What Food To Try in Siena and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Siena for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Siena cafes and restaurants
$19.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $7.64
$71
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $65.5
$9.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.73
What to Try in Siena
Must-try Dishes
Pici Cacio e Pepe - Thick hand-rolled pasta tossed with Pecorino cheese and black pepper. Locals enjoy this dish at lunch, often in casual trattorias where the atmosphere is lively and warm.Panino con Porchetta - A hearty sandwich of juicy, spiced pork roast served in crusty bread. You’re likely to find this beloved street food at food markets or during festivals, with locals savoring it on-the-go.
Ribollita - A rustic Tuscan soup made with leftover bread, beans, and seasonal vegetables. This dish is typically served at dinner during colder months, making it a perfect comfort food for family gatherings.
Trippa alla Fiorentina - Florentine Tripe - A flavorful stew of tripe cooked in a tomato sauce with herbs. Often enjoyed in traditional osterias, it carries a brave foodie's charm that many locals swear by.
Pici all'Aglione - Hand-rolled pasta bathed in a garlic and tomato sauce. Perfect for summer evenings, it’s a staple of local cuisine, best enjoyed al fresco while sipping on a light red wine.
Schiacciata con Uva - Grape Flatbread - A sweet flatbread garnished with fresh grapes, traditionally made in early fall. It’s common to see locals enjoying this during harvest festivals, blending the sweetness of grapes with savory dough.
Carciofi alla Romana - Roman-Style Artichokes - Artichokes stuffed with garlic and herbs, simmered until tender. Served as a main dish during the artichoke season in spring, locals enjoy them amidst family-style meals, artfully plated.
Frittata di Cipolle - Onion Frittata - A fluffy egg dish filled with sweet caramelized onions. Typically eaten for breakfast or as a light lunch, many locals may enjoy it with a side of fresh bread during leisurely Sunday mornings.
Desserts & Drinks
Caffè - Caffè (espresso) - Dark, rich espresso that packs a punch, usually served in small cups. Locals often enjoy this throughout the day, especially in the late morning along with a pastry.Bicerin - Bicerin (layered coffee drink) - A warming mix of espresso, hot chocolate, and whipped cream, served in a glass to showcase its beautiful layers. Perfect for chugging on chilly afternoons while people-watching around Piazza del Campo.
Rosso di Montalcino - Rosso di Montalcino (red wine) - A delightful soft red wine made from Sangiovese grapes, it often comes with a fruity bouquet. You’ll find locals sipping it during meals or as a casual evening drink, often paired with cheese.
Cantucci - Cantucci (almond cookies) - Crunchy, twice-baked cookies typically containing almonds, often enjoyed with Vin Santo (a dessert wine). They're a mainstay at festive gatherings, perfect for dunking in the sweet wine, especially around Christmas.
Gelato - Gelato (Italian ice cream) - Creamy and intensely flavored, this frozen treat often comes in unique flavors like tiramisu or pistachio. Best enjoyed on a hot summer's day, you’ll see everyone savoring a scoop, and don’t be surprised if you notice folks making a meticulous decision over flavors!
Food and Groceries in Siena
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.46 |
| Oranges | $3.2 |
| Potatoes | $2.22 |
| Apples | $2.73 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.38 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.47 |
| Imported Beer | $1.86 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6.55 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $8.65 |
| Rice | $2.22 |
| Local Cheese | $26.56 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Siena's food scene revolves around a unique rhythm that embodies local life. Meal times in Siena are quite different; for instance, lunch is typically served between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, while dinner often doesn't start until around 8:00 PM. This habit can come as a shock to visitors who expect to eat earlier. I once overheard a couple in a restaurant frustration about not finding dinner service until after 7:30 PM (they were particularly hangry at that point).
When it comes to dining districts, the historic center is bustling with various options ranging from casual trattorias to upscale eateries. Prices can widely vary; in the center, you might pay around €15 for a traditional pasta dish, while a similar meal just a little outside the touristy areas might cost about €10. This difference can quickly add up, especially during tourist season.
Payment customs here tend to reflect the traditional Italian approach. It's not uncommon to see people settling their bills in cash, although cards are accepted in most places, sometimes with a minimum spend of around €10. Tipping is appreciated, but not obligatory; leaving a couple of euros is generally seen as polite.
One dining custom that I’ve come to enjoy is the aperitivo, where locals gather before dinner for a drink and a small bite, usually between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. This is a great way to soak in the local vibe and try a few different nibbles without committing to a full meal right away.
As for reservations, they are recommended, especially in the height of summer. Many restaurants fill up quickly, particularly those with outdoor seating in scenic piazzas—who wouldn’t want a seat outside as the sun sets?
With regards to busy periods, weekends are typically the most crowded, as both locals and visitors indulge in leisurely meals in the evenings. Weekdays can be significantly quieter, particularly from 2:30 PM to approximately 6:00 PM, when many places close up for a few hours before the dinner service starts.
Siena's dining culture offers a genuine glimpse into local life, where meals are an affair, not just a necessity. As eateries balance the influx of tourists with the preferences of long-time residents, the essence of traditional food culture continues to thrive amidst evolving dining patterns.
When it comes to dining districts, the historic center is bustling with various options ranging from casual trattorias to upscale eateries. Prices can widely vary; in the center, you might pay around €15 for a traditional pasta dish, while a similar meal just a little outside the touristy areas might cost about €10. This difference can quickly add up, especially during tourist season.
Payment customs here tend to reflect the traditional Italian approach. It's not uncommon to see people settling their bills in cash, although cards are accepted in most places, sometimes with a minimum spend of around €10. Tipping is appreciated, but not obligatory; leaving a couple of euros is generally seen as polite.
One dining custom that I’ve come to enjoy is the aperitivo, where locals gather before dinner for a drink and a small bite, usually between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. This is a great way to soak in the local vibe and try a few different nibbles without committing to a full meal right away.
As for reservations, they are recommended, especially in the height of summer. Many restaurants fill up quickly, particularly those with outdoor seating in scenic piazzas—who wouldn’t want a seat outside as the sun sets?
With regards to busy periods, weekends are typically the most crowded, as both locals and visitors indulge in leisurely meals in the evenings. Weekdays can be significantly quieter, particularly from 2:30 PM to approximately 6:00 PM, when many places close up for a few hours before the dinner service starts.
Siena's dining culture offers a genuine glimpse into local life, where meals are an affair, not just a necessity. As eateries balance the influx of tourists with the preferences of long-time residents, the essence of traditional food culture continues to thrive amidst evolving dining patterns.