Pici & Co.: Where Tuscan Pasta Tradition Is Hand-Rolled

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 10/09/2025

Pici & Co.: Where Tuscan Pasta Tradition Is Hand-Rolled

In the heart of Valdichiana, in the town of Foiano della Chiana, stands Pici & Co., a small restaurant and pasta laboratory dedicated to preserving one of Tuscany’s most beloved culinary traditions: handmade pici. Set just across from the lively Valdichiana Outlet Village, a favorite stop for both locals and travelers, the space may be modest—but inside, it hums with the warmth of family, craft, and community.

The story of Pici & Co. is one of passion and persistence. Officially opened as a restaurant in 2023, its roots stretch back to 2016, when Mirko Iebba and his wife Sara decided to turn their love of food into a lifelong craft. The inspiration goes even deeper, to the two hectares of land once purchased by Mirko’s grandfather, a farmer from Avellino who taught the family the value of honest work and the beauty of simple food. Today, that legacy has flourished into a 200-hectare estate, and Mirko and Sara carry it forward with the same humility and pride.

Mirko welcomes guests in the dining room, where the atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, while Sara leads the kitchen, transforming flour and water into the soul of Tuscany—pici. Each strand of pasta is rolled by hand, never by machine, giving it the rustic texture that defines true Tuscan cooking. The couple’s philosophy is simple yet unwavering: preserve authenticity, celebrate craftsmanship, and cook with heart.

The Pasta and Its Craft

Pici, the restaurant’s signature pasta, is at the heart of everything Pici & Co. does. Rooted in cucina povera, the humble cooking of rural Tuscany, it’s made from only type 2 Verna soft wheat flour, Senatore Cappelli durum semolina, water, and extra virgin olive oil. There are no eggs or preservatives—just honest, simple ingredients and the skill of patient hands. The dough is rolled into long, uneven strands that perfectly catch each sauce, embodying the slow, deliberate rhythm of traditional Tuscan cooking.

The Menu

The menu celebrates the flavors and techniques passed down through generations. Each day, Sara and her team prepare a variety of sauces using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from small Tuscan farms, cooked slowly to develop richness and depth. Prices for pasta dishes range between €8 and €11, while appetizers and small plates fall between €4 and €8, keeping the experience accessible without ever compromising quality.

Guests can begin their meal with a few stuzzichini, classic Tuscan starters like Crostini Neri, Crostini Rossi Piccanti, or Pappa al Pomodoro, which capture the essence of home-style cooking. For those who wish to indulge further, comforting bites such as Polpette di Chianina, Sformatino di Carote e Patate, and Pecorino di Pienza with honey add simple yet satisfying touches.

The heart of the menu lies in the pici and their sauces. Diners can savor the Sugo di Chianina, a slow-simmered tomato and IGP beef sauce, or the Sugo di Cinta Senese, rich with heritage pork and Tuscan herbs. The Sugo all’Aglione della Val di Chiana features the region’s native garlic, prized for its sweetness, while lighter options such as Pomodorini e Olive and Pomodoro e Basilico offer fresh Mediterranean balance. Seasonal pairings like Amatriciana “Mia”, Salsiccia e Fiori di Zucca, and Zucchine e Patate con Crumble di Pane round out a menu that feels both traditional and alive.

The Ayinger Partnership

Beyond its pasta, Pici & Co. adds another dimension to the dining experience through its partnership with Ayinger Privatbrauerei, one of Bavaria’s most respected independent breweries. Founded in 1878 in the village of Aying near Munich, Ayinger is known for its meticulous craftsmanship, pure Bavarian water, and the balance of malt and hops that defines its character.

On the menu, guests can find celebrated brews like the rich, malty Celebrator Doppelbock, the crisp Bräuweisse, and the smooth Altbairisch Dunkel. As Ayinger’s official ambassador in Italy, Pici & Co. bridges the traditions of Tuscany and Bavaria—pairing hand-rolled pasta with world-class beer in a meeting of artisanal worlds that share the same dedication to authenticity and craft.