35 Best Restaurants in Italy That You Must Eat In
What runs through your mind when you think of Italy? Renaissance, art, or perhaps pizza? Italy has always been an exceptional destination, so much so that it is a de facto bucket list item for many travelers. Behind some of the most revered cuisines, such as pasta and pizza (about 5 billion pizzas are consumed every year), it’s no surprise Italy has become a customary pilgrimage for food connoisseurs.
But Italy’s culinary excellence trots past pasta and pizza. In its culture-clad cities, multiple restaurants are Michelin-star holders serving the most delectable culinary treats. With such a diverse catalog of restaurants, finding the best place to dine can prove challenging even for the most particular of travelers. Luckily for you, we have an illustrious list of the best restaurants in Italy.
1. Osteria Francescana
With great attention to detail, the small but high-end three Michelin-star venue found next to the church of San Francesco in Via Stella in Modena has been among the ranks of the most famous Italy restaurants in the past few years.
Why Is the Restaurant a Must-Eat?
The restaurant was voted the best in the world in 2016 and 2018. Led by Chef Massimo Bottura, Osteria Francescana serves contemporary and traditional cuisines in an intimate setting with minimal chic furnishings.
What to eat
The menu comprises innovative dishes such as five ages of parmigiana, lemon tart, and crispy foie gras that redefine what Italy offers. And for a memorable experience, pair any dishes with a bottle of Lambrusco.
2. La Pergola
A breathtaking view of the Eternal City is revealed to guests at one of the world’s most beautiful restaurants. Under the guidance of Heinz Beck, it has become a temple of international gastronomy, historically the first and, still today, the only three-star Michelin in Rome. You can also explore beautiful cities to visit in Italy.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
No list of the best restaurants in Italy is complete without La Pergola because of its award-winning wine list and creative Mediterranean dishes. This space is one of the only three Michelin-star restaurants in Rome. Moreover, it has a roof garden that stuns guests with awe-inspiring city views.
What to eat
Refined and innovative dishes include veal fillet with black truffles and apple puree, carpaccio of scallops on amaranth, and beef tartare on licorice-gelatine with caviar.
3. Le Calandre
Le Calandre is an actual citadel of Italian hospitality which began in 1981 with its commencement by Erminio and Rita Alajamo. In 1994, the baton was handed over to their sons Massimiliano and Raffaele, who improved it to the high decks of fine dining.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
In 2003, the restaurant was rewarded three-star Michelin status, which makes Max the youngest chef in the world to have received this recognition.
What to eat
Le Calandre’s renowned delicacies include the Alajmos’ Tiramisu in a Pipe and the flawlessly spherical Almond Mozzarella. The chef’s current trademark dish, Cappuccino Murrina, combines Venetian glasswork with startling flavors.
4. La Sponda
Over 400 candles buck it up, and this esoteric restaurant at Le Sirenuse Hotel guarantees a romantic dining adventure.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat
La Sponda is one of the excellent dinner locations in Italy. Captioning green ivy, gorgeous views, and fragrant candles and this romantic restaurant feels like an event from a fairytale film.
What to Eat
Its seafood risotto is out of this world. Fresh shrimp, lobster, clams, and mussels are generously piled into a thick, flavorful dish.
5. Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia
This fashionable restaurant in Milan received two Michelin stars in 2019 for its unique modern takes on traditional Italian cuisine.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
This restaurant has been a Milan tradition for 50 years. Despite the renovation, this restaurant has kept its kindness and service. In addition, the restaurant’s contemporary interpretations of Italian classics are praised.
What to eat
Their tasting menu is delicious, unique, delicate, and fresh, from mains to desserts. The beef oxtail is meaty, rich, and flavorful.
6. Enoteca Pinchiorri
The only three Michelin-star restaurant in Florence is Enoteca Pinchiorri, ideally situated inside a Renaissance palazzo.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Enoteca Pinchiorri’s imaginative kitchen mixes fresh ingredients to create new dishes. And its wine list includes rare vintages and premium cuvees. In addition, its old-world beauty and romantic setting make it a great Firenze dating spot.
What to eat
Enjoy their beautifully presented and well-prepared veal loin. This soft, juicy, and flavorful meat is a delight to eat when served with onions, radishes, and peppercorns.
7. Fiola at Dopolavoro Venezia
This unique Michelin-starred restaurant is located within the JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa and is only reachable by boat.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
This Venetian eatery welcomes couples and foodies. Fiola’s 1920s architecture and luxury environment captivate tourists, and its cuisine offers nostalgic and creative Venetian favorites. In addition, they employ seasonal foods from their garden, Adriatic Sea, and Rialto Market.
