Place to eat in Montepulciano: discovering L’Antica Chiusina Restaurant

To savor the most authentic Tuscany, a stroll through the Renaissance alleys of Montepulciano or a glimpse of the panoramic views of the Valdichiana and Val d’Orcia are the perfect starting point. But the true essence of this region is discovered only by sitting down at the table: it is here that, between a glass of Vino Nobile and typical Tuscan dishes, you can get in touch with the most vibrant and sincere soul of this land.

It’s no surprise that Montepulciano was named one of the world’s most welcoming cities, the only Italian one, in Booking.com’s “Traveller Review Awards”: here, hospitality is felt in the details, in the attention to the local community, and in the care with which you are welcomed—even (and especially) at the table.

In this Renaissance village, wine marks the seasons, and the cuisine preserves ancient stories and recipes, passed down and reinterpreted by local restaurants. Indeed, eating in Montepulciano is a cultural experience even more than a gastronomic one.

Anyone wondering where to eat in Montepulciano quickly discovers the many options: traditional trattorias in the historic center, wine bars serving cuisine where wine is the star, and restaurants nestled among the Vino Nobile vineyards. The choice depends on the occasion. A romantic lunch? A family dinner? An outing with friends? Or perhaps a day dedicated to wine? Whether you’re traveling or simply looking for a good restaurant in the area, Montepulciano has something for everyone.

Restaurants in Montepulciano: Tuscan cuisine among villages, wineries and vineyards

The local cuisine of Poliziana is deeply rooted in Tuscan culinary tradition. Here, you eat according to the seasons, showcasing local ingredients and allowing wine—particularly Vino Nobile di Montepulciano— pairing each course.

 

What to eat in Montepulciano: typical dishes to taste

Before choosing where to eat in Montepulciano, it’s worth knowing what to order. The undisputed stars are pici, fresh, hand-rolled pasta typical of the Siena and Arezzo areas, often served with robust sauces like aglione or Chianina ragù. Peposo, slow-cooked and spicy, is another classic, perfect with a full-bodied glass of Vino Nobile. Then there are the local cured meats, aged cheeses like Pecorino di Pienza and Cinta Senese, legumes, and garden vegetables. It’s a hearty and authentic cuisine, but in recent years it has found new, lighter interpretations—sometimes with vegetarian options that rework local vegetables and grains.

 

Restaurant in Montepulciano for every occasion: couples, families or wine lovers

Montepulciano is Italy’s most welcoming village because everyone can find their perfect place here—and the ideal restaurant. For couples seeking an intimate moment, there’s no shortage of restaurants with panoramic terraces and intimate dining rooms where time seems to slow down. For families, cozy trattorias offer traditional menus and relaxed atmospheres.

For groups of friends or wine enthusiasts, wine bars with kitchens and restaurants in historic estates offer tastings, convivial dining, and food and wine tours. Even those who live in the area choose Montepulciano and its restaurants to celebrate anniversaries or gather family and friends: the local cuisine is generous and sure to please everyone.

The secret is finding the right place, the one that combines quality and atmosphere. L’Antica Chiusina restaurant at Fattoria del Cerro offers a versatile solution: immersed in the quiet countryside, offering Tuscan cuisine with a contemporary twist, it caters to those seeking romance, conviviality, or a complete food and wine experience.

Why choosing a restaurant with view on Montepulciano vineyard

Dining in the historic center—among the ancient stones and cellars carved into the tuff—has its appeal, but Montepulciano’s charm is fully appreciated by visiting its countryside, with its views of the surrounding vineyards, the silence, and the light that changes the perspective of the hills. At a historic Tuscan estate like Fattoria del Cerro, the concept of a short supply chain is palpable: cuisine and territory interact daily, the ingredients arrive from just a few kilometers away, and the wine is poured just steps from the vineyard where it was born and the cellar where it was produced.

By choosing a restaurant overlooking the amphitheater of Montepulciano’s vineyards, the territory is no longer just a backdrop; it becomes an integral part of the experience. This is what L’Antica Chiusina offers: a farmhouse restaurant with a swimming pool, housed in a charming old villa with the Siena countryside as its backdrop, a short distance from the center of Montepulciano and the Chianciano thermal baths. The ideal choice for those planning a weekend of wine tasting and spa breaks or looking for somewhere to eat out during the spring bank holidays.

L'Antica Chiusina: Restaurant of Villa Grazianella in Fattoria del Cerro Winery

Nestled among the vineyards of Fattoria del Cerro, L’Antica Chiusina is Villa Grazianella’s restaurant, one of the finest expressions of Tenute del Cerro’s signature hospitality. Here, the cuisine follows a precise philosophy: to showcase the region in a meaningful way. Tradition and innovation interact without gourmet excess but with refinement, maintaining distinctive flavors and focusing on the quality of the ingredients and seasonality.

Bright and welcoming, with a splendid view of the Sienese hills between Valdichiana and Val d’Orcia, the setting is equally suited to a relaxed lunch after a winery tour or a more intimate dinner. Couples, families, and groups of friends: the space and the culinary offerings are suited to every occasion.

