
Osteria Permalico
A charming osteria in Siena offering authentic Tuscan cuisine, a cozy atmosphere, and exceptional value.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Osteria Permalico

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming osteria in Siena offering authentic Tuscan cuisine, a cozy atmosphere, and exceptional value.
"An authentic taste of Tuscany with generous portions and surprisingly affordable prices in a cozy setting."
Book in Advance
This popular spot fills up quickly, so making a reservation is highly recommended.
Try the Pici
The handmade pici pasta, especially 'pici permalico', is a standout dish praised by many.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Tuscan Flavors
Indulge in traditional local dishes made with high-quality ingredients, offering a true taste of Tuscany.

Cozy & Romantic Ambiance
Enjoy a warm, rustic atmosphere with brick-lined walls, perfect for intimate dinners or sharing with friends.

Exceptional Value
Savor delicious, generous portions of authentic Italian food at remarkably affordable prices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
This popular spot fills up quickly, so making a reservation is highly recommended.
Try the Pici
The handmade pici pasta, especially 'pici permalico', is a standout dish praised by many.
Ask About Wine Pairings
The staff is happy to help you select the perfect wine to complement your meal.
Outdoor Seating Option
If the weather permits, opt for outdoor seating for a charming al fresco dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
This popular spot fills up quickly, so making a reservation is highly recommended.
Try the Pici
The handmade pici pasta, especially 'pici permalico', is a standout dish praised by many.
Ask About Wine Pairings
The staff is happy to help you select the perfect wine to complement your meal.
Outdoor Seating Option
If the weather permits, opt for outdoor seating for a charming al fresco dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Osteria Permalico offers a genuine taste of Tuscany with its authentic dishes and cozy, rustic ambiance. Diners praise the affordability and generous portions, making it a great value. However, some reviews mention inconsistencies in food preparation and service, particularly concerning the steak and billing accuracy. Despite these issues, the attentive service for dietary needs and the overall charming atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience for many.
"the gnocchi and lasagne was very good. the mixed salad was a little disappointing, the vegetables were not very fresh.
the steak could only be cooked rare. we were not given options by the servers. it was difficult to finish eating it.
but the bread rolls were very good. the place was decorated very nicely. this is also one of the cheaper options in siena. would recommend if you’re coming to eat basic italian dishes done right ✨"
Ang Ying Xuan
"We absolutely loved it. 💯 The atmosphere was quite romantic, the food was delicious and the service was great. We didn't have a reservation and the place was quite full so our wonderful waitress helped us find a table as quickly as possible. Then we got a great recommendation on the wine and they brought the food very promptly. We ordered the pici permalico, and another pasta dish with ragu and as a secondo piatto the beef tagliata, all of which were amazing. The whole evening was perfect, except I bumped my leg on a bench that was quite near the entrance. We also like the experience of the shared tables and would definitely recommend!"
Clara Siller
"Great service nice atmosphere TERRIBLE food. The “veal” with tuna sauce picture is attached. Basically deli meat with can from a tuna mixed to look like something that came out the back end of a goose. One pasta dish tasted like Kraft dinner. On a more positive note the steak was good.
Second post: Wow what a deceitful response. The picture is as the food looked when served. I did not wait for or even see the fly but I am pretty sure it didn’t like your food either and this dish looks gross even without the fly. Improve your offering it is the worst food I have had in three weeks in Italy."
Kevin Melnyk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to book in advance as the restaurant is very popular and tends to be full.
Yes, they are very accommodating to celiac and gluten-free needs and can prepare dishes with great care, even offering gluten-free bread.
The handmade pici pasta, particularly 'pici permalico' and lasagna, are frequently recommended as standout dishes.
The restaurant features a cozy and rustic ambiance with brick-lined walls, making it a warm and inviting space.
The restaurant is described as cozy and great for bigger groups, especially for food sharing.
The restaurant typically serves lunch and dinner, with hours generally from 12:00-15:15 and 18:45-22:15.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Where to eat in Siena during the Palio: the 8 best places selected by Gambero Rosso
Near the Duomo, this very welcoming osteria, with stone walls and wooden tables and furnishings, is run by Armando Ballerini, owner, host, and the soul of the place. The search for raw materials is taken seriously here, relying only on trusted local suppliers, while the vegetables and greens come from a social garden. Some dishes to try: crostone with butter and anchovies and boiled egg, Permalico's pici (handmade and dressed with egg, Tuscan pecorino, and pancetta), tagliatelle with Cinta Senese ragù, pork liver, tripe, tiramisu.
Restaurants in Siena Tuscany | 17 Best in 2025
Nearby to Piazza del Campo and the Pinacoteca Nazionale art gallery, Osteria Permalico is one of the best restaurants in Siena, Tuscany for a delicious and affordable lunch with classic tavern-style dishes. Osteria Permalico has both a cozy indoor dining area and outdoor tables perfect for an al fresco lunch at one of the best restaurants in Siena, Tuscany. To satisfy your sweet tooth before returning to your busy day, try their delightful ricotta mousse with cantucci crumble and vinsanto gel.
Siena's Top-Rated Restaurants
Permalico is a quintessential old-world osteria where one can savor delicious food at affordable prices. Overlooking the Pinacoteca Nazionale, not far from Piazza del Campo and the Duomo, Armando Ballerini runs both the kitchen and the dining room. The menu showcases the heart of Sienese and Tuscan gastronomy, with some revisiting such as Chianti tuna, cooked at a low temperature, pan-seared and served a crispy bread base with aromatic oil and raw onion, or ricotta gnocchi.
48 Hours in Siena, Italy – Must See Sights + Top Tips
For lunch today, head to Osteria Permalico, a restaurant that offers traditional dishes at very reasonable prices. Inside is warm and welcoming with its brick-lined dining space, reminiscent of a wine cellar, while outside, if you are lucky, there are a few tables where you can enjoy the fine food while watching the world go by. The Pici cacio e pepe here is fantastic, and the team will happily discuss a wine pairing to complement the tastes.
12 Best Restaurants in Siena, Italy Right Now
Tucked away on the charming Costa Larga, just a short stroll from Siena’s iconic Piazza del Campo, Osteria Permalico offers delightful, traditional Tuscan flavors and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. This osteria is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its commitment to authentic regional cuisine and warm hospitality.. The menu at Osteria Permalico showcases the best of Tuscan culinary traditions.
12 Best Restaurants in Siena, Italy
Permalico is located right in the heart of Siena, making it a great place to stop for lunch or dinner on your way to the next sight. The cuisine is traditional Tuscan with lots of meat and cheese – as you might expect from a city once home to many medieval monks. For those looking for something lighter, there are plenty of vegetarian options.
Best fine dining restaurants in Siena
Monday: 12:00 – 3:15 PM, 6:45 – 10:15 PM, Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:15 PM, 6:45 – 10:15 PM, Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:15 PM, 6:30 – 10:15 PM, Thursday: 12:00 – 3:15 PM, 6:45 – 10:15 PM, Friday: 12:00 – 3:15 PM, 6:45 – 10:15 PM, Saturday: 12:00 – 3:15 PM, 6:45 – 10:15 PM, Sunday: 12:00 – 3:15 PM, 6:45 – 10:15 PM
25 Best Things To Do in Siena, Italy
Regularly rated as one of the best restaurants Siena, Italy, Osteria Permalico specializes in Tuscan cuisine. It’s a good place to try the Cinta Senese cured meat.
What to see in Siena: practical tips for visiting
Osteria Permalico – A two-minute walk from the Duomo, on a downhill side street, we found this excellent osteria with indoor and outdoor tables.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit