So behind on my reviews...having to much fun and phone service was out for a few days. Dining at La Taverna di San Giuseppe is was one of the coolest dining experiences ever. Our server told us that this previously a cave. How often do you get to dine in a cave? The inside of the restaurant is of this stone like space. We were immediately captivated. While it does not currently have a Michelin rating, we were told it previously had a Micheline rating. The atmosphere is that of a cave...cool, a little damp, and intimate. San Guiseppe has wine cellar, according to staff, date back. We felt totally and complete immersed in history and that was only the building. centuries of Sienese life. The cuisine honors Tuscan tradition while elevating it through precision and care. Each dish showcases excellent ingredients and confident execution, embracing regional flavors rather than reinventing them. San Guissppe feature traditional dishes such as handmade pasta, rich sauces, and tenders meats showcasing distinct flavors with bold seasoning. We order lasaguna and cheese salad...absolutely superb! Our servers were superior...waiting on you hand and foot. You did not ask for anything as it was already there. Our server, Marco, was kind, humorous and knowledgeable. Since it was our first time to the restaurant he was super patient and informative regarding menu items. La Taverna di San Giuseppe has s long-term Michelin recognition for a reason...superior food and excellent service in a very unique space. We savored every bite and sip we consumed in San Giuseppe. When we are in Tuscany again, we will make a beeline for this restaurant. read more

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Taverna di San Giuseppe was a disappointing meal for us, especially in a city with so many great dining options. We ended up here by mistake (confused it with another spot), and unfortunately it didn't live up to expectations. The restaurant fills up with reservations for two seatings, and from the moment we sat down the pace felt rushed. We ordered drinks and a starter while deciding on the rest, but multiple staff members kept coming by trying to take our full order. It felt like they were pushing to move things along quickly. There were a couple positives. The chicken livers to start were quite tasty and something we didn't see often on other menus. The primi were underwhelming. The pasta didn't taste fresh like many other trattorias in Siena, and the dishes overall were just average. The lasagna in particular was mushy, and the sauces didn't stand out. The secondi were slightly better -- pork ribs, Barolo-braised beef, and a "small chicken" -- but still nothing that justified the higher prices. They do have an underground wine cellar built into a cave, which is interesting to see, but there are other places in Siena with much larger and more impressive cellar spaces. Also worth noting, they add a "10% tax" charge rather than the typical €2 coperto per person. Overall, a rushed and fairly mediocre meal at a higher price point. With so many better places to eat in Siena, this is one I'd skip. read more

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This is a pretty good *tourist* restaurant. Interior is cool.... brick ceiling, wine cellar vibe. Decent service. Salad was Amazing... one of the best ever. Osso bucco was weak... very under cooked and tough. read more

La Taverna di San Giuseppe - Tuscan Near Me - Siena, SI

I'll start by saying my wife and I get very good Italian food where we live with a lot of first and second generation Italian Americans. That said we don't get the same quality ingredients you find here in Italy. The owner fit us in while they were fully booked. Excellent food and service with a beautiful atmosphere. If you want something less commercial away from the piazza you won't be disappointed. Next time we are in Siena we will make it a point to eat here again. read more

We went May 1st, first of all, the restaurant truly carries that Tuscan brick-stone tavern, charm. The staff was accommodating, knowledgeable about wine selection, the food was absolutely delicious, walking down to the cellar definitely had an awe factor. The staff cut us up a platter of their cheese in the cellar. Tiramisu for desert topped the 5 star experience. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: You need reservations that can only be made by calling them, no online reservations capabilities. You should call 5 days in advance. Worth it. Our bill came out to less than $250 + Tip for 2 bottles of wine, 6 main entrees, 2 appetizers, 3 Tiramisu, and cheese platter - NOT BAD if you ask me. Because we gave them a nice tip - they gave us a bottle of wine as a thank you gift. read more

Taverna di San Giuseppe is a very well oiled machine. Reservations are a must (recommend booking through your hotel/walking in and requesting a reservation for next day) but the atmosphere is well worth it. Every server is serving you and the owners are incredibly attentive. Meals are stepped out in a way that has you receiving each dish with ample time to enjoy. The tiramisu was to die for and the invitation to explore the wine cellar afterwards was a treat. Well worth it!! read more

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Simple menu but very tasty! There was some seating out on the street and it was fun to people watch. Fair prices for the area, and the employees were very attentive even when we arrived at a non-typical dining hour. Would return if we are in the area again! read more