What to eat
Delicious foie gras alla Veneziana. This tasty and tender meal is glazed with wine and served with sweet onions. After that, try their fried vanilla pastry cream with corbezzolo honey.
8. SantoPalato
This fantastic restaurant in Rome opened in 2017 and featured bold flavors and vibrant decor.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
This retro-looking apartment has orange walls and tiled flooring. However, it attracts trendy residents, visitors, and young creatives. Its blackboard menu includes a liver omelet and chicken giblet.
What to eat
Please take advantage of their decadent, silky, and creamy yolky carbonara for the most sumptuous lunch in Italy. We also suggest ordering their hearty and filling spaghetti dish with chickpeas.
9. Da Vittorio
This groundbreaking family-run restaurant in Bergamo, Italy, was awarded three Michelin stars in this year. It is housed within a magnificent home.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
An elegant place where tradition meets innovation. Da Vittorio focuses on flavorful fish and fresh ingredients. Even better, the family’s ancient vineyard produces exceptional wines.
What to eat
One mouthful of their tournedos Rossini will convince you it’s Michelin-starred. Filet mignon, topped with foie gras, is perfectly cooked and decadent.
10. Don Alfonso 1890
Some of the most incredible cuisines in Italy are served at the restaurant, which is situated in the peaceful Sant’Agata town.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
This restaurant makes upmarket Italian dishes utilizing fresh products, like its contemporaries. Most of the restaurant’s vegetables, poultry, and fruits are farmed organically. Also, in 2019, the family-run restaurant in Amalfi got two Michelin stars.
What to eat
Bite their piglet. This dish’s bright brown exterior, pork taste, and soft, mild flesh will astound you. Next, try their spaghetti and crab soup.
11. Club del Doge Restaurant
Gourmet Venetian meals are served in an elegant setting at Hotel Gritti Palace under the direction of Chef Daniele Turco. Here you can see most beautiful countries in the world.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
One of Italy’s top dining establishments is Club del Doge. This magnificent waterfront restaurant is located along the majestic Grand Canal and offers elegant Venetian cuisine with a captivating view.
What to eat
Start with their tasty, mildly acidic, mustardy, salty, and beautifully presented beef tartare. Also, Once done, savor their creamy matt wheat spaghetti and fresh sea bass with a spicy sauce.
12. Dal Pescatore
This Runate restaurant has three Michelin stars and attracts customers with its picturesque scenery and delectable food.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Dal Pescatore has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for over a century. Though it uses family recipes, it has contemporary tweaks and twists. And its ambiance and service are unmatched.
What to eat
Their Tortelli di zucca offers delicious, simple, soothing nibbles that are somewhat salty, sweet, and delicious. But, of course, we also like their delicious and exquisite aubergine tomato terrine.
13. Il Desco
Spearheaded by renowned Chef Elio Rizzo, this elegant space masterfully crafts excellent dishes using traditional ingredients.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
This restaurant’s superb food, salon-like atmosphere, and elegant design are perfect for special occasions. Chef Rizzo’s son Matteo brought a contemporary spin to the restaurant’s menu.
What to eat
Start with their delicate, delicious shrimp. Next, we propose the fork-tender veal steak, which has a delicate flavor and fine-grained texture.
14. Il Palagio
This opulent dining room inside Florence’s Four Seasons Hotel satisfies visitors with its inventive Tuscan fare.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
This Michelin-star restaurant is lovely and serves expertly cooked Italian classics. This restaurant’s stunning design gives it a modern feel.
What to eat
Delicious chateaubriand. Each plate features tender filet mignon, umami-packed foie gras, and sweet bone marrow gratinee.
15. MEC Restaurant
This establishment, which claims to be Palermo’s best restaurant, has a fantastic fusion of cuisine, technology, and art.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
This restaurant is more than just Italian. This restaurant is a symphony of flavors, colors, and lights. It’s like eating in a Pixar and Apple-themed Museum.
What to eat
We recommend their tasting menu for a good meal, as it’s a multi-course feast with lamb, monkfish, cheese, and deconstructed scallops. In addition, it includes a passion fruit and chocolate dessert.
16. Bono Bottega Nostrana – San Pietro
The tastiest paninis in Rome are made at Bono Bottega Nostrana using seasonal and fresh ingredients.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Bono Bottega Nostrana makes Rome’s greatest paninis using seasonal ingredients. Sandwich shops are generally thought of as something other than Italy’s top restaurants. But Bono Bottega isn’t your typical deli.
This establishment serves meaty paninis with cured meats, crisp vegetables, and handmade bread. In addition, it provides excellent wines, pizzas, cheese platters, and tiramisu.
