15 Best Restaurants in Italy for Your Next Holiday
Are you looking for the best restaurants in Italy? Italy is known for its fantastic food and with it, a list of great restaurants. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you know that the country offers some of the best food in the world.
From pasta and pizza to more exotic tastes like calamari fritti or Francesca, from many different regions and cities. But which are the very best? That’s what we’re here to find out! So many incredible restaurants in Italy have earned their place on this list. You might be skeptical initially, but once you try one of these eateries, you’ll understand why they made it onto our list!
Whether you’re looking for an excellent Italian restaurant for your next dinner with friends or family, perhaps an intimate fine dining experience, or even a place to grab a quick bite, we’ve got you covered. Not sure where to start? Let us help inspire your culinary adventure through Italy.
15 Best Restaurants in Italy for Your Next Holiday
#1. Osteria Francescana, Modena
The most famous restaurant in Italy, Osteria Francescana, is Massimo Bottura’s three-Michelin-starred Modena masterpiece. Serving 12 courses for €290 (with the option to add a €190 wine pairing), Osteria Francescana says their food is a “narration of the Italian landscapes and our passions.”
Celebrated Global Dining Collection chef Massimo Bottura opened Osteria Francescana in 1995, and the menu is as surprising and spectacular today as it was 25 years ago.
In May 2019, Bottura opened his new hospitality venture, Casa Maria Luigia, a spectacular Emilian country house-turned hotel.
Casa Maria Luigia is now home to the second Osteria Francescana, offering a similar intimate multi-course dining experience.
#2. La Pergola, Rome
Within Rome’s Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts partner lies one of Rome’s most coveted dining rooms: La Pergola.
With a curated wine list by award-winning sommelier Marco Reitano and a menu put together by executive chef Heinz Beck, La Pergola harnesses the best Mediterranean ingredients and Italian flavors to serve dynamic, passionate cuisine.
La Pergola is the only restaurant in Rome with three Michelin stars. On the hotel’s ninth floor, the restaurant offers sweeping views of the Eternal City as diners enjoy the 10-course Gourmet Menu.
#3. La Sponda, Positano
Le Sirenuse Hotel, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts partner in Positano, is synonymous with romance and luxury. La Sponda’s restaurant has a similar reputation, sourcing the freshest ingredients and drawing inspiration from the lavish Mediterranean surroundings.
The menu focuses on lighter fare, perfectly matching the warm weather and coastal atmosphere. The dining room is illuminated by 400 candles by which guests enjoy the creations of Gennaro Russo, who was only 29 when he became executive chef of La Sponda in 2016.
#4. Enoteca Pinchiorri, Florence
For travelers spending the weekend in Firenze, a reservation at Enoteca Pinchiorri is essential. The team behind Pinchiorri characterized their kitchen as “a laboratory where ideas take shape, where the best ingredients are blended in the quest for innovation, with respect for local and regional traditions.”
Guests intrigued by the tasting menu can choose from the €150 seven-course Discovery menu or the €250 10-course Contemporary menu, both of which promise to be an unforgettable experience for your tastebuds.
#5. Fiola at Dopolavoro Venezia
Within the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts partner nestled on the private Isola Delle Rose, foodies will find a newly reimagined version of the Michelin-starred restaurant Fiola.
The restaurant, conceived by Fabio Trabocchi, now exists at Dopolavoro Venezia within JW Marriott Venice. Guests of Fiola at Dopolavoro Venezia can arrive at the private dock in a high-concept “linear chic” space. The menu changes daily in response to what’s available at local Venetian markets.
The “twist of traditional Venetian cuisine” features “standout dishes such as Fiola lobster ravioli, Bassano white asparagus and caviar, foie gras Alla Veneziana, soft-shell crabs from the Venetian lagoon, and vanilla fried pastry cream with corbezzolo honey.”
