Siena & Val d’Orcia Food Guide: Pici Pasta, Pecorino Cheese & Tuscan Sweets
Timeless Wanderers: Posted February 10, 2026
Traditional Foods of Siena & Val d’Orcia You Must Try
Southern Tuscany is a feast for the senses, where rolling hills, medieval towns, and cypress-lined roads meet a culinary tradition rooted in simplicity and seasonality.
Siena and the Val d’Orcia are more than beautiful places to visit — they are true food heartlands, shaped by centuries of rural cooking, local ingredients, and deep respect for tradition.
From hand-rolled pici pasta and sheep’s milk pecorino cheese to honey-sweetened desserts passed down through generations, the food here reflects the land itself.
This guide explores the must-try dishes, regional specialties, local markets, traditional sweets, and seasonal foods of Siena and th Val d’Orcia, helping first-time visitors understand not just what to eat, but when to eat it — and why it matters.
Table of Contents
Why Siena & Val d’Orcia Are Food Destinations
Siena and the surrounding Val d’Orcia are world-famous not just for their landscapes and medieval architecture but also for authentic Tuscan cuisine.
This area blends rural, farm-to-table traditions with centuries of culinary history, offering dishes that reflect the land, livestock, and seasonal produce.
From the hearty pici pasta of the countryside to the sweet almond biscuits of Siena, these foods are deeply tied to local culture.
Here, meals aren’t just about eating — they’re about seasonality, and tradition.
We can help you plan your dream trip to Tuscany, with a personalised itinerary designed just for you.
After more than 20 years of travelling to Tuscany—and loving it so much we decided to make it our home—we now live here and explore the region at a relaxed, local pace.
Planning a trip to Tuscany is exciting, but choosing where to go, how long to stay, and how to get around can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s where we come in.
We offer a personalised planning service that helps you decide exactly how to explore Tuscany, based on your travel style, budget, and pace.
Plus, we can help you plan scenic drives, time in hilltop towns, food and wine experiences, and those small local moments that make a trip truly special—making your Tuscany holiday easier, smoother, and full of memories you’ll treasure long after you return home.
“Let us plan your perfect trip with a custom itinerary designed just for you.
Fill out the form and let’s begin your dream.”
Signature Savory Dishes
Pici Pasta
Pici pasta is thick, hand-rolled noodles that are a staple in Siena and the Val d’Orcia.
Unlike store-bought pasta, pici is made with simple ingredients: flour, water, and sometimes a pinch of salt.
The charm is in the texture — slightly uneven and chewy — which holds onto sauces beautifully.
Traditional sauces include:
Aglione: Garlic and tomato sauce
Cinghiale: Wild boar ragù
Breadcrumbs and olive oil: A rustic, simple option
Pici represents the rural culinary heritage of southern Tuscany, where local farmers and households passed recipes down through generations.
Pecorino Cheese
The hills of the Val d’Orcia produce some of Italy’s finest pecorino, a sheep’s milk cheese.
It comes in a variety of forms — fresh, semi-aged, or aged — and is often paired with honey, jam, or local bread.
Pecorino isn’t just a snack; it’s an essential part of meals here.
Local restaurants sprinkle it over pasta dishes, salads, and soups, while markets sell wheels of cheese to take home.
Its flavor can range from mild and creamy to sharp and robust, depending on the aging.
Cured Meats & Salumi
Siena cuisine also features a variety of cured meats, including finocchiona (fennel-flavored salami) and prosciutto.
Often enjoyed as part of an antipasto platter or with local bread and pecorino, these meats are perfect with the region’s wines, like Chianti or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Ribollita & Soup Traditions
While Florence is often credited with ribollita, Siena and the Val d’Orcia have their own takes on bread-based soups.
Seasonal vegetables, beans, and stale bread combine for rustic, comforting meals.
These soups showcase the region’s farm-to-table — nothing is wasted, and flavors are intense and satisfying.
Sweet Specialties
Siena is particularly famous for its traditional desserts, many of which have medieval origins.
Ricciarelli
Soft almond cookies, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, are a Siena specialty.
They are traditionally eaten around Christmas but are available year-round.
Their texture is chewy, sweet, and nutty — a perfect example of Tuscan simplicity and elegance.