What to eat
Amazing hot salami panini. This fresh Italian sandwich is perfect for breakfast or a snack. It’s a sweet, spicy, savory, and salty blend.
17. Marea Seafood & Beverage
This stylish location, located in the center of Milan, is an intriguing combination of a cocktail bar and a seafood restaurant.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Marea is Milan’s trendiest seafood spot offering seafood-focused cuisine and extraordinary beverages. There’s also a stylish ambiance and happy hour.
What to eat
Their mini-burger buns are delicious. It’s little yet packed with bacon, truffle shavings, and sea scallops—savory, mildly salty, semi-sweet fried shrimp with spicy TNT sauce.
18. La Stazione Del Pescatore
This street food truck is located in Tortoli and is very well-liked among foodies.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
This food truck could be more appealing at first impression. However, you’ll understand why travelers and locals flock to this establishment after you try their fish sandwich—fast, pleasant, and skilled service.
What to eat
Try their tuna sandwich. It features a 150-gram slice of fresh, grilled, meaty, salty, soft, and juicy tuna in soft bread.
19. Il Pellicano
This elegant cliffside restaurant, run by Chef Michelino Gioia, is ideally situated within the five-star Hotel Il Pellicano.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Il Pellicano’s Mediterranean dishes use fresh, local ingredients such as steaks, lamb, and fresh seafood delivered daily. The restaurant’s views and decor are also appealing.
What to eat
Raw red shrimp are a must-try. Sweet and lobster-like, this shellfish delight is drenched in bottarga cream. Next, try the creamy foie gras.
20. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Initially established in 1870, this iconic location is renowned worldwide for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
L’Antica is known for having Naples’ most fabulous pizza. This pizza is worth the small menu and lengthy lines. Eat Pray Love’s famous memoir, and movie included it.
What to eat
Get some Margherita pizza. It’s a sophisticated pie with a melting, buttery taste, and the charred, doughy crust tastes like wood-fired bread. Warm tomatoes combine with fior di latte and oil.
21. Locanda dell’Isola Comacina
This restaurant, located on Lake Como, serves a superb six-course dinner that hasn’t changed in more than 50 years.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Locanda dell’Isola Comacina serves a 90-minute dinner. It’s a memorable experience with tasty meals and stories. In addition, this viewpoint offers excellent views of Lake Como.
What to eat
Their multi-course lunch has several tasty foods. The free-range chicken boasts juicy, perfectly crisp flesh and is a must-try. Save space for their handmade orange ice cream.
22. Piazza Duomo
This trendy and elegant restaurant has served Alba since 2005 with imaginative Italian dishes and fine wines.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Alba’s most fantastic restaurant is Piazza Duomo. This three-Michelin-star restaurant combines Japanese methods and aesthetics with local cuisine. Chef Enrico Crippa uses only fresh, uncooked ingredients.
What to eat
It’s a low-calorie feast of veggies, herbs, and leaves. Savor their delicate fassona garibaldi.
23. Ratana
Ratana became a must-visit culinary attraction in Milan the day it debuted in 2009.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
This classic restaurant features Chef Cesare Battisti’s culinary delights. This neo-bistro serves everything from veal cheek to risotto, and the patio overlooks a beautiful tiny park.
What to eat
Enjoy risotto Milanese with osso buco. It’s a buttery, delectable, creamy, fragrant risotto topped with rich, spicy, zesty veal shanks. The servings are large.
24. Ristorante Reale
Reale is a lovely restaurant above Castel di Sangro within a revered 16th-century monastery.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Castel di Sangro foodies can’t miss Reale. Reale’s ambrosial meals match its magnificent location. Chef Romito employs complicated meal preparations to highlight the taste of high-quality ingredients.
What to eat
Their lamb rib is bold. Tender fall-off-the-bone lamb with a grassy-sweet finish contrasts beautifully with the black truffle’s earthy and chocolatey notes.
25. Crestone. it
This little restaurant, located near Piazza Castello, is a favorite for breakfast in Turin.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
This place isn’t as good as the Michelin-starred eateries nearby, but its sandwiches are tasty. And it was cheap!
What to eat
Filling BRA sausage crostini are a must-try. It features fresh herbs, onion, spices, and cheese on toasted bread.
26. Hachi Ristorante Giapponese
This charming Japanese-themed restaurant is located in Naples on Via Luca Giordano.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Are you looking for sushi in Italy? That is a must-visit restaurant in Italy. This restaurant’s fresh rolls will fulfill sushi cravings. Did we mention its excellent service?
What to eat
All-you-can-eat is available. This choice offers cheap rolls like a woman’s flower and fish carpaccio with truffle oil. Nigiri and maki rolls feature high-quality rice.