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#6. SantoPalato, Rome
Most of the restaurants on this list are institutions. SantoPalato is the opposite. It’s the It-restaurant in Rome and has been since opening in April 2017. Three years later, the modern trattoria’s kitchen is still helmed by 32-year-old chef Sarah Ciolini.
SantoPalato, in Rome’s San Giovanni neighborhood, is a triumph of bold flavors and bolder design, with vibrant decor and local ingredients used to their fullest potential to create exceptionally flavorful Italian classics. This is also one of the best restaurants in Italy and Rome.
#7. Da Vittorio, Bergamo
A Relais & Chateaux villa hotel with a revelatory restaurant, Da Vittorio is just outside Bergamo in the hills of Lombardy. The Da Vittorio is the brainchild of the Cerea brothers, and the cuisine focuses primarily on fish and seafood.
Earning three Michelin stars in 2020, Da Vittorio takes pride in sourcing ingredients from all over the country. It’s a family-run establishment; Enrico Cerea specializes in pastry. The Da Vittorio wine is made from the grapes of “the family’s historic vineyard, lovingly cared for by Francesco Cerea.”
Luxury travelers can helicopter to the property, arriving in style on Da Vittorio’s helipad before checking in for the evening and enjoying an award-winning culinary experience in the tasteful dining room or open-air patio.
#8. Alfonso 1890, Amalfi
Famed Amalfi coast restaurant Don Alfonso 1890 received two Michelin stars in 2019 and has an upscale but familial atmosphere. Their commitment to diners is simple: to use as many homegrown ingredients as possible.
Much of the fruit, vegetable, and even poultry served at Don Alfonso 1890 was grown or reared on their organic farm.
The Mediterranean-inspired menu seeks to reduce environmental impact and promote healthy eating in sumptuous, revelatory cuisine.
The restaurant is only open during the high season in classic Amalfi fashion. Grab a table here between the beginning of July and the beginning of November.
#9. Club del Doge Restaurant (Venice)
The Club del Doge Restaurant is a must-visit while in Venice. This world-famous classic is not only a great place to eat but also a great place to meet some of the locals.
This restaurant offers a cobbled-stone interior with a canal view, a bar, and a terrace. The restaurant is also famous for its seafood pasta, a must-try. The seafood pesto pasta is highly recommended, as is the seafood risotto.
The antipasto is also great and has a wide variety of fresh Italian delights. The Club del Doge is a very affordable restaurant, with a three-course meal costing around USD 25.
There is also a cheaper two-course meal if you’re on a budget or even a la carte items if you want to try other dishes. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner and is closed on Mondays.
#10. Combal.Zero (Rivoli)
Combal.Zero is a modern Italian restaurant located in Rivoli, a city in the province of Turin. Combal.Zero serves light, healthy, and delicious food. This restaurant is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a healthy lunch that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
The restaurant is decorated in modern, white tones, and the open-plan dining area is comfortable and welcoming. For lunch and dinner, Combal. Zero offers delicious healthy pizzas and pasta made from organic, natural ingredients and served with a side salad.
The menu also offers a variety of fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches. The restaurant is run by a friendly team and is always bustling, so if you’re looking for a quick, healthy meal, you’ll find it at Combal.Zero. The restaurant is open daily for dinner, with a weekday lunch menu available.
#11. Da Vittorio (Brusaporto)
Da Vittorio is a restaurant in Brusaporto, a small historic town in the province of Cremona. The restaurant is named after the town, run by a local family who has been serving traditional Italian food for generations.
The staff is warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere at Da Vittorio is relaxed and inviting. For dinner at Da Vittorio, you can expect to be served fresh, homemade Italian food.
The menu at Da Vittorio is full of authentic Italian dishes, and the prices are very reasonable. The homemade pasta is a must-try, as are the homemade pizzas. The pizzas at Da Vittorio are available in three flavors: classic tomato and mozzarella, pesto and mozzarella, and salami and onions.
You can also choose your toppings from the extensive list of homemade Italian condiments. Da Vittorio also offers a selection of antipasti, or Italian tapas, which are great for sharing. You can also order your personalized antipasto sampler if you’re dining with a large group.
