Pizzeria Bar L'Officina del Gusto — Restaurant in Unione dei Comuni Amiata Val d'Orcia

After reading the positive reviews, we decided to try this place for lunch at 12:15. Upon arrival, we were immediately confused, as this isn’t a traditional restaurant but more of a cafeteria where you order at the counter, and the food is served once it’s warmed up.

After some consideration, we opted for two pizzas and a pasta dish. When we inquired about the pasta options, the cashier/waitress informed us that they only had pici aglione available. That was fine, so we placed our order. However, the waitress seemed annoyed that we chose the pasta and repeatedly warned us that it would take 20 minutes to prepare. We agreed to start with the pizzas and wait for the pasta.

As we finished our pizza, we continued to wait for the pasta. After 30 minutes, we asked for an update, only to be told that it wasn’t ready yet because the kitchen had just opened. They assured us it would be ready in another 15 minutes. If we had been informed from the start that the kitchen wasn’t fully operational, rather than being told it would only take 20 minutes, we would have adjusted our expectations. Instead, after waiting 45 minutes (by 1:00 pm) for a pasta dish that arrived undercooked, it felt like a complete waste of time. When we raised our concerns about the pasta, we were told that it was supposed to taste like that because it was homemade. Having enjoyed many versions of pici aglione, from homemade dishes by nonnas to high-end restaurants, I can confidently say it should not have tasted this way.

I left feeling extremely disappointed and frustrated. The experience didn’t justify the wait, and the quality certainly didn’t match the price. I wouldn’t...

This became our local cafe during a 4-week stay in San Quirico. Consistently excellent coffee and fresh and tasty pastries, all at a very good price. We also bought all our bread here, which you need to order before the day you want it. A few times a week (at least!) we would come for coffee, pick up a freshly baked loaf, and eat half of it for lunch :) You can also buy pizza here by the slice, and they will make fresh sandwiches. The bakery is full of locals; you can do as they do and drink your cafe at the bar, or sit and relax as we often did. Plenty of space inside or out, and we always felt welcome and never rushed. Thank you to all the kind staff who helped us feel at home...

A good place if you have children and pushchairs as lots of space and some fun car based seating.

The pastry is quite average. We had the Cornetto con Pistachio Crema. Felt like it had been there a while and not as good as those in Castiglione.

Coffee also wasn't the best we have had, but fine for an early morning rush.

Full of locals and some tourists which makes...