Southeastern Sicily
Peppe Mezzasalma's pretty, bohemian eatery serves Sicilian classics with thoughtful tweaks. Daily offerings are respectful of the season and market…
Must-see restaurants in Italy
Panarea
Since 1970, three generations of women from the same family have run this classy, white-linen-clothed spot above the port. Federica, whose grandmother…
Naples
Family-run since the 1950s, Hosteria Toledo satisfies a longing for old-world charm. With photographs and wine bottles adorning the walls, it is one of…
Vieste
A classy cut above other Vieste restaurants, Osteria degli Archi offers innovative spins on established flavours and recipes. Standout dishes include…
Molise
Typical of the generosity and unabashed home-style cooking of Isernia's best osterie (taverns), this friendly place is a great way to experience Molise's…
Southeastern Sicily
The place to buy ham, and indeed to lunch on superb pork, is Ristorante Majore, a much-acclaimed trattoria just off central Piazza Duomo. It's…
Western Sicily
You couldn't ask for a peachier beach setting. From the entrance of the Foce del Belice nature preserve on Marinella's far eastern edge, a gravel track…
Praiano
Seafood-lovers should head for this widely acclaimed, no-frills restaurant located in a former boatyard on the beach at Marina di Praia. Da Armandino is…
Pescara
A small abode encased under a stone archway in Pescara’s diminutive old town where the primi prices rarely break double figures. This is a good place for…
Valle d'Aosta
Conveniently placed opposite the bus stop on Breuil-Cervinia's lower traffic circle, this friendly corner bakery and all-around local hangout serves tasty…
Panarea
Up a short flight of stairs from the port (follow the signs), Da Francesco is a laid-back trattoria with a straightforward fish-focused menu and fine sea…
Pantelleria
As the name implies, this hillside-hugging restaurant is the perfect place to watch the tramonto (sunset) – but the food here is equally radiant, from…
Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo
Grab a pew at a marble-topped table and brace your taste buds for a torturous choice between 25-odd gourmet panini and another dozen specials – all…
Trieste
This old-timer, with its dark, brooding dining room, does a Triestine seafood degustazione – a crudo (raw fish) and something involving squid ink will…
Cefalù
Fresh seafood holds centre stage at this cute blue-and-white trattoria near the beachfront, an offshoot of the neighbouring fish market. Order bargain…
Lake Garda West Bank
Despite its homey appearance Michelin-starred La Tortuga serves a sophisticated menu without undue pomp and ceremony. Appreciative diners at its handful…
Venice
Although he’s cooked in fine-dining establishments such as Noma, chef Matteo Tagliapietra grew up on the fishing island of Burano. As such, his simple,…
Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
Styled as an informal bistro with wood panelling, leather banquettes and casual table settings, L'Arcangelo enjoys a stellar local reputation. Dishes are…
Lake Maggiore West Bank
This Ticino-style grotto (traditional inn) overlooks the thundering gorge that is the Orrido di Sant’Anna. Granite tables and benches located under a…
Milan
Service in La Veranda’s lovely but formal dining room within the Four Seasons hotel is disarmingly warm. The menu sings with smart, modern Mediterranean…
Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
This is the original location of a small and highly regarded local chain of artisanal gelaterie. The proprietors here only use fresh fruit in season, so…
Venice
The Hotel Metropole's Michelin-starred restaurant offers an intriguing proposition: at each stage of its multicourse menu you can order a traditional…
Santa Croce
The crowd spills out the door of this noisy Florentine thoroughbred, pride and joy of the Mazzanti family since 1991. Push your way to the tables at the…
Milan
This Slow Food osteria (tavern) with its Liberty-style ballroom is a piece of Milanese history, built as a club for railway workers at the nearby Stazione…
Trieste
A simple place that's full of youthful enthusiasm. The menu keeps it simple – fish ragù, fish tartares, risotto with local clams, fritto misto (fried…
Catania
Small Sicilian farms and producers are showcased at this hip, upbeat cafe-bistro, run by Singaporean Fawn and her Sicilian partner Giuseppe. Tuck into…
Northwestern Tuscany
Dare we say it: having tried and tested dozens of Tuscan gelaterie, this bright modern ice-cream shop comes out tops. Fuori dal Centro's regionally…
The Dolomites
Honoured in 2017 as the youngest Italian chef to earn two Michelin stars, Matteo Metullio runs this gastronomic spot nestled just outside San Cassiano,…
Milan
The king of Neapolitan pizza has taken Milan by storm with his organic, slow-levitation dough and divinely simple toppings of tomato, mozzarella, basil,…
Trastevere & Gianicolo
Crunchy bread comes in a paper bag and the 1950s clocks on the wall – all three dozen of them – say a different time at this understated vintage-styled…
Venice
Dine beneath the umbrella pines in Guido's garden which supplies the raw materials for the restaurant's refined dishes. At this family-run restaurant,…
Palermo
Expect sharp professionals and serious gastronomes at Gagini's rustic, candlelit tables. In the kitchen are Massimiliano Mandozzi and Elnava De Rosa,…
Riviera di Ponente
Join the fashionably dressed French-border hoppers at this stylishly bucolic, restaurant, cafe, homewares shop and general village epicentre. Lunch and…
Mestre
For something different, head to Japanese restaurant Aki on the 17th floor of a concrete tower block with 360-degree views over the shipyards. Chef…
Brindisi
This stylish glass pavilion along Brindisi's seafront is the showcase restaurant for Puglia's Tenute Rubino winery. Local seafood like octopus and tuna is…
Venice
Bantering Venetians thronging the bar are the only permanent fixtures at this neighbourhood osteria (casual tavern), where ever-changing menus feature…
Milan
Navigli’s osterie (restaurants/bars) can often disappoint on the food front, but Al Pont de Ferr lifts the game. Its casual charm can make you wonder if…
Venice
Tiny CoVino has only 14 seats but demonstrates bags of ambition with its inventive, seasonal menu inspired by the Venetian terroir. Speciality products…
San Giovanni & Testaccio
A lush garden pavilion at the Corner Townhouse provides the lovely setting for this casual fine-dining restaurant. The man with his name on the menu is…
Trieste
As the pretty name suggests (fiori means 'flower'), there's a dedication to the seasons at this discreet little restaurant and an emphasis on freshness…