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#12. Enoteca Pinchiorri (Florence)
If you’re heading to Florence, you should stop by the Pinchiorri wine bar. This place is famous for its excellent selection of Italian wines, and the selection here is second to none.
The Pinchiorri wine bar is famous for its excellent selection of Italian wines, and the selection here is second to none. The wines are all Italian and are available for purchase by glass or bottle. The wines are only available by the glass and do not come with a menu.
The ambiance of the Pinchiorri wine bar is perfect for unwinding after walking around Florence. The walls are covered in wine labels and bottles, giving the place a rustic, cozy feel.
The Pinchiorri wine bar is open daily for lunch and dinner and is about a 15-minute walk from the Florence Train Station.
#13. Il Palagio (Florence)
Il Palagio is a popular restaurant in Italy and the picture of Italian elegance. Chef Vito Mollica serves a $115 tasting menu with courses like mushroom risotto and seared partridge and a decadent Chateaubriand for two with foie gras and bone marrow gratin. Be sure you visit this restaurant when you visit Florence.
#14. Il Pellicano (Porto Ercole)
Tucked inside the five-star Hotel Il Pellicano, this cliffside restaurant looks out onto the Tuscan coast. But even better than the water view is the fabulous people-watching: photographer Slim Aarons loved to snap candids here. Chef Sebastiano Lombardi uses only organic fruits and vegetables, and the proteins are always locally sourced.
#15. Le Calandre (Rubano)
Located in the picturesque town of Rubano, Le Calandre is an authentic Italian restaurant serving a range of delicious Italian cuisine. Serving up both a la carte and set menus, Le Calandre is an excellent place to go with a large group of friends or family.
You’ll find many Italians visiting this town for a good reason. In Pesaro Urbino province, Rubano is home to the most beautiful medieval architecture in Italy.
It’s also known for its wine, making for the perfect weekend getaway. If you visit this small town, make a reservation at Le Calandre, a charming restaurant in Rubano. They serve authentic Italian cuisine and are an excellent option for celebrating a special occasion.
What is a famous restaurant in Italy?
Italy has many famous restaurants, but the cuisine is first and foremost. Italy is famous for its wine and pasta, and there are many restaurants scattered around the country that specialize in serving these dishes.
There are also many regional specialties, including seafood and meat dishes from the north. Other famous Italian restaurants include The best restaurants in Italy are often found in small towns and cities, where locals frequent the same restaurants over a lifetime.
For these reasons, many restaurants have been around for generations.
What restaurants do they have in Italy?
Rome is the Italian culinary capital, and many of its residents frequent these best Italian restaurants. Other Italian cities have culinary traditions, which are best explored by visiting the city’s best restaurants.
When visiting Italy, you’ll find that many people visit the country for its cuisine alone. It would help if you tried to prioritize some of these restaurants, as the food will make for a great experience.
In addition to the best Italian restaurants, you’ll also find that many cities also have the best pizzeria or gelato shops. While these aren’t authentic Italian foods, they are great ways to enjoy the local cuisine while exploring a city.
Which part of Italy has the best food?
The south of Italy is home to many of the country’s best seafood restaurants, while the north of the country is known for its fine wines. If you want to visit the best parts of Italy, visit each city for its culinary traditions.
While the country’s south is famous for its seafood, there are many other delicious specialties from this part of the country.
For example, many good pasta dishes come from this region. You’ll also find many of Italy’s best gelato shops in the south. Visit places like Sorrento, Naples, and Amalfi Coast for good gelato.
Enjoy your Meal in Italy
Italy is a foodie’s dream, and if you are visiting this beautiful country, you will not be disappointed with the food. There are so many great restaurants in Italy that you will have difficulty choosing which one to visit.
There is something for everyone. You can visit a fancy Italian restaurant or a family-style Italian restaurant where the locals go. Make sure you enjoy the food, the wine, and the company, and you will not be disappointed with Italy.
