You haven’t lived until you’ve tried Tuscan food. Well, you have, but you haven’t dined on food that will change your life.
All you have to do is look at the area to know the food (and wine) will be some of the best you’ve ever had. Freshly grown fruits, vegetables, and sun-dappled olive groves are the norm. Yes, you can go into the supermarket and buy your frozen fruit and vegetables, but that isn’t the Tuscan way.
The Tuscan way is fresh ingredients and mouth-watering flavors wrapped into home-cooked meals that will change your life. The freshly baked bread with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, the slightly sour yet delicious olives, and the simplicity of panzanella (literally only bread salad)—food in Tuscany excites your tastebuds without even trying. And when it does try, it’ll blow your socks off (try Cacciucco, and you’ll see what we mean).
Read on to learn about some of Tuscany’s top culinary delights.
Ribollita: A Hearty Tuscan Soup
There is one dish that, if it doesn’t shout Tuscan cuisine, nothing else will. It is Ribollita. It is a ‘peasant soup’ that was made by the peasants of Tuscany out of necessity and is the ultimate comfort food in the early days.
“Ribollita” literally means “reboiled,” which is precisely what this dish is. It is leftover vegetable soup with some stale bread added to it, slowly cooked to perfection the next day.
Ribollita is traditionally prepared with cannellini beans, cavolo nero (a type of kale), carrots, potatoes, and onions, all slow-cooked together in a dense tomato broth. The stew-like consistency of the soup makes it a hearty meal, especially during winter. Have ribollita while in Tuscany with a special dash of virgin olive oil and an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Where to eat ribollita in Tuscany:
While ribollita is on the menu of most Tuscan trattorias, some of the best are in Florence. Trattoria Cibrèo comes highly recommended for its traditional take on this Tuscan classic.
Pappardelle al Cinghiale
Tuscany’s love affair with pasta is legendary, and pappardelle al cinghiale (pappardelle with wild boar sauce) is one dish that reflects the region’s rugged, untamed nature. Pappardelle, a flat, wide pasta, is perfect for the rich, savory sauce obtained by slow-cooking wild boar, red wine, and aromatic herbs.
This dish is emblematic of Tuscany’s embrace of its landscape and its Cacciatori, hunters who have been bringing wild boar to the table for centuries. The slow cooking tenderizes the meat, and the flavors meld together in a rich and satisfying sauce that clings to the pasta. A lot of the traditional Tuscan food is slow-cooked to release the bursts of flavors you’ll long for until you return.
Where to Try Pappardelle al Cinghiale in Tuscany:
The hill town of Montalcino is famous for its Brunello wine and for serving some of the best Pappardelle al Cinghiale in Tuscany. Osteria di Porta al Cassero is a standout for this dish, with pasta freshly made and a sauce that’s thick, rich, and oh-so divine.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth: Desserts and Sweet Treats of Tuscany
No food tour of Tuscany is complete without sampling its desserts. Even if you’re full up to your eyes, there’s always room for dessert.
Tuscany desserts are simple yet delectable, mainly employing local nuts, honey, and seasonal fruits. Now it is time for dessert, dolci, as they call it.
Cantuccini: The Perfect Biscotti
In Tuscany, cantuccini, the area’s renowned almond biscotti, is not to be missed.
Twice baked, the cookies are crunchy, slightly sweet, and traditionally dipped in Vin Santo, a local dessert wine. The combination of the crunchy cantuccini and the sweet, creamy Vin Santo is divine. Cantuccini traces its history to the Renaissance, so not only is it a tasty snack, but a bite of history. The almonds in Cantucci are usually local, so there is an authentic element to each batch.
Cantuccini is ideal for a light snack, as a present to bring home, as a sweet conclusion to a Tuscan meal, or to cuddle to sleep in bed because it’s simply that nice.
Where to Try Cantuccini in Tuscany:
For an authentic experience, visit Pasticceria Nannini in Siena, where cantuccini is made fresh daily. Their selection of sweets is among the best in the region, offering an authentic taste of Tuscany.
Why Tuscany’s Famous Dishes Are Unmissable
Tuscan cuisine reflects the region: rich in tradition, bursting with flavor, and rooted in a deep respect for nature. Every dish is a tale of the land and those who have called Tuscany home for centuries. When you sit down to a bowl of ribollita in Florence, indulge in pappardelle al cinghiale in the countryside, or dip Cantucci in Vin Santo, you are doing more than simply eating. You are tasting Tuscany.
Experience Tuscany with Kinglike Concierge
If these dishes make you hungry for your next Italian getaway, you’re not the only one. The food of Tuscany is best experienced in person, where you can try each dish amidst the region’s beauty.
Make your trip an unforgettable one by staying in a luxury villa with Kinglike Concierge. Our premium villas in Tuscany offer the perfect base for exploring the region’s food, wine, and culture. Imagine returning to your private villa with a view that’s almost as unforgettable as the food you’ve just indulged in. We even have a selection of Tuscany villas with a private chef if you wish to enjoy the flavors without moving a muscle.
While enjoying Tuscany’s cuisine, there’s even more to discover in this incredible region! To make the most of your travel, check one of our recent posts, The Best Time to Visit Tuscany: A Seasonal Guide for ideal travel advice. Pair your culinary tour with visits to Must-Visit Attractions in Tuscany, or explore the region’s artistic treasures with Tuscany for Art Lovers: Famous Artworks and Where to Find Them. If you’re craving coastal charm, don’t miss our post on the Best Beaches and Coastal Towns in Tuscany for a picturesque sea getaway.
Grazie per leggere! Equipped with this guide, you’re ready to embark on a gastronomic tour of Tuscany. Let the regional flavors dictate your travels, and don’t forget to book your villa through Kinglike Concierge.