Honestly, I thought this restaurant was soooo overrated. First, even if you make a reservation, the wait to get in is awkward and confusing. We stood inside the restaurant for five minutes before anyone acknowledged us. We were seated in front of the cellar which was nice, but I'm surprised no one has remarked on the literal black mold growing on the glass in the cellar??I am pretty sure that is not healthy. The food was mixed. Some dishes were good and some were meh. We ordered: - Cheese soufflé (5/5) this was great. - Grilled vegetables (5/5) not sure what seasoning was used but it was deeeelicious. - Carbonara (3/5) this was so filling but not really in a good way. It seemed imbalanced. Perhaps too much egg and too little pasta. - Cannelloni (4/5) the truffle was good but it was so heavy. read more

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What a find on our first day in Tuscany. We saw the Michelin star signs for decades and couldn't pass it up. We had an appetizer plate with a cheese soufflé, some Type of savory pastry topped with truffles and an eggplant dish. For our entrees we ordered lasagna, gnocchi and beef with a red wine reduction sauce. Amazing on every level! read more

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The salad at San Giuseppe was our favorite meal in Italy, bar none. It was light, flavorful and filling--a masterful mix of fixings that was greater than the sum of its parts. The greens were the freshest we found, the ricotta salata had ideal saltiness, and the fruit blended perfectly to balance the dish. If reservations weren't so difficult to come by, we would have gone every day in Siena. The space is incredibly beautiful, outfitted in rustic decor and the service was attentive and accommodating to match the superlative menu. Call ahead and get a table. You don't want to miss this one. read more

La Taverna di San Giuseppe - Salad - Tuscan Near Me - Siena, SI

Very excited to have stumbled upon another Michelin star restaurant while traveling through Italy. As soon as I saw it, I walked in to get reservations. We were able to secure seats that evening due the first seating. The interior is lovely and they have a vibe and cheese cellar that looks super cool and has that humus, cool and musty smell to it. Primo!! I have to say that I was a bit disappointed overall. The Portions were small. Now, I realize that this is a Michelin star restaurant and don't expect big American portions, however, that being said they were a bit small not being a tasting menu. We asked to split a garden side salad but He gave us the special salad which was the wrong salad and twice the price. The salad contains slides grapes which were different fur a salad but tasted good. The problem was that there were grape seeds all over the salad and in the grapes and ruined each bite. The plating left a lot to be desired. Like they say, you eat with your eyes first. There wasn't much for the eyes to chew on here. Very boring and plain. I expect much more from an award winning restaurant of this caliber and with these prices. Overall, the meal could have been much better in multiple ways. Disappointing to say the least. read more

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Made the reservation a month in advance as this place is popular! Beautiful interior and the food is excellent and reasonably priced for what you get. Got the famous Florentine Steak for two and as advertised it came rare but "no blood" as the waiter explained because it's dry aged. Tender and delicious. The Truffle Pasta came with LOADS of fresh black truffles shaved right at the table. Would have been at least twice the price in the USA. Oh, the Tiramisu was the best we had in all of Italy. Would come back again in a heartbeat. read more

Food (5 of 5) -- outstanding in all respects. One of the best meals we have ever had anywhere. The quail eggs on sausage with truffles were delicious with an outstanding blend of flavors. The pecorino cheese soufflé with pears was unique and wonderful. The risotto, wild boar, and beef stew were also all wonderful. Service (5) -- outstanding in all respects from start to finish. Atmosphere (5) -- unique especially for a Michelin starred restaurant and absolutely wonderful. We had a wonderful meal and experience. Congratulations to all of the outstanding people involved in making our evening a magical one we will always remember. Thank you read more

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This review was from our November 3, 2023 lunch following our guided tour of beautiful Siena. We asked the waitress if she would separate the bill among four couples but she declined our request. Oh well. We started with two appetizers that we shared and they were both quite tasty. The roasted eggplant was hearty with a tomato and Parmesan cheese ensemble. The mixed green salad (insulata) had a wonderful mix of fresh vegetables with a very nice light dressing. My cocoa pasta in a white wild boar ragu was exquisite and unique. My wife enjoyed the cannelloni pasta filled with cheese and white truffle that she enjoyed. The Italian bread was possibly the best that I tasted in Italy. The service was both efficient without being overbearing. Bravo. read more