Panforte
This dense, spiced fruit and nut cake dates back to the Middle Ages.
Panforte combines honey, dried fruits, nuts, and spices and was originally a festive dessert.
Today, it’s enjoyed with coffee, wine, or as a treat from local bakeries.
Cantucci
While more associated with Florence, cantucci almond biscuits are also popular in Siena.
Served with Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine, they are dipped and enjoyed slowly — a ritual that embodies the Tuscan approach to sweets.
Markets and Local Eating Experiences
Southern Tuscany is home to bustling markets where locals shop for the freshest ingredients.
These markets are not only about buying food — they are community hubs, reflecting the seasonality and authenticity of local cuisine.
Siena’s Mercato di Piazza del Campo
Here, you’ll find:
Pecorino cheese wheels
Fresh vegetables and legumes
Local bread and pastries
Meats, salumi, and sausages
Walking through the market, visitors can taste local products, grab a quick snack, or shop for ingredients to try cooking Tuscan dishes themselves.
Val d’Orcia Farm Shops
In the countryside, small farm shops sell olive oil, cheese, honey, and wines produced locally.
Visiting these shops is a great way to connect with producers and understand the traditional methods that shape the flavors of this region.
Read this next
Best Towns To Visit In Val d’Orcia: Pienza, Montepulciano, And More
Seasonal Eating in Siena & Val d’Orcia
Seasonality is central to southern Tuscan cuisine:
Spring: Fresh greens, artichokes, and light pasta sauces
Summer: Tomatoes, zucchini, and lighter vegetable dishes
Autumn: Mushrooms, chestnuts, wild game, and hearty pastas like pici with meat sauces
Winter: Slow-cooked soups, legumes, and rustic breads dominate menus
Eating with the seasons ensures the freshest, most authentic taste and connects you to centuries-old Tuscan practices.
If you want to try all the local culinary specialties at once, you can opt for Guided Food Tours.
Your guide will take you to the best shops and taverns in the city to taste cured meats, cheese, pasta, Truffles and cakes.
You can book this tour and Siena by clicking the button below.
Tuscan Wine Pairings
While this guide focuses on food, pairing dishes with local wines elevates the experience:
Chianti Classico: Perfect with pici and cured meats
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Complements rich meats and roasted dishes
Vin Santo: Ideal with cantucci for a traditional dessert ritual
Siena and the Val d’Orcia are deeply intertwined with Tuscan culture, making food and wine inseparable.
Read more about Siena
Exploring Siena: Ultimate Travel Guide 2026
Dining Tips in Siena & Val d’Orcia
Eat like a local: Lunch is often lighter, while dinner is leisurely and social.
Trattorias over tourist spots: Family-run restaurants offer authentic flavors.
Share dishes: Pici pasta, roasted meats, and cheese plates are best enjoyed together.
Try local sweets: Ricciarelli, panforte, and cantucci provide a glimpse into centuries-old dessert traditions.
Following these tips allows you to experience the culinary culture of southern Tuscany authentically.
Cooking Classes in Val d’Orcia
For those who want to do a Tuscan cooking class, you’ll benefit from the advice of an Italian chef.
And of course, you’ll get to taste your dishes at the end of the class.
To book your cooking class in Siena click the following link. I booked my cooking class in Siena.
ONE DAY IN SIENA
We have detailed one day in siena Iterinary, here is a quick overview how to plan your time.
9.30am Breakfast
10.00am Purchase tickets for Torre del Mangia
10.30am Sienna Duomo Complex
1.00pm Lunch
2.00pm Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia
4.00pm Santa Maria Della Scala
5.00pm Basilica of San Domenico
7.00pm Dinner and Drinks
Take one more stroll through the streets of Siena to end the day.
SIENA GUIDED TOURS
If you don’t necessarily want to explore Siena on your own, you have the option of joining a guided tour.
GET YOUR GUIDE you will find not only recommended city tours but also inexpensive entrance tickets such as Siena Cathedral, exciting Food Tours and cooking classes, also excursions to the Vald’Orca and much more.
It is best to get a car rental in Florence or Pisa, to travel to Siena and Val d’Orcia where you will have more of a selection and better pricing.
To check prices and book, I recommend using the following two car rental websites.
