TOP 7 Best Food in Colle di Val d’Elsa (free guide)

Nestled in the picturesque Val d’Elsa, Colle di Val d’Elsa embodies the essence of authentic Tuscan life. Surrounded by rolling hills dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and woods, it’s a town where history meets tradition. Known as the “City of Crystal,” Colle is rich in artisanal heritage, local markets, and rustic cuisine that reflects its unique location between Siena and Florence. Its vibrant weekly markets, charming trattorias, and family-run shops create a sense of community that’s both welcoming and inspiring. Whether you’re exploring its medieval streets or savoring local dishes, Colle di Val d’Elsa invites you to experience Tuscany at its most genuine.

Where to begin the day

Forno Pellegrino dal 1920

@julskitchen

The bakery is positioned in a very unassuming location, in the industrial area of San Marziale, but I assure you that you will be surprised at the first taste of their products. It is difficult to place Forno Pellegrino in one category because here you can buy good, wholesome sourdough bread baked in a wood-fired oven and made with flours from local ancient grains, Italian croissants, cakes and cookies, their extra virgin olive oil and liquors, jams and marmalades, fresh pasta to cook at home, as well as pizzas and focaccias as fluffy as clouds to eaten by the slice or to take away. On Saturday nights they are open until 10 p.m. for their Neapolitan-style farmhouse pizzas.

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Where to get the best ice-cream

Gelateria Buekke

@julskitchen

This gelato shop in Gracciano is popular with all ages, beloved by locals and an unexpected treat for tourists. Among their twenty-something flavours, the pine nut will always be my favourite.

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Favourite Trattorias and Restaurants

Trattoria Bel Mi' Colle

@julskitchen

Fresh, local, seasonal ingredients are the protagonists of the cuisine of chef Gabriele Borgianni in this trattoria that is probably our favourite in Colle di Val d’Elsa. Beef tongue and stuffed chicken neck are my go-to choice when it comes to appetizers. Outstanding the cheese selection.

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Bar Caffè Pizzeria Santa Caterina

@julskitchen

Located in Piazza Santa Caterina in the Medieval town, its outdoor tables are shaded under tall leafy lime trees with a panoramic view over the hills. This little café is a perfect spot for an aperitivo or for an easy thin-crusted pizza. The little square is lively, and the place is loved by locals, old and young.

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Ristorante agricolo Tenuta di Mensanello

@julskitchen

Tenuta di Mensanello, nestled in the heart of the Sienese Chianti, is a working farm with deep historical roots, mentioned in the Leopold-era land registry of 1765. Managed by the Roncucci family since the early 20th century, it transitioned from Chianina cattle farming to agro-tourism in the 1990s. Today, the estate features a microbrewery, wine cellar, olive oil mill, and a ristorante agricolo. Visitors can savor IGT and DOCG wines, farm-made beer like the standout Mensanello IPA, and extra virgin olive oil pressed on-site. With stunning views, welcoming staff, and honest food, this is where we celebrated both our wedding and Livia’s Baptism.

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Where to shop

Macelleria - Polleria 'Capocasa Nieri / Luciano'

@julskitchen

I owe my knowledge of cooking meats to Luciano, Stefania, and Nieri of Macelleria Capocasa. Their welcoming shop feels like home, where customers are greeted with smiles and jokes. They offer excellent local meats, organic or wild-raised, fresh and aged sausages, and specialties like Grigio della Montagnola cured meats, capocollo, finocchiona, buristo, and soppressata. Don’t miss their spiced gota cotta, a rare treat. This is our go-to butcher during cooking classes.

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Bottega di Sant'Ulivieri

@julskitchen

A little grocery shop in the old town of Colle Val D’Elsa, or Colle Alta (High Colle), as we call it. Sant’Ulivieri farm is located between Colle Val D’Elsa and San Gimignano, and you can find their best seasonal produce in their shop in Colle Val D’Elsa. Along with their fruit and vegetables, here you can also purchase their beans, chickpeas and lentils, their extra virgin olive oil, wine, preserves and jams, cooked vegetables, local biodynamic cheese, the outstanding bread and focaccia from Forno Pellegrino, and artisanal pasta. If you’re in an apartment in the old town, here you can buy everything you need to cook yourself delicious meals.

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