La Taverna di San Giuseppe - Interior dining room sign - Tuscan Near Me - Siena, SI

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What a great experience! From start to finish, the food was unbelievably delicious. The cheese soufflé was amazing, the osso buco and lasagna were exquisite. The tiramisu was nothing I've ever tried in the United States! This is the best dining experience I've ever had. No wonder it is a Michelin rated restaurant. A must when in Siena! The Brunello wine was delicious and seeing their wine cellar was extraordinary! read more

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This is one of our favorite restaurants in the world. We've probably eaten here 1/2 dozen times! It is for foodies and non- foodies alike and we've recommended it to many friends. All of the local tuscan dishes (including a truffle menu!) are here. The family that runs the restaurant are so welcoming. Excellent wines. We are visiting again this year and already have two reservations confirmed! read more

Incredible! Walked in unannounced at opening time, 7:00pm, on a Friday night. We got lucky and received a table for the two of us. Obviously, a favorite for the locals! Everything we read about them ahead of time proved to be true or better! Service- incredible. Food- unbelievably delicious!!!! Ambience was ideal for an intimate, first night experience in Sienna! Do not miss this if you are anywhere near Sienna! read more

This restaurant is on the Michelin guide - and has been since the 2000s!!! It might be weird that they've never surpassed it, but its works for me because they're within a price range that I'm ok with. They're not hard to find. They're located not too far from the city center. It's hard to navigate the streets in Siena, but Google Maps was really helpful. The entrance says "osteria". You have to call for reservations; you cannot email. I was able to get one by asking my airbnb host to call for me a few days in advance. They have two seatings - one at 7 PM and one at 9:30 PM. For first seating, you only get 1.75 hours so they have time to prepare for the second seating. The inside is pretty tight, but it's like eating inside a tavern with the brick walls and ceiling. If you walk to the back, you enter their wine cellar, which is cold and musty. The carbonara spaghetti was ok. I think it's best to eat carbonara while in Rome. The pappardelle was terrific. They cooked some really good, soft mushrooms. The cinghiale did not meet my expectations, but that's because I had really high expectations of what "wild boar" would be like. The dish was cooked so well that the meat didn't taste too game-y. The sauce went well with the bread. They had too many wines to choose from, so we just went with Le Corbinie. Service was great! It seemed like the younger guys spoke English better/more comfortable with speaking English read more

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Good food, recommend to friends. Service was good also. Took no time and the environment was inviting.

The ambiance is great, cool spot and beautiful interior, but food was ok. The food came out super fast which was my first red flag. Second one was, everyone there were tourists. We ordered slow cooked veal (cannot fully remember the name), but it was tough and was def not "slow cooked"- nothing fell off the bone or connective tissue. The polenta had no flavor as well. Lastly, we ordered the Canelloni- flavor was decent, but pasta overcooked and just no texture. Service was great though. Sorry, for a lower rating, but just felt they could do better based on the ratings. read more

Da so atrocious, argued with my aunt about reservation after problem was settled still argued, food was minuscule, what's ambiance.

Out of this world lunch and best meal we had in Italy! The service was prompt, attentive and professional. The restaurant itself is charming with 2 wine cellars and the oldest street in Siena, encased but visible through a window inside the restaurant. The food was absolutely amazing. We started with chicken livers braised in Vin Santo. The combination of sweet and savory was delightful. My husband had the wild boar ragu and I had a When Harry Met Sally moment with my ricotta gnocchi with truffles (even fresh truffle grated on top at the table). We are definitely planning to go back next time we are in Italy. Do need reservations but not to be missed!! read more

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There are certain restaurants where your desire to praise them to the skies conflicts with your desire to keep the secret to yourself so that it doesn't become so crowded you can't get back in This is one of those restaurants. However, since its apparent Rick Steves long ago spilled the beans on this place, trying to keep it a secret is a pipe dream. Suffice to say, however, there are a handful of restaurants in Italy for which I am willing to reshape a trip itinerary. This is one of them. We go to Giuseppe every time we're in Siena, without fail. It never ever disappoints. Reserve early! We usually make our "Giuseppe" dinner reservation before we even book our hotels.... Dishes are anchored in Tuscan traditions, but prepared with creativity and flair. They have great specials. Everything done to perfection, and each feels like another added layer of decadence! Great wine selections. Extremely friendly and helpful staff working as a team. Dining room is cozy, lovely and small...10-12 tables only? Wine cellar downstairs in what was a hand-carved dwelling from Etruscan times. read more