Discover Cars which often have much better pricing or offer great deals at certain times of the year.
Rental car is very similar, owned by Booking.com, so is backed by a familiar reputable brand their prices are also good.
Frequently Asked Questions About Siena & Val d’Orcia Food
1. What is Siena famous for eating?
Siena is known for pici pasta, pecorino cheese, ricciarelli almond cookies, and panforte fruit-and-nut cake. The city blends savory and sweet traditions, reflecting Tuscany’s historic culinary culture.
2. What is Pici pasta?
Pici is hand-rolled, thick pasta typical of southern Tuscany. It’s usually served with garlic and tomato, breadcrumbs, or hearty meat sauces like wild boar ragù. The texture is chewy and perfect for rustic sauces.
3. What cheeses are typical in the Val d’Orcia?
The Val d’Orcia is famous for pecorino cheese, made from sheep’s milk. It ranges from fresh and creamy to aged and sharp, often paired with honey, jams, bread, or pasta.
4. What sweets should I try in Siena?
Siena is known for ricciarelli (soft almond cookies), panforte (spiced fruit and nut cake), and cantucci (almond biscuits served with Vin Santo). These desserts often have medieval origins and remain local favorites.
5. Where can I buy local food in Siena & Val d’Orcia?
Visit Siena’s Piazza del Campo market for fresh produce, cheeses, and meats. In the Val d’Orcia, farm shops sell olive oil, honey, cheeses, and wines produced locally, offering authentic and fresh ingredients.
6. When is the best time to eat certain dishes in Siena & Val d’Orcia?
The region’s food is seasonal: spring features fresh vegetables, summer highlights tomatoes and zucchini, autumn brings mushrooms and wild game, and winter emphasizes soups, beans, and hearty breads.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Tuscany?
(Short Answer: Yes — It’s Still a Smart Idea)
Travel insurance isn’t legally required to visit Tuscany, but it’s one of the smartest things you can have when travelling in Italy.
Even in a relaxed destination like Tuscany, things can go wrong — from delayed flights and lost luggage to medical issues, rental car damage, or unexpected trip cancellations.
And while Italy has excellent healthcare, medical treatment for visitors can still be costly without proper coverage.
As long-term travellers living in Italy, we’ve found SafetyWing to be a practical option for trips around Europe, offering coverage for medical care, travel delays, and lost belongings without complicated fine print.
SafetyWing
(Best for Long-Term Travel & Affordability)
We personally use SafetyWing, and have since 2019.
It’s perfect for travelling, spending multiple weeks or a whole year abroad.
You can get a Quote here.
It’s the kind of insurance you hope you never need—but you’ll be very glad you have if something unexpected happens.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Siena and the Val d’Orcia through food gives travelers a deep connection to Tuscany.
The region’s cuisine is rustic, flavorful, and tied to centuries-old traditions.
Whether savoring pici pasta in a countryside trattoria, enjoying pecorino with local honey, or indulging in ricciarelli from a historic bakery, every bite tells a story.
By following this guide, you’ll experience southern Tuscany like a local — with authenticity, flavor, and history in every dish.
PLAN YOUR TUSCANY ADVENTURE
These are our favorite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service, and overall, are better than their competitors.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT – Going is a great search engine if you are flexible about your travel destination and dates. Sign up for their newsletter and get the latest deals on destinations around the world. GOING is our new go to.
CAR RENTAL – We recommend using Discover Cars or Rental Cars when booking a car rental, they work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs.
TRAINS – OMIO– is our favorite, this site is very reliable and easy to use.
BUS – OMIO – this website allows you to book train or bus tickets to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way. FLIXBUS is another terrific website with routes between 20 European countries.
ACCOMMODATIONS
BOOKING.com – is our go to for hotel searches around the world, we find they always have the cheapest rates and offer different payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.
HOSTELWORLD – is great if you’re traveling on a budget, and if you need a cheap place to stay.
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
GET YOUR GUIDE – is our favorite; they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world. VIATOR is another great website for all types of tours.
TAKE WALKS – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY WING – is our go to travel medical insurance company, especially for longer trips. You can either purchase a monthly plan or a plan for specific trip dates (i.e. 1-2 week trips). They cover people from all over the world, while outside their home country.
ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.
Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.