In the historic center of Montepulciano, just a short walk from Piazza Grande and the Fortress, the Osteria del Conte offers authentic Tuscan cuisine based on family recipes, seasonal ingredients, and local products. It’s a welcoming spot where you can enjoy pici, meat dishes, pecorino cheeses, and a good selection of Vino Nobile.
It’s not often that you get unanimous approval when you recommend a restaurant. For me, that happens every time with the Osteria del Conte in Montepulciano. My friends know we love this beautiful Tuscan village and visit it often, so they ask us for recommendations. Every time we’ve sent them there, they’ve gone back and called us, full of enthusiasm. That must mean something, right?
A Family Story
L’Osteria del Conte is located on Via San Donato, in the former workshop of a woodcarver, inside an 18th-century building owned by the noble Contucci family. The restaurant was founded in 2006 by Lorena Brachi and her son Paolo Solini, following extensive experience in tourism and the restaurant industry. Paolo’s partner, Lucia, later joined the project. What was initially intended to be a simple bruschetta bar soon evolved into a true osteria, while retaining its family-run atmosphere.
Today Paolo Solini is the host—present and attentive, able to put both regulars and the many foreign visitors at ease. Atmosphere is intimate, furnished simply and without resorting to contrived tourist-oriented folklore. In the warmer months, the view of the rooftops and the skyline of Montepulciano provides yet another reason to stop by.
Traditional Sienese Dishes
The cuisine follows familiar, comforting paths. You can start with the “Antipasto del Conte,” consisting of crostini, cold cuts, and cheeses, or with grilled pecorino cheese served with prosciutto. Among the first courses, you can’t miss the pici: with meat ragù, aglione, or white duck ragù and shavings of Pecorino. Menu also features tagliatelle with wild boar, ribollita, and ravioli with Pecorino di Pienza.
Seasonal dishes and those related to home-style cooking of days gone by are particularly interesting. Artichoke tart with pecorino and black truffle; “Agnonobili,” ravioli stuffed with braised meat and served with a Vino Nobile reduction; and pigeon with sage and fava bean purée. These dishes effectively convey the restaurant’s identity and allow the kitchen to step beyond its more predictable repertoire.
Among the main courses meat dishes take center stage: scottadito lamb, sliced beef with rosemary, pork tenderloin with Tuscan lard, and beef tenderloin with porcini mushrooms, sometimes enhanced with black truffle. Depending on availability, tripe and chicken livers are also offered.
To finish, you can stick to tradition with cantucci and Vin Santo from Montepulciano, choose the ricotta mousse with cinnamon, honey, and pistachios, or go for the apple turnover served on a bed of vanilla cream and caramel
These are all “substantial” dishes that demonstrate well-established culinary skills. The menu confirms that the prices are more than reasonable, especially given the central location.
Vino Nobile: The Star of the Winery
The wine list focuses primarily on Tuscany and dedicates prominent place for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Selection of Contucci wines is particularly extensive, which is understandable given the close ties between the restaurant and the historic Montepulciano family: Rosso di Montepulciano, vintage Nobile, special selections, and Riserva are all offered at very reasonable markups. There is no shortage of labels from the region’s major appellations, ranging from Chianti Classico to Montalcino and Bolgheri.
Ultimately, Osteria del Conte is a reliable choice for those seeking authentic, generous Tuscan cuisine without unnecessary frills. The added value lies in the family-run atmosphere and Paolo Solini’s hospitality: courteous, spontaneous, and free from any formality.
A genuine tavern, in the heart of one of Tuscany’s most popular destinations.