La Taverna di San Giuseppe - Tuscan Near Me - Siena, SI

Wow, this place was absolutely insane. They took us in without reservation on a Friday at lunchtime and we were blown away by the food and atmosphere. All the pastas were excellent, and we got the faggolio as an app and creme brûlée for dessert which were all amazing. For the quality of dining the prices were very reasonable. Awesome service. Make stopping by here a priority if you are in Siena! read more

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I was expecting Michelin star service, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While the food was good, it wouldn't even make the Bib Gourmand list in the US. I think Michelin is more generous with stars in Europe than in the US. I have a few complaints: The bread was a joke. It tasted like it was two days old and bought from a supermarket. The service was lacking. There weren't enough servers, and my empty glass sat on the table for 15 minutes before I had to ask for another glass of wine. The servers didn't provide any information about the food, not even the basic ingredients. This would be unheard of in the US. The servers brought the food across the table and poured the wine in a way that was not elegant. If it wasn't a Michelin-starred restaurant, I wouldn't have said anything. However, since it was, I expected exceptional food and service, but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. None of the dishes were exceptional. The issue is the difference between Europe and the US. In the US, a Michelin star means you'll receive world-class food, service, and interior design. I've been to several European Michelin-starred restaurants in France, the Netherlands, Austria, and Italy, and they were inferior to Chicago's Boka, Sepia, or Temporis, which also have one Michelin star. read more

Romantic spot for lunch or dinner. Amazing vegan options (grilled veggies, roasted potatoes, spring greens salad, sautéed spinach, and the BEST truffle pasta I have ever had. I will dream about this place. read more

La Taverna di San Giuseppe - Truffle pasta, grilled veggies, roasted potatoes, and sautéed spinach. - Tuscan Near Me - Siena, SI

I just had lunch at the restaurant, the reason for 2 stars is the front reception is an old lady with severely bad attitude, so sad that the way she treats customers so bitterly, when you sit to eat you loose appetite, they should replace her with some kind professional person. Having a restaurant is about fun and excitement not being rude and unprofessional. read more

This is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to in my whole long life of living!! I never stay in Sienna, so it's tough to make a reservation when you're not 100% sure when you're actually going to be there. And it's really tough to get in last minute. This is a favorite even amongst Italians. It's really nice and cool in there. I got to go when they offered lunch, which was a nice refuge from the hot ass Italian heat in the summer. Now, I think they only do dinner. The staff is so incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the food is out of this world. read more

This restaurant was spectacular. We had pasta and gnocchi to start. Both were served with shaved black truffles. Then my husband had the Osso Bucco which was so tender it just fell away from the bone. I had the wild boar--spectacular!!! I had never had wild boar before and this was a revelation. I recommend it highly; it is cooked for 8 hours, 4 hours in white wine and 4 hours in milk. We had roasted vegetables and spinach to accompany the meal. A dessert sampler to finish. Wines were: Prosecco to accompany the chef's potato soup, then Montepulciano (osso bucco) and Chianti Classico (wild boar) with our main dishes. And two dessert wines to finish. Mine was apricot- y and from a small island of 700 inhabitants located between Italy and Africa. Unfortunately I left my phone in the hotel so have no photos to share. The ambiance, the wait staff, the food.,. Five stars. We feel very lucky. Note: very steep incline to reach restaurant from Campo de Palio. Take a cab if possible. After dinner the walk home was mostly downhill. read more

Make sure you get a reservation well in advance. Knocking off one star because I had requested a ressie through email months before my trip but when we got to the restaurant the lady at the front door said she had no reservations under my name. We had communicated multiple times, explaining my fam was vegetarian, etc. so I was frantically searching through my emails for "proof". Eventually she found a note in her book, she had spelled my name completely wrong, and all was OK. In any case, I was a bit irritated that she thought I imagined making a reservation. Service was OK. Maybe it was a busy night, but when I think of Michelin starred restaurants I think of impeccable service and that was not the case here the night that I went. The food was good though, there are a few options for vegetarians. The pasta is well made and very fresh. Desserts were also good, don't forget to try the cheesecake, it's pretty unique! read more

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Great place. Great service. The food was delicious. Just one observation the chicken I order was a little bit over cook per say. But everything else was very good. The ambiance is very welcoming and great place to go have a great dinner time. Evening was good. read more

