Sovana is a village in the municipality of Sorano, in southern Tuscany. The dining here is divine, as we are in Maremma, an area rich with delectable dishes of peasant origin. The typical cuisine of Sovana draws the best that the land can offer.
What to Eat in Sovana
The cuisine of Sovana is a fascinating journey through authentic flavors and culinary traditions deeply rooted in the local area. Characterized by lush nature and a rich history, this area offers dishes that reflect its agro-pastoral past. A central element of Sovana’s cuisine is olive oil, a product of excellence abundantly used in local dishes to give a unique and unmistakable flavor. Soups are a cornerstone of Maremman cuisine.
The generous use of simple and genuine ingredients distinguishes the typical cuisine of this part of Southern Tuscany. Common ingredients include legumes, grains, seasonal vegetables, and meat, particularly wild boar, which is widely available in the area. Lastly, desserts are not lacking either, among which “cantucci,” biscuits dipped in Vin Santo, a sweet wine typical of Tuscany, stand out. Simplicity and genuineness dominate this cuisine, where each dish tells the story of Sovana and Maremma, lands of wild beauty and deep-rooted culinary traditions.
Restaurants in Sovana
Golosofia is located at Piazza del Pretorio, 4, and can be reached at +39 0564 617103.
Located in the main square of the medieval village of Sovana, Golosofia is a wine bar offering an excellent selection of Maremman wines and local products in a warm and welcoming environment. You can pair wine glasses with game cold cuts and pecorino cheeses.
Additionally, a wide assortment of honey, jams, pesto, sauces, local oil, craft beers, typical liquors, legumes, artisanal biscuits, and pasta completes the rich choice of souvenirs to take home.
Ristorante dei Merli (Via Rodolfo Siviero, 3, Tel. +39 0564 614329)
In the center of Sovana, Ristorante dei Merli offers typical dishes of Tuscan Maremma and grilled meats. The dishes derive from the local gastronomic tradition and feature fresh and genuine ingredients. The restaurant is famous for its grilled meats, sourced from local farms. It includes a large garden, and the dining room offers a magnificent view of the cathedral of Sovana and the valley.
La Taverna Etrusca (Piazza del Pretorio, Tel. +39 349 124 5540)
In Piazza del Pretorio, the restaurant La Taverna Etrusca offers typical dishes from Sovana and the Tuscan Maremma area. The restaurant is famous for its grilled meat dishes from local farms. The first courses offer homemade pasta.
Typical Dishes
Meat, particularly wild boar, is a staple in Sovana’s typical dishes, sourced locally and prepared in a variety of ways. For instance, “cinghiale in umido” (stewed wild boar) is a rich and flavorful stew that pairs perfectly with a glass of local red wine. You cannot discuss the cuisine of Sovana without mentioning “Pici.” These are thick handmade spaghetti, generally served with meat sauces like wild boar ragù or with garlic and chili pepper.
Cheeses, like Tuscan pecorino, are also an essential component of the Maremman table. In fact, people often serve pecorino as an appetizer, pair it with local jams and honey, or incorporate it into numerous recipes. Restaurants in Sovana typically serve the following dishes:
- The dish is called Buglione di Cinghiale (stewed wild boar meat).
- Cialdino dei tufi is a type of thin wafer that has an anise flavor.
- Pici al ragù
- Tortelli
- Serve Acquacotta (a tomato, onion, and egg soup) with Tuscan bread and pecorino cheese.
- Panzanella, a dish of soaked stale bread, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and basil, epitomizes the freshness of summer.