la Chiocciola In Pienza

I've been going to this restaurant since 2010 and have been there about four times. I've always appreciated the authentic Tuscan flavors and the choice of ingredients. I love pici and knew they were handmade by the owner's mother. Yesterday, May 1st, we returned to this trattoria to introduce my sister-in-law to Tuscan cuisine, but I wasn't 100% satisfied. The bruschetta had chopped mushrooms, while in 2022 the mushrooms were sliced. The same goes for the bruschetta with Cinta Senese lard (I'm attaching photos from yesterday and 2022). The pici also didn't seem to be made by the same artisan, being more broken than usual—especially the pici with duck ragù (pici are a long pasta, so they shouldn't be about 5 cm long). We definitely made the mistake of going on May 1st (to accommodate the three of us having a day off), something I never do. For this reason, I gave it 4 stars, but I'll return another time because I know this place can definitely return to its former 5-star status. May this review be a stimulus for the owners to achieve this goal, not a criticism left unheard.

It's in my top 3 best places I've eaten on my trip to Italy. The food is truly spectacular.

We had a really good time, the prices were reasonable. The service was excellent, and the owner was a real pleasure to chat with.

This trattoria is located near the walls of Pienza. Lunchtime seating is only available outdoors, although the interior is more characteristic. Due to the lack of staff, service is provided by a single person, who strives to be efficient and courteous wherever possible. The menu is typical of the area; the pecorino cheese cooked with truffles or porcini mushrooms is a must-try. Good value for money.

Nice guy, very good food, it's like eating at home, we came for his answers to the reviews. Keep it up, don't chew

A quaint, welcoming place in the area. The food is delicious.

A quaint restaurant with a fireplace in the center of the wall. Excellent food. Recommended

Just outside the walls of the picturesque village of Pienza, near the parking lots—the ones with parking discs, that is—on the narrow road that slopes down from the village, toward Colombaiolo, lies this small trattoria. It's rustic in style but has a somewhat unassuming appearance, to use the Tuscan dialect term. It lacks personality and a sense of local identity. Its notable virtuous soul is a small fireplace in the center of the dining room. As is well known, a fire creates a convivial and pleasant atmosphere, especially on gray winter days! La Chiocciola is always very popular, especially with tourists, but there's no shortage of locals, too. This is my second visit! The food is honest, simple, and unpretentious. The ingredients used are certainly not top-notch, but that's fine. In short, traditional dishes, discreet service, and reasonable prices.

Giving a business five stars is always a big responsibility and raises many doubts... is it too much? But for this restaurant, there can be no doubt. The five stars are well deserved. A welcoming atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff. And if we want to talk about the food, well, this place is truly a hit with tasty, well-cooked dishes. Parking is available. Prices are average.

I had lunch with my family on January 2nd, and what can I say... Everything was perfect! The location was very warm and welcoming, with an atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. The very kind gentleman manages the dining room with great care. Pappardelle with wild boar, 10/10!