27. Indian Palace
The authentic cuisine and tastes of South India are brought to Florence by Indian Palace.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Indian Palace is a popular restaurant for unique Italian cuisine serving fragrant and satisfying Indian staples, from dosas to curries. This light-colored room is peaceful and charming.
What to eat
Try their chicken masala. This dish’s gently spicy, earthy sauce is made with Indian spices. It features juicy, tender, moist chicken bits.
28. La Voglia di Genova
This small family-run restaurant in Genova dazzles with its delicious handmade Italian food.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
This restaurant is perfect for informal dining in Genoa. Guests may order pasta and focaccia prepared from scratch at this restaurant. In addition, it provides organic and natural wines.
What to eat
Amazing Italian food? Try their Ligurian rabbit. A low-calorie meal cooked in red wine with delicious olives and mild rabbit meat. You may also get a suckling pig with orange sauce.
29. The Gallery Pizzart Food & Drink
This pizzeria, located in the core of Bologna’s old district, impresses customers with its artistic vibe and delicious pies.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Gallery Pizzart Food & Drink serves the best pizza in Bologna and has a great wine list. It’s one of Italy’s top birthday restaurants, with vast dining rooms and delicious meals.
What to eat
Their marinara pizza is fantastic with its thin, crispy crust and soft center covered with olive oil, oregano, and garlic. Its sweet and tangy flavor makes it tempting.
30. Biga Genio e Farina
This Sicilian restaurant, run by Federico Mangano, draws customers in with its handmade, street-style pizzas.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Biga Genio e Farina rivals Italy’s top eateries. This eatery serves fresh, creative pizzas and features Aperol Spritz, a casual ambiance, and swift, pleasant service.
What to eat
Try margherita pizza. This pizza contains creamy Silician mozzarella and a zesty, sweet sauce. It’s also delicious and crunchy.
31. Trattoria da Cesare
Rome’s famed Trattoria da Cesare, which debuted in 2009, is a popular restaurant. In addition, it is close to many public transit stops and retail areas.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Trattoria da Cesare is one of Rome’s best restaurants. It has a vine-covered terrace for alfresco dining, good service, and local wine.
What to eat
Order Pomodoro and Basil Bruschetta. It’s a tomato-basil bruschetta. Baccala Alla Romana is a flavorful fish entrée. Roman-style fish in tomato sauce.
32. Himalaya Palace
The Himalaya Palace is a well-known restaurant specializing in traditional North Indian food. It was founded in 1993.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Himalaya Place serves traditional North Indian cuisine. This restaurant’s interior is well-lit and decorated with art. It has a la carte and vegetarian alternatives.
What to eat
Fish Masala is a must-try; it’s tandoor-cooked swordfish with spicy sauce. Vegetarians should try Baingan Bharta. Spicy tandoor-cooked mashed eggplant.
33. Pizzarium
A pizzeria called The Pizzarium, also known as Bonci Pizzarium, debuted in a residential area in 2003.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
Dine at Pizzarium with friends and family or on a date. This eatery serves handcrafted pizzas made with natural ingredients and personalized toppings. In addition, it provides natural tea blends, artisan beer, fresh juices, wine, etc.
What to eat
Pizzarium offers customizable pizzas. Zucchini blossoms, salami, smoked salmon, octopus, black truffle, fish, anchovies, artichokes, foie gras, and more are topping options.
34. La Tradizione
A café and cheese store called La Tradizione is about 10 minutes from various museums.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
La Tradizione is a leading cheese shop with 400 varieties. In addition, it provides prepared foods, cured meats, exquisite wine, caviar, freshly baked pastries, and handmade pasta.
What to eat
Cannelloni di Carne is a local favorite. Cannelloni with minced beef, cheese, tomatoes, and a creamy sauce is a tasty choice. Cinque Terre is a must-see. Tortelli, green beans, potatoes, and pesto.
35. Mosto
A wine bar called Mosto is close to several must-see tourist attractions and malls.
Why is the restaurant a must-eat?
After eating downtown’s most incredible eateries, visit Mostò for a wine sampling. It has a laid-back feel, friendly service, limitless wine options, and limited food options.
What to eat
Order Finocchi Al Forno for a light wine snack. It has Taggiasca olives, oranges, and dill mayonnaise. Want a healthy diet treat? I recommend Vignarola. Broad beans, spring onions, peas, artichokes, and lettuce.
Conclusion
When you go to Italy, you won’t be short of options when dining out since it has a long and illustrious history of preparing its culinary specialties. These 35 restaurants will offer something to eat, whether you are seeking classic Italian food or something more unusual. And if you’re in the mood for genuine excitement, take a look at our recommendations.
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