Chef Azzi’s recipes: Tuscan cuisine blending tradition and modernity

Heading the kitchen is Chef Stefano Azzi, owner and creative mind behind L’Antica Chiusina. His menu follows the rhythm of the seasons, with dishes that showcase his unique take on Tuscan cuisine, crafted with excellent, authentic ingredients. But let’s let the flavors do the talking: here are some of the dishes you’ll find on L’Antica Chiusina’s menu.

• Bruschetta with braised cherry tomatoes and aromatic lard is a tribute to simplicity and Tuscan tradition. The idea stems from reusing stale bread—as has always been the case in rural tradition—and then enriching it with local flavors. The result is a humble yet flavorful appetizer, simple yet elegant.

 

• Handmade pici—rolled on a wooden pastry board from the classic flour volcano—are the heart of Chef Azzi’s culinary offering. Pici are a long, thick, and irregular fresh pasta typical of the provinces of Siena and Arezzo. Made according to tradition with only water and flour, they are also ideal for a vegan diet. L’Antica Chiusina’s version with breadcrumbs, crispy bacon, and sautéed artichokes pays homage to the rural tradition of the Valdichiana, revisiting it with a contemporary twist on textures.

 

• Pici with cheese, pepper, and walnuts demonstrate that a simple dish always requires the utmost precision. The cream is made from a blend of Pecorino Nero dell’Amiata and Pecorino Romano, carefully blended to create a velvety consistency. Freshly ground pepper and finely chopped walnuts complement the dish, releasing their essential oils with the warmth of the pasta for a smooth and balanced finish.

L’Antica Chiusina’s cuisine isn’t about wowing with special effects, but about making a lasting impression. Each dish is designed to pair with the estate’s wines, and all ingredients are sourced from a select and certified local supply chain: PGI Chianina beef from the Siena Agricultural Consortium, Casentino eggs and free-range chickens from local producers, organic fruit juices from Podere Fontecornino, craft beers from Birrificio Agricolo Saragiolino, and coffee from Torrefazione Artigiana Trinci. And then there’s Tenute del Cerro Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the chef’s signature flavor.

 

At the table with Vino Nobile DOCG “Antica Chiusina”: the perfect pairings

In Montepulciano’s restaurants, wine is an integral part of the dining experience: and this is even more true at Fattoria del Cerro. The wine list at L’Antica Chiusina restaurant features all the Tenute del Cerro labels, with pairings designed to enhance each dish and ingredient. Among the estate’s wines, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG “Antica Chiusina” stands out, the cru that shares the restaurant’s name—and that’s no coincidence: here, the kitchen and cellar speak the same language, and the wine complements the dish, enhancing its depth without overpowering its flavors. Produced only in the finest vintages, Fattoria del Cerro’s Nobile pairs perfectly with pici al ragù, red meats, or game.

Choosing to have lunch or dinner at Antica Chiusina means fully experiencing Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a sensory journey from the surrounding vineyards to the table, all the way to your palate. In the glass, you’ll find the same philosophy that inspires the chef’s cuisine: that perfect harmony between authentic flavor and character.

Food and wine: the best food and wine experiences in Montepulciano

From the historic trattorias in the village to restaurants nestled among the vineyards, dining in Montepulciano means savoring the most authentic soul of Tuscany. For those seeking the perfect combination of seasonal cuisine, Vino Nobile, and breathtaking views, L’Antica Chiusina is the ideal choice. But once you’ve left the table, what other experiences await visitors?

 

Food experience of Fattoria del Cerro Winery

For those who want to go beyond a simple lunch or dinner, Fattoria del Cerro offers tailor-made food and wine experiences, both indoors and outdoors. Cooking lessons allow you to literally get hands-on with the chef of L’Antica Chiusina. During cooking classes at Villa Grazianella, which can also be organized for groups, you’ll learn traditional Tuscan techniques, prepare dishes, and then sit down to savor them—and a tasting of the house wines is a must.

During the milder months, a picnic among the vineyards is the most informal—and perhaps most evocative—outdoor option: baskets of select products, a bottle of the estate’s wines, a blanket spread among the vines, and the horizon opening up to the Montepulciano countryside. Those seeking an even more immersive experience can participate in truffle hunting in the woods around Fattoria del Cerro: a seasonal activity that combines nature, tradition, and flavor. Chef Stefano Azzi will make it unforgettable, transforming the precious loot into a freshly prepared dish, showcasing the aroma of freshly picked truffles.

 

Wine Tasting and shopping in a Tuscan Estate

The tour continues in the winery with various tastings of Fattoria del Cerro wines, allowing you to discover the differences between vintages, grape varieties, and interpretations of Vino Nobile. Tasting directly at the winery’s production site changes your perspective: you better understand the agronomic choices, the influence of the soil, and the character of the individual parcels. At the end of the tour, you can purchase your favorite labels and take home a precious souvenir of Montepulciano: purchasing a bottle in the wine shop is a way to extend your journey even after your return, experiencing the same aromas, the same light, and the same panorama.

Nestled in the Montepulciano vineyards, L’Antica Chiusina restaurant celebrates seasonal Tuscan cuisine and Vino Nobile, with breathtaking views that make every lunch or dinner a memorable experience. To secure a table, we recommend booking in advance on the official website, especially during peak periods.