are wider. The name ‘pappardelle’ is derived from the Tuscan verb ‘pappare,’ which means to eat with enthusiasm or to gobble up.
Pappardelle al Cinghiale is a classic Tuscan pasta dish featuring pappardelle pasta served with a rich and flavorful wild boar ragù. The dish combines wide pappardelle noodles with a hearty sauce made from tender pieces of wild boar meat cooked slowly with tomatoes, onions, garlic, red wine, and aromatic herbs.
Pasta e Ceci
“Pasta e Ceci” is a classic Tuscan dish, literally translating to “Pasta and Chickpeas”. It’s a deliciously simple soup featuring pasta and chickpeas as its primary ingredients. Typically, the dish is prepared with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, all simmered in a flavorful broth until the chickpeas are tender. Pasta is then added and cooked until al dente. This comforting and nourishing dish is particularly popular during the colder months in Tuscany.
Where to try Tuscan Pasta Dishes in Siena:
Osteria il Ghibellino is a conveniently located restaurant in the center of Siena where you can try the varieties of delicious local pasta like Pici and Parpadelle with various souces.
The price range per person, including local wine: 20-30€
2. Tuscan Meat Dishes
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
English: Florentine Steak
“Bistecca alla Fiorentina” or “Florentine Steak” is a legendary Tuscan dish featuring a large T-bone steak, usually from the Chianina breed of cattle, seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil, and grilled to perfection.
Traditionally, the steak is cooked rare to medium-rare to preserve its tenderness and succulence. The result is a beautifully charred exterior with a juicy and flavorful interior. Florentine Steak is often served whole, with the meat sliced and presented on a wooden cutting board.
Where to try the best Florentine Steak in Tuscany:
Antica Macelleria Cecchini is situated in Panzano, a quaint hilltop town nestled in the heart of the Chianti region, halfway between Siena and Florence. Founded and run by the legendary Dario Cecchini, this establishment operates out of a shop that has been in his family for 250 years. While Dario, in his late 60s, has gained fame through Netflix with a dedicated episode on Chef’s Table, his character resonates more with the Renaissance era.
Dario is on a mission not only to share his passion for meat but also to instill a profound respect for animals. His domain in Panzano comprises a butcher shop and three restaurants, each crafting menus that utilize every part of the animal. A visit to Dario’s restaurant is not just about enjoying a great meal; it’s about experiencing Tuscan traditions and hospitality.
Given the popularity of Dario’s restaurants, it’s advisable to book a table in advance.
The price range per person, including local wine: 30-50€
Cinghiale in Umido
English: Wild Boar Stew
Where to try Wild Boar Stew in Siena:
Il Bargello is a cozy local tavern offering traditional Tuscan dishes. It is located in the center of Siena not far from the main square.
The price range per person, including local wine: 20-30€
Coniglio alla Cacciatora
English: Hunter’s Style Rabbit
Where to try Hunter's Style Rabbit in Florence:
Antica Trattoria da Tito is a historic trattoria located in Florence, known for its walls adorned with scrawled messages. In addition to the Hunter’s Style Rabbit, they offer a variety of other classic regional dishes. They describe themselves: “Fun restaurant with informal service. Irony, sarcasm, and a sense of humor are the spirit of the restaurant”.
The price range per person, including local wine: 20-30€
3. Tuscan Cheese
Pecorino Toscano
Caprino Toscano
Marzolino Toscano
Where to try Tuscan cheeses in Florence:
Bufalo Trippone is a small wine shop located at Via dell’Anguillara 48 in Florence. It’s a cozy yet refined establishment that offers typical Tuscan boards featuring cold cuts, cheeses, crostini, and stuffed flatbreads, all paired with selected wines. Additionally, you can purchase the products you’ve tasted directly from the shop to enjoy them at home.
The price range per person, including local wine: 10-20€
4. Tuscan Street Food
Lampredotto
One of the symbols of Florentine street food is Lampredotto. It is a delicious tripe sandwich. The tripe is simmered with herbs and spices in a broth before being served in a bun. It’s often topped with green sauce (Italian: salsa verde) or a spicy sauce.
Where to try the best Lampredotto in Florence:
The Trippaio del Porcellino (literally translated as The Pig’s Tripe) is a small stall in Piazza del Mercato Nuovo. They prepare it excellently, also serving it with the typical green sauce.
The price range per person: 5-10€
Panino al Porchetta
English: Roast Pork Sandwich
Where to try the best Roast Pork Sandwich in Florence:
I Fratellini (literally translates to The Little Brothers) is a little shop a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. It may look like a hole-in-the-wall, but it sells the best panino con porchetta.
The price for a sandwich: 5€
Ciaccino Senese
Where to try the best Ciaccino in Siena:
A small pizzeria and Ciaccino shop, just 6 minutes away from the central square in Siena. In addition to Ciaccini with cured meats, they offer various vegetarian options with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella and Pecorino Toscano.
The price range per person: 3-10€
5. Tuscan Desserts
This article wouldn’t be complete without a quick overview of Tuscan desserts. Desserts provide a delightful conclusion to any meal, and Tuscany offers a wide range of options for those with a sweet tooth. Allow me to introduce you to a few typical local desserts.
Ricciarelli
Cantucci
Panforte Di Siena
Where to try Tuscan Desserts in Siena:
“Panificio Il Magnifico” is a bakery in the center of Siena that produces typical Tuscan and Siena desserts. All their products are exclusively artisanal and handmade by the “Magnificent” Lorenzo – the owner of the bakery.
Lorenzo, the owner and third-generation baker, learned the artistry from his father. With a commitment to tradition, Lorenzo continues to hand-roll bread and bake it using wood-fired ovens.
At this charming bakery, you can indulge in a variety of delights, including Ricciarelli, Cantucci, Panforte Di Siena, and more. Each treat is crafted with love and dedication, honoring the culinary heritage of the region.
Summary
There are so many reasons to visit Tuscany. Obviously, there’s the rich Renaissance heritage, unique architecture, and breathtaking art of Florence, Siena, Pisa, and other cities of Tuscany. Local food is another great reason to visit the region. Food is another type of art in Italy. In Tuscany, it has been crafted for centuries and by many generations to perfection. What else do you need to know to start packing your travel bags? We hope that this article on the best Tuscan food to try will be helpful in your adventures.
While planning your trip to Tuscany, don’t forget to check out our article about Tuscan wines and wineries.
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Hey, guys, today we are going to talk about a wonderful city in Tuscany. I am going to walk you through the top places of Siena. We are offering a guide, which covers the major attractions of the city.