Arezzo Tuscany, Italy Travel Guide
Tuscan food has deep roots in "cucina povera" (poor cooking). This tradition emphasizes humble, fresh, and seasonal ingredients, transforming them into flavorful and satisfying dishes. It comes from the need to use every part of an ingredient and to make meals stretch.
Arezzo’s location, at the crossroads of different valleys, gives its cuisine a distinctive blend of influences from Florence, Siena, and even neighboring Umbria. This leads to a diverse range of local specialties.
Chianina beef (for Bistecca alla Fiorentina), Cinta Senese pork, and wild boar (Cinghiale) are prominent. Rabbit and game meats are also common.
Pecorino Toscano is a popular sheep's milk cheese. Rosemary, sage, and thyme are used extensively for aroma.
Arezzo’s cuisine has slight differences from Florence (more Lampredotto) or Siena (richer pasta dishes). Proximity to Umbria also influences dishes with pork or truffle flavors.
A thick-cut, rare T-bone steak, traditionally from Chianina beef, grilled over coals. Often served rare.
A Tuscan staple, widely available in Arezzo.
Pappa al Pomodoro is a thick tomato and bread soup. Ribollita is a hearty vegetable and bread soup, traditionally re-boiled.
Comforting and flavorful, especially in cooler weather.
Crostini Neri are toasted bread with chicken liver pâté. Wild boar (Cinghiale) is served as ragù with pasta or as a stew.
Classic antipasto and popular game meat.
Hard almond biscuits traditionally dipped in sweet Vin Santo.
Authentic Italian ice cream, widely available in Gelaterie. Seek out artisanal Gelato.
Italian cuisine naturally includes many vegetable-based dishes. Vegan options need more careful inquiry, as some dishes may contain cheese or butter.
Halal and Kosher options are very limited in Arezzo. Specialised restaurants are generally not available.
Awareness of gluten intolerance and celiac disease grows in Italy. Many pizzerias and restaurants offer gluten-free pasta and pizza options.
Traditional, often family-run establishments offering classic Tuscan dishes in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere. These provide good value and an authentic dining experience.
Often simpler, focusing on local wine and straightforward, hearty food.
More formal than trattorias, offering a wider menu and refined service. Pizzerie serve authentic Neapolitan or Roman-style pizza.
Many pizzerias offer takeaway services.
Breakfast pastries, coffee, panini, and aperitivo.
Local delis selling regional cheeses, cured meats, and prepared dishes for takeaway.
Daily fruit/vegetable market; monthly Antiques Market features food stalls.
Limited options outside of traditional Tuscan fare, mainly on city outskirts.
Visit vineyards, olive groves, or farms for tours and tastings of wines, olive oil, and produce.
Direct connections to local farmers.
Seek out local cheesemakers, butchers, or artisanal bakeries to observe production methods.
Sample fresh goods and support local craft.
The monthly Antiques Market in Arezzo features food stalls with fresh produce, local cheeses, and cold cuts.
Restaurants and trattorias located directly on Piazza Grande.
Enjoy farm-to-table meals in a tranquil countryside setting.
Explore local wines paired with platters of cheese and cured meats.
Explore local Alimentari for regional cheeses, cured meats, and gourmet products. Find fresh pasta shops and bakeries.
Excellent for assembling a picnic or food souvenirs.
The Fiera Antiquaria and the daily Mercato Ortofrutticolo offer a chance to purchase fresh local produce, cheeses, and cold cuts directly from producers.
Experience a lively atmosphere while shopping.
Late autumn festivals celebrate the arrival of new wine and fresh olive oil. Local producers invite visitors for tastings.
Throughout the year, local towns host Sagre (food festivals) dedicated to chestnuts, mushrooms, truffles, and other regional products.
The monthly Fiera Antiquaria in Piazza Grande often features specialized food vendors with Tuscan delicacies, from cheeses to cured meats.
Don't expect staff to bring the bill automatically; you will need to ask for "il conto" (the bill).