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The service and the food was amazing. There aren't too many seafood restaurants in Siena but this specializes in fresh seafood. I really enjoyed it. read more

Best meal of my entire life. Wow I can't say enough great things it changed my view of Italy read more

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Sitting outside, people watching, great bread, classic, perfectly prepared pasta, a bottle of house wine, and all a two minute walk from St. Peter's basilica... what more could you ask for? read more

OMG, hands-down was THE best restaurant we went to in Italy (and top 5 I've ever eaten at in general). The restaurant has been on the Michelin guide for YEARS- which in the exact words of the waiter, means they have Michelin-quality FOOD, but because they don't have a star they are still on the "cheaper" side (more bang for your buck). Completely agree with that statement. The service was 5 star- the waiter had several great recommendations, all of which we ordered and LOVED. When we originally asked for seafood, his response was "they don't sell any because they're too far from the ocean". We loved the honesty, and the fact that they only sell fresh, local food items. For dinner we ordered the top 2 selling dishes, the truffle gnocchi (#1) and the pici with wild boar ragu. Both were AMAZING!!! For dessert we had the "most amazing tiramisu you'll ever have" (did not disappoint)!! Ask to go see the original (wine) cellar downstairs after you order your meal (from 300 BC). Also ask for a wine recommendation if you can't chose from the +700 wines on the list!! HIGHLY recommend this restaurant but make sure you make a reservation! Wish I had another night in Siena to eat here again!!! read more

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Arguably one of the top 5 restaurants I've ever eaten at in the world. Sounds crazy but I would have to say it's true. Don't know if it has any Michelin stars but who the hell cares. Each item on the menu had something unique to it. Each dish was crafty in its own right. Limited yet sophisticated ingredients. Out of this world execution where you'd think, cooked grapes in risotto? Yes. It works. The place has the feel of an old castle with a cave like entrance leading you downstairs. Picture worthy. The staff full of smiles, kindness and acceptance. The quail egg, polenta and truffle was holy sh*t spot on. The risotto was out of this world and one of the best executed dishes during our Tuscan trip. Red wine reduction, cheese, grapes and whatever crack was in it. The truffle tagliatelle was just lovely and in no need of a description. The braised beef was good but I'm a bad person to review braised food. I never had a palate for it. The desserts. They claim it's the universes best tiramisu and I can't argue against that. Until I had one made by some grandmother on a wine tour. But definitely great. What's better was the hazelnut soufflé. The center was a lava cake overflowing with hazelnut cream. Best thing I had as far as desserts on this trip. Reservations are full a week out but luckily our great hotel hosts at Residenza Campo Rego Relais was able to get us lunch reservations. read more

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Holy cow! This is a DO NOT MISS if you are going to Siena. The food is amazing and the ambience is something you will never forget! The restaurant is a former dwelling, carved out of a cliff over a thousand years ago. We loved the food and the wine selection is superb. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation here!!!! read more

Unfortunately we had not been here since 2019. However, it was very refreshing to see that they had done nothing but add to their Michelin stars in that time. Great food, professional and attentive staff and fantastic atmosphere. Highly recommend to all. Reservations required read more

VERY impressed! There's a good reason why this has been a Michelin star restaurant since the early 2000s! The service and the charismatic waiters charm you into wanting to come again! Francesco was a sweetheart, and walked me through the wine room, and the history of the restaurant. Francesco, Pierpaolo, and Samuel were extremely caring, and he recommended a perfect wine for me based on my own preferences. The owner was extremely sweet and I ended up giving her a couple hugs. And this was only my first visit! I came two days in a row because I love the food that much! It is extremely well priced and the food is off the charts wonderful! I was having a hard time getting a wine tour and the gentleman who worked there wrote down a bunch of different wineries and places I should check out if I can't get a tour. They really genuinely care about their customers. EAT HERE! you cannot come to Siena without dining at this establishment! Lorella has a heart of gold and really cares for her customers! She's such a genuine soul! This review was supposed to be sent in January but I noticed it never fully posted! read more

Truly an incredible meal. Everything was 5 stars and the service was wonderful. Be sure to make reservations. The place was packed but for a reason. This is a must eat at place in beautiful Siena. read more

La Taverna di San Giuseppe - Well deserved. - Tuscan Near Me - Siena, SI