Rome
This Michelin-starred Parioli restaurant provides one of Rome's best dining experiences, offering international fusion cuisine and a contemporary look…
Must-see restaurants in Italy
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Montepulciano
Located just below Montepulciano, overlooking the Renaissance splendour of the Chiesa di San Biago, the town's best restaurant serves traditional dishes…
Centro Storico
Offering brisk but friendly service, a contemporary vibe and excellent food, Emma is an all-round winner. Sit on the front terrace or in the airy interior…
Calabria
In Terranova di Pollino, Luna Rossa is the highly esteemed restaurant of chef Federico Valicenti. Basilicatan cuisine is perfectly expressed in simple,…
Mediterranean Coast
One of Sicily's finest restaurants, double Michelin-starred La Madia is a labour of love for local-born chef Pino Cuttaia. It serves modern Sicilian…
Southern Tuscany
Mellow jazz plays on the soundtrack, art adorns every wall and the vibe is friendly at this hybrid cafe and enoteca (wine bar) on Sovana's main street…
South Coast
One of a string of seafood restaurants lined along the harbour front, this bustling trattoria is a real find. The menu is fixed but you won't be short of…
Como
Atmosphere counts for a lot in this old stone-arched cafe-cum-bistro-cum–wine bar. Add mood lighting, mezzanine tables, and a trance-y music soundtrack to…
Procida
Hugely popular with locals, thanks to simple yet perfectly executed dishes like stuffed calamari and spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams). The…
Venice
The sweetly singing birds in this campo (square) are probably angling for your leftovers, but they don’t stand a chance. Chef-owner Luciano and son Simone…
The Dolomites
Chef Franz Mulser gives new meaning to the tag ‘locally sourced’ at his mountain refuge (elevation 1930m) on the beautiful Alpe di Siusi. The butter and…
Osteria La Taverna di San Giuseppe
Siena
Any restaurant specialising in beef, truffles and porcini mushrooms attracts our immediate attention, but not all deliver on their promise. Fortunately,…
Siena
Sauntering through Siena's historic centre is always more fun with a gelato in hand. Just ask one of the many locals who are regular customers at this…
Padua
Enter the blood-red, candlelit dining room of Padua's oldest tavern and you'll immediately be transported back to another era. Diners settle in at dark…
Bellagio
Most dishes at Slow Food–focused Da Abate feature fish that's been caught that day in the lake (the restaurant will only open if they've caught enough),…
Elba
No resort-style glamour or pretension at this popular spaghetteria – just friendly down-to-earth service and exceptionally tasty seafood pasta served in a…
Ischia
Safe in the hands of Mamma Tina, Casereccia delivers plenty of full-flavoured casereccia (homemade food). The very Ischian menu pushes seafood, doughy…
Naples
The giant fork and ladle hanging on the wall at this historic pizzeria were used by Sophia Loren in L'oro di Napoli, and the kitchen made the pizze fritte…
Livorno
They've been in business since 1965, so the friendly Nardis know how to keep their customers happy. As much an enoteca (wine bar) as Slow Food–hailed…
Trapani
Unwaveringly authentic, this on-trend Slow Food favourite, squirrelled away down a sleepy side street, is the hotspot to feast on spicy couscous with…
Siena
The epitome of refined Sienese dining, Da Enzo, as it is popularly called, welcomes guests with a complimentary glass of prosecco (sparkling wine) and…
Milan
Having honed his skills at Michelin-starred St Hubertus in the Dolomites, chef Diego Rossi and blogger Peter Caroli now have their own restaurant. As the…
Tyrrhenian Coast
Famous throughout Sicily for its delicious dishes featuring forest mushrooms and wild boar, Giuseppe Carollo's eatery deserves equal renown for its…
Reggio Calabria
One of the best restaurants in Reggio, serving maccheroni al ragù di maiale (handmade pasta with pork sauce) and involtini di vitello (veal rolls) in an…
Noto
Low-slung lamps spotlight linen-clad tables at Vicari, and rightfully so. In the kitchen is young-gun chef Salvatore Vicari, who thrills with his…
Ischia
In the long line of Ischia's portside eating establishments, the 'pink panther' might be the best. First, there's the owner, Amedeo, a skilled linguist…
Eastern Sardinia
Up in the village proper, this rustic restaurant serves hearty local fare such as roast veal, grilled pork chops and gnocchetti with saffron, mint and…
Elba
The philosophy here is laudable: use fresh local produce (organic where possible), ensure that the flavours are as natural as possible, and serve the…
San Gimignano
Nestled beneath the crumbling walls of the rocca, La Mandragola (The Mandrake) is deservedly popular – book ahead, especially if you're keen to dine in…
Milan
Street-food guru Giuseppe Zen has done it again with this spectacular cheese bar in the Mercato Comunale. Let them arrange a tasting plate of some of the…
