Todi
It simply doesn't get any more Umbrian than this: a lovely, warm interior with tables set on a rough wooden floor and wall dressers packed with wine…
Must-see restaurants in Italy
Costa Smeralda
Calling all carnivores (or anyone seeking a break from seafood)!: skip lunch and save your appetite for a full-on Sardinian feast at this rustic farmstead…
Mediterranean Coast
For traditional Sicilian fare in cosy, rustic surroundings, head for this family-owned and highly recommended Slow Food restaurant in Caltabellotta's…
Agropoli
Agropoli’s self-proclaimed ‘black sheep’, Pecora Nera has emerged as a new challenger for the title of the town’s ‘best pizza’ and they might just be on…
Sirmione
Calf brains, sea urchins and pigeon breast are some of the more exotic offerings at this Michelin-starred affair tucked behind Sirmione's castle. The…
Ragusa
Widely regarded as one of Sicily's finest restaurants, Duomo comprises a cluster of small rooms outfitted like private parlours behind its stained-glass…
Rome
Behind the MAXXI gallery, opposite the tram terminus, this out-of-the-way gelateria may well be the best in Rome. There are few exotic flavours; rather…
Central Sicily
This is one of central Sicily's top restaurants, serving sophisticated modern cuisine to a demanding and appreciative clientele. It's about 3km out of…
Valle d'Aosta
In a warmly lit dining room adorned with old farm tools and glossy oil paintings, Bon Bec serves up outstanding mountain cuisine. Start off with house…
Noto
Divided into a hip front bar and sultry back dining rooms, Manna wows with its competent, contemporary creations. Premium produce dictates the menu, which…
Salina
Meals are built around locally sourced produce and seafood caught fresh daily by owner Santino at this unassuming but excellent restaurant, run by the…
Verona
Located on the piazza where Verona's Roman fish market once held sway, softly lit Masenini quietly serves up Verona's most imaginative, modern fish dishes…
Vicenza
Two hundred kilometres separate Vicenza and Modena, but enter this restaurant and you’ll enjoy the finest Emilian cooking courtesy of Lorenzo Roncaccioli,…
Lake Garda West Bank
It's well worth heading just a few streets back from the waterfront to track down this friendly neighbourhood trattoria, home to gingham tablecloths,…
Tyrrhenian Coast
Local families and tourists alike flock to Il Sarchiapone for its phenomenal fresh seafood, served with good cheer in an unpretentious mustard-yellow…
Polignano a Mare
Offering a fresher, lighter and often vegetarian alternative in Polignano a Mare, MINT's concise menu focuses on a few dishes done very well. Highlights…
Ionian Coast
South of Acireale, this snug, organic, family-run pizzeria creates outstanding wood-fired pie. Prices may be higher, but so is the quality. The bases are…
Udine
A bright, young, cool, casual and friendly addition to Udine's dining scene, L'Alimentare serves up eat-in or takeaway meals that strike out beyond the…
Vulcano
With sea-blue tablecloths and an intimate outdoor porch overlooking the black-sand beach at Vulcano's southern tip, this down-to-earth trattoria serves up…
Spoleto
An oasis of modern design, this self-styled 'casual' restaurant marries kooky decor, including a canoe on the wall and colourful hanging lamps, with…
Lake Como
In the sleepy village of Careno, this charming spot serves up excellent lake fish. When the wind is high, take refuge in the atmospheric stone-walled…
Eastern Sardinia
Nestled at the foot of mountains, this rural retreat is a delight, with a bougainvillea-draped terrace for balmy evenings. The local Cannonau red goes…
Vulcano
After years selling open-faced sandwiches from a cart near Vulcano's port, jovial owner Maurizio Pagano opened this popular restaurant and wine bar in…
Treviso
This trattoria has been a reference point since 1880, and the original wood-panelled dining room is reassuringly full of diners hunched over silky plates…
Enna
Slow Food stalwart La Rustica ticks all the right boxes: off the tourist trail, popular with locals and run by a couple passionate about classic local…
Rome
This Michelin-starred Parioli restaurant provides one of Rome's best dining experiences, offering international fusion cuisine and a contemporary look…
Verbania
The setting really is hard to beat: Milano directly overlooks Pallanza's minuscule horseshoe-shaped harbour (200m south of the ferry jetty), with a…
The Dolomites
Housed in an old barn with a stunning mountain backdrop, the Crazzolara family's farm-to-table gem is a long-standing local favourite. Chef Norbert…
Osteria Della Tonnara da Andrea
Sulcis
Located at the waterfront's southern end, this charming restaurant is one of the best places to taste the local tuna (though it's only available fresh in…
Sappada
Presided over by the meticulous Paolo Kratter, who wears his embroidered leather lederhosen with tremendous style, Mondschein is a stunning restaurant…
Stromboli
For a romantic outing, head to this upscale waterfront restaurant with cheerful blue decor, lovely sea views and the soothing sound of waves lapping in…
Naples
Not so much a chocolatier as an institution, Gay-odin concocts some of the city's finest cocoa creations, including oh-so-Neapolitan chocolate 'cozze' …
Lake Garda
Tucked away in Arco's wine-growing region, this elegant little osteria (tavern) serves dishes that are so seasonal the menu changes weekly. You might be…
Central Coast & Elba
For memorable seafood and fish dishes reserve a table at this celebrated, Michelin-starred ristorante by the sea in Marina di Bibbona, 10km west of…
Val d'Orcia
The founding members of this 1939 dopolavoro (recreational club) would be amazed to see its recent transformation. A stylish interior makeover has endowed…
Taormina
Tiny Minotauro has an epic reputation for its calorific, made-from-scratch treats. Scan the counters for old-school tempters such as artful marzipan,…
Northwestern Tuscany
Chef and TV star Gilberto Rossi is one of the new breed of innovative Tuscan chefs using traditional products to create modern, seasonally driven dishes…
Salina
Since opening in 2018, Malfa's newest restaurant has won a loyal following for its delicious, authentic Aeolian cuisine. The menu abounds in seasonal…
Alghero
Many Alghero restaurants serve porcetto, Sardinia's classic spit-roasted pork, but few places cook it to such buttery perfection. The crackling is spot on…
Western Sicily
The finest Sicilian cheeses and artisan sauces, cured, roasted and marinated meats, veg dishes and breads tempt at this gastronomic butcher's shop and…
