The romantic little hilltop town of Volterra in Tuscany is a fantastic Italian vacation destination whether you are embarking on a honeymoon or simply looking for a fabulous way to escape the everyday grind. Located on the western side of Italy, this enchanting town simply oozes Italian charm around every bend and corner with lovely restaurants, quaint cafés, and adorable shops. However, Volterra may shine most brightly when it comes to the authentic mouthwatering cuisine.

The main part of the city is surrounded by a rural landscape, which lends itself to agriculture that is responsible for outstanding wine and fare. The countryside is ripe with olives for producing top notch extra virgin olive oil, grapes for fine wines, and truffles for an indulgent accent often added to sauces, oils, pastes, and pasta.

Volterra locals value a delicious, well-made meal and do not rush through their enjoyment of it. Dinner at a restaurant here could take two hours or longer as tablemates converse and laugh over an appetizer, first course, second course, and dessert. Meal time is considered to be almost sacred and an event that is not properly marked without a glass of fine wine in hand and great company across the table.

In Italy, savoring the cuisine is almost as important as appreciating all the natural and historical beauty. The people of Volterra take pride in their culinary skills and welcome those who visit the town and try their gastronomy.

APPETIZERS

One of the hallmarks of Italian appetizers is an assortment of locally-made cheese and meats. While it may sound simple in nature, a platter of homemade pecorino cheese and local prosciutto is anything but with its quality ingredients and authentic flavors.

It is not unusual for bruschetta to be served as well. This savory appetizer features toasted or grilled bread that is rubbed with garlic and typically topped with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil, or other ingredients, such as pecorino cheese or olives.

FIRST COURSE

Pasta is the quintessential first course for an Italian meal. Do not expect the same type of dried pasta often purchased in a box at your local grocer. The pasta in Volterra is made fresh and by hand, which can make all the difference when it comes to taste.

It is not uncommon to see a wide variety of pasta served here including tagliatelle, gnocchi, and ravioli. The variations of sauces that accompany them are just as numerous and include meat sauces, pumpkin sauce, and sage with melted butter. Additionally, for the final touch, pasta dishes may be topped with shavings of local truffles in addition to pecorino cheese.

For a rare treat, ask to try the chestnut flour pasta while during your stay. This pasta is made from the local crop of chestnuts which lend an added savory flavor to pasta dishes especially when paired with creamy ricotta cheese. However you choose to enjoy a first course pasta dish, take a moment to delight in each delicious bite.

Outside of pasta, one of the most popular first course dishes in Volterra is known as pappa al pomodoro. A simple soup that derives from the peasant cooking tradition, pappa al pomodoro consists of stale Tuscan bread served with tomato, broth, extra virgin olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper.

Trippa alla volterriana is another traditional dish of the area. The dish is typically made by cooking tripe with onions, tomatoes, and herbs. The result is a hearty dish that may have originated with the Etruscans, as it is believed the ancient civilization would eat tripe every Saturday.

SECOND COURSE

When it comes to second courses, expect the featured ingredient of wild boar to steal the show. The animal is highly prevalent in Tuscany and is fairly widespread in the area. Wild boar is so popular in this part of the country that it is not uncommon to see Tuscan food festivals dedicated to celebrating it.

This type of meat is immensely popular here and is often fashioned into salsiccia di cinghiale, or wild boar sausage. It is practically a staple at any dinner table in town. Because it is so popular in Volterra, wild boar is also featured in a number of different dishes from hearty and rich stews to ravioli. Whether it is used as the base of a sauce, an accompaniment to pasta, or served in a hearty stew, wild boar is the most frequently featured meat for second courses in Volterra.

SIDE DISHES

Expect to find typical Tuscan ingredients when it comes to side dishes in Volterra, such as beans, cabbage, kale, potatoes, and mushrooms. Locally foraged truffles may be featured in dishes as well in addition to homemade Tuscan bread.

STREET FOOD

With so much of Volterra’s charm being found as one wanders the steep cobblestone streets and alleyways, eating on the go can be a lovely convenience. Fortunately, Italian street food is typically made with the same dedication to quality and taste that you would find in a restaurant.

A street-side favorite throughout Tuscany and the rest of Italy is the panino. This portable sandwich is the perfect vehicle to showcase authentic local flavors, such as cured meats, cheeses, and seasonal vegetables.

DESSERT

A traditional dessert of Volterra is the osso di morto which translates to bone of the dead. This somewhat crunchy sweet treat resembles a type of cookie. The dough is rather light and made from egg whites, sugar, hazelnuts, and usually a hint of lemon.

A traditional pastry of the Tuscany area is pane del pescatore which translates to fisherman’s bread. This scone-like treat made with raisins and almonds has a delicious buttery texture.

WINE

One of the most frequently requested wines in Volterra is Chianti. This Tuscan wine is a dry red with a tart twist. Chianti goes fabulously with pasta, wild boar, and pizza. This wine has great versatility which is part of why it is so wildly popular.

Vernaccia is one of the country’s oldest white wines. It has a bit of acidity and a slight aroma of lemon. While this wine goes well with a variety of different dishes, many connoisseurs say it pairs particularly beautifully with pasta and cheeses.

The region of Tuscany is home to many of Italy’s finest wines made from locally grown grapes in gorgeous vineyards that dot the countryside. Regardless of the wine you choose to complement your meal, chances are that these exquisite wines will impress your taste buds.