Cetara
This tiny eating joint in salt-of-the-earth Cetara is barely larger than a studio flat, with six tables and an open kitchen from which the industrious…
Must-see restaurants in Italy
Ascoli Piceno
Strings of garlic and chilli dangle from the ceiling of this pocket-sized deli-enoteca, where locals squeeze in or spill out onto the terrace for fine…
Central Lombardy
The Bigio family invented the archetypal Bergamese dessert, polenta e osei (cakes filled with jam and cream, topped with sweet polenta and chocolate birds…
Sorrento
With its striped blue-and-white walls and red-glass sconces, the Marzialino does a good impersonation of a Parisian bistro in the années folles. It calls…
Modena
Cloistered upstairs in a utilitarian apartment block, Aldina feels like a precious secret guarded loyally by local shoppers from the adjacent produce…
Abruzzo
A casual restaurant that specialises in Abruzzo's classic street food, arrosticini. These charcoal-grilled lamb skewers are seasoned with olive oil and…
Western Sicily
Formally dressed waiters roll out the day's catch on a vintage wooden trolley for diners to inspect and select before cooking at this perennial seafood…
Syracuse
Seafood-loving locals swear by this easy-to-miss osteria (casual tavern), its white-and-blue interior somewhat reminiscent of a Greek-island taverna. The…
Pantelleria
Enjoying sublime sea views from its turquoise-tiled terrace, the Prince and the Pirate cranks out exquisite pantesco (Pantelleria-style) cuisine, from…
Prosciutteria – Cantina dei Papi
Trastevere & Gianicolo
For a taste of Tuscany in Rome, consider a stop at this cheery Florentine prosciutteria (salami shop). Made-to-measure taglieri (wooden chopping boards)…
Sorrento
This so-called 'water and salt' restaurant with a dazzling blue-and-white interior is right next to the ferry terminal. Seafood here is worth getting…
Southern Rome
This easy-going cafe, restaurant and wine bar hybrid was once a bakery, hence the name (‘double zero’ is a type of flour). These days it attracts trendy…
Spoleto
Forget studying the menu – just go for one of the tasting menus and loosen a belt notch in readiness for dish after delectable dish. This is home cooking…
Positano
Dining at Max's is like dining in the stately home of an aristocratic friend – a room stuffed with art, statuettes, rich carpets and literary tomes. Not…
Naples
While this place lacks the waterfront views of its neighbours, it also lacks the dated kitsch. Furthermore, both the chef and sommelier hail from Naples'…
Sulcis
With its summery dining rooms and terrace overlooking Carloforte's rooftops, this refined restaurant specialises in fresh seafood. The star of the menu is…
Palermo
If you're serious about wood-fired pie, book at least two days ahead at what many consider to be the best pizzeria in town. The puffy, Neapolitan-style…
Procida
Enjoying a quaint harbour view that has adorned many a guidebook, La Lampara looks down on Procida's agreeably lived-in marina from its seagull's-eye…
Peschici
Superb views of the ocean drop away from the floor-to-ceiling windows beside intimate alcove tables at this adventurous and stylish clifftop restaurant…
Treviso
No one should leave Treviso without savouring an award-winning gelato by Stefano Dassie, one of Italy's top gelatisti. The Dassie family has a 45-year…
Trapani
Grandly set on the coastal walkway atop the old city walls, this casual eatery sports brilliant sea views with not a car in sight. Potted plants suspended…
Palermo Region
Seafood shines at this refined, contemporary restaurant. Reserve a linen-draped table and swoon over classic-with-a-twist dishes like fresh busiate pasta…
Positano
Local produce and polished takes on tradition underscore sophisticated Next2. Standouts include the signature conchiglioni ripieni di ragù alla bolognese…
Genoa
In 2019 a gourmet food hall landed in Genoa's oldest market, offering nearly a dozen different stands. You can dine on wood-oven-fired pizzas, pastas,…
Catania
Clued-in Al Vicolo wears several hats well: bustling pizzeria, gourmet deli and designer bistro. The competent pizzas are huge, with a signature bordo…
Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
The romantic art nouveau Villa Laetitia provides an aristocratic setting for this refined Michelin-starred restaurant. It's a solid member in good…
Todi
Wine lovers are in their element at this slick wine bar, where Umbrian and Tuscan wines are perfectly matched with delicious tasting platters of salumi e…
Trapani
Fresh fish rules the menu at this fabulous family-run spot two blocks from the port, which markets itself very much as 'la casa del cuscus trapanese' (the…
Milan
Those hankering for home-cooking by a real Italian nonna need look no further. In a rustic farmhouse in the gritty Corvetto area, Signora Isa cooks up…
Santa Croce
How fabulous. San Frediano's hugely successful pizzeria has spawned a second, equally popular branch near the historical centre in trendy Santa Croce…
Bologna
This lively, eco-focused Saturday market is a wonderful spot to escape fellow tourists and wander among booths of craft beer, wine, artisanal cheeses,…
Venice
Fashioned from an old deli, Marco Ginepri’s cool cichetteria serves accomplished food and excellent Veneto wines by the glass. Gourmet cicheti (Venetian…
Western Sicily
For tasty, reasonably priced food near the ruins, hit this low-key beach eatery, rocking it on the sand since 1969. Affable long-time owner Jòjò welcomes…
Como
When the (acclaimed) specialities of the house all involve truffles, you know you're onto a good thing. They're all over the menu here, including truffles…
Western Sicily
Favignana's favourite spot for a romantic dinner, Sotto Sale caters to a sophisticated crowd with beautifully presented nouvelle Sicilian cuisine. Savour…
Milan
Il Baretto's cosy, clubby atmosphere and top-notch, no-nonsense Milanese menu keep its wood-panelled dining rooms packed with silver-haired foxes and…
Brescia
Near the Piazza della Loggia, La Vineria serves up delectable regional cuisine at al fresco tables under a portico or in a classy dining room with vaulted…
Naples
Fine-dining, beachside Petrucci excites palates with unexpected takes on Italian traditions. Here, 'lasagna' might mean mozzarella with raw prawn and…
Venice
This historic Venetian bakery-cafe sparkles with mirrors, marble and metal trim, fitting for the pastries displayed within. Despite the perpetual morning…
San Lorenzo & San Marco
Young artisan ice-cream maker Alberto Bati, partner Giulia and sister Deborah have quickly lured a huge local following with their contemporary artisan…
