Venice
Peckish night owls run out of options fast in Venice once restaurants close their kitchens around 10.30pm – but slices here are cheap and tasty, with a…
Must-see restaurants in Italy
Pasticceria Gelateria Fiorelli
South Coast
With seats on a sunny beachside square, this laid-back cafe-cum-gelateria is well placed for a leisurely lunchtime bite or evening drink. The menu covers…
Cagliari
Waving the flag for gluten-free dining, Man.Gia does a roaring trade in pizzas, as well as serving a short menu of uncomplicated pastas and main courses…
Trastevere & Gianicolo
Popular and lively, this rustic, snug place has arched ceilings and an open kitchen that serves up typical pasta dishes such as fettucine con ricotta e…
Cilento Coast
Run by two brothers, this long-standing roadside restaurant is renowned for its top-notch seafood. Enjoy dishes such as risotto alla pescatora (fisher's…
Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo
Its location near local gathering spot Piazza della Madonna dei Monti means that this tiny gelateria does a roaring trade on summer evenings. The gelato…
Tropea
Pesce spada (swordfish) is a speciality on this part of the coast and it rates highly on the menu at this simple seafood place tucked away in the…
Sorrento
It’s too large and bright for a romantic dinner for two, but locals continue to recommend this place for its down-to-earth, well-prepared dishes,…
Southeastern Sardinia
This classic old-school pizzeria is a good bet for a simple no-frills meal. It's a casual set-up with outdoor seating and unremarkable decor but the wood…
Portofino
Wander a block from the harbour and pizzas can be procured for under €10. You can also enjoy dishes such as octopus salad, vongole (clams) and Genovese…
Venice
One of six branches in Venice, this deli-style bakery serves up a tasty range of quality local street food such as pizza slices, filled rolls, grilled…
Trastevere & Gianicolo
One of several Fatamorgana branches across Rome, this caters to fussy eaters, with gelatos seemingly free of everything: sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy…
Centro Storico
This is a textbook Roman trattoria: chequered tablecloths, dodgy wall murals and battle-hardened waiters delivering steaming bowls of down-to-earth pasta…
Lake Garda
The best ice cream in Bardolino has been scooped at this family-run parlour since 1969. Choose your flavour before joining the fast-moving queue as the…
Eastern Sardinia
It’s all about the food at this friendly, down-to-earth trattoria. Bag a table and you’re in for a treat – think fresh pastas, mains of grilled steak or…
Rome
This small cafe in the heart of the Villa Borghese gardens makes a solid pit-stop on a stroll or bike ride for light snacks or a refreshment. There's…
Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
This lovely rustic dining room in Cherasco, with a shady terrace for summer days, specialises in dishes made with the town's signature produce, lumache …
Genoa
On agreeably shabby Piazza delle Erbe, this perennially popular gelateria snares late-night diners and boozers with an array of occasionally lurid…
Reggio Emilia
Spread out under the porticoes of a former convent, this relaxed but highly atmospheric restaurant serves reasonably priced set meals, including options…
Western Sicily
A North African theme is evident in both menu and decor at this popular restaurant, which dishes up fish and chicken couscous beneath tented canopies in…
Trieste
Brave the battalion of Illy-gulping locals at this cafe-bakery and try a slice of putizza or another Triestine speciality, most usually sold only as whole…
Perugia
Perugia's covered market was out of action at the time of research as renovation work continued. When it's back in business, stop by to buy fresh produce,…
Catania
Catanians of all ages – but especially students – flock here on weekend evenings, drawn by the pizzas, draft beer, cocktails and outdoor courtyard, shaded…
Elba
Gelato, Sicilian-style granita (flavoured crushed ice) and even frozen yoghurt – this place is a showcase of quality iced confections but has a short…
Matera
If you're looking for a snack on the go, grab a slice of just-baked focaccia or a knobbly, deep-brown Matera loaf from this popular bakery on Matera's…
Elba
The splendid beachside terrace at this ritzy restaurant near the Saracen tower is the perfect place to watch the sun set. Sadly, the overly fussy food…
Santa Margherita Ligure
Busy pasticceria (pastry shop) and cafe populated by locals who pop in for panini (€4.50), bruschetta and seasonal tarts, and linger with an espresso.
Verona
Cheap central eatery near Piazza Brà serving simple street food such as panini, pizzas, a selection of vegan snacks and even rare baked potatoes to a…
Bosa
For a quick bite on the hoof, head to this humble, no-frills takeaway and join the ever-present queue of locals for a taste of Giovanni's fabulous sliced…
Eastern Sardinia
Just north of town, the brightly lit front terrace of this roadside eatery makes a festive spot to linger over wood-fired pizzas after a long day on the…
Agrigento
This fabulous gelateria is the perfect antidote to Agrigento’s oppressive heat. Especially scrumptious is the pistachio, flecked with nuts and super…
Ristorante Albergo Il Cinghialetto
Eastern Sardinia
Down in the modern part of the village is this simple, friendly pick, dishing up meaty Sardinian fare and pizza. An open fire keeps things toasty in…
Trieste
Be prepared for the crowds if you want to sample Zampolli's famous Sachertorte gelato, or the new mousse-style range which is currently all the rage.
Southern Tuscany
Soft lighting and walls adorned with wine bottles ensure an atmospheric setting, but the quality of the food doesn't match the high-ish prices.
Bari
Check out this simple corner stall for Barese street-food sgagliozze (deep-fried polenta cubes). You may need a lie-down afterwards.
Como
Fresh fruit, vegetables and delicacies abound at Como’s food market outside Porta Torre.
Alghero
Good for picnic supplies, Alghero's daily produce market is full of bountiful fruit and veg, all local and all seasonal.
Cagliari
A hugely popular hang-out on Piazza Yenne. Join the young crowd to linger over a drink and gelato, semifreddo or sorbet.
Southern Tuscany
You'll find flavoursome Maremmana dishes at this snug trattoria and pizzeria, with seafood and shellfish at the fore.
Eastern Sardinia
For a quick bite in Mamoiada, try this ristorante-pizzeria near the north end of town.
