Trapani
For sensational cannoli, pistachio-studded biscotti (cookies) and a rainbow of other sweet creations crafted in one-bite form by talented patissier…
Trapani
For sensational cannoli, pistachio-studded biscotti (cookies) and a rainbow of other sweet creations crafted in one-bite form by talented patissier…
Matera
While al Casale's secondi are uniformly meaty, this osteria does offer more vegetarian options than most. Antipasti such as sformatino (a 'mis-shapen'…
Naples
This elegant yet welcoming restaurant is a favourite of Neapolitan gastronomes. Apple of their eye is affable lawyer turned head chef Raffaele Cardillo,…
Ionian Coast
Plastered with old photographs, time-warped L'Oste Scuro is a solid spot for classic, homestyle seafood. The produce is fresh and cooked simply, whether…
Ravello
A cool little deli-cafe with a compact menu of what you could call 'Italian tapas', affordable bites including Italian gazpacho (cold soup), bruschetta,…
Bologna
In the wine cellar of a 14th-century palazzo, this historic eatery is an atmospheric spot to delve into Bologna's much-lauded cuisine. Take a table by the…
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
This vintage osteria (tavern), around since 1965, oozes theatre: a rich interior mixes blue glass with rich reds and fringed lampshades, while the flower-…
Chianti
Tuscan menus are dominated by meat dishes, so the existence of this upmarket cantinetta, which focusses on seafood, comes as a pleasant surprise. We…
Palermo
With footpath tables under umbrella awnings on a low-key Capo piazza, this local favourite makes thin-crust pizzas in a variety of shapes, including…
Minori
Tucked to the right, facing the pretty buttercup-yellow church, this is the place to come for superb coffee and exemplary pastries – try the sfogliatella …
Volterra
Contemporary cuisine is the exception rather than the rule here in Volterra, so the existence of this modern bistro next to the town's walls is cause for…
Elba
Fish drives the menu of this traditional osteria (casual tavern) – no wonder, as the boats that land it are moored right outside. Traditional dishes such…
Turin
Crimson velvet, glittering chandeliers, baroque mirrors and a timeless air greet you at this grande dame of the Turin dining scene, regularly patronised…
Lazio
In Ostia's tiny medieval centre, this historic restaurant started life in the 19th century, catering to the labourers working on reclaiming the local…
Udine
Local produce and fresh takes on Friulian standards are served in this dark and highly atmospheric dining room filled with bright wooden furniture under a…
Orvieto
Named after an ancient Etruscan well that graces its basement, this is a firm local favourite. Your host, Giovanni, will guide you through his seasonal…
Siena
The name says it all. Prosciutto is the focus here, served in panini or on a taglieri (tasting board); cheese is an optional extra. Order to take away –…
Ravenna
Simple Romagna food done right is the hallmark of this Slow Food–recommended local favourite. Offerings range from the basket of warm piadina bread that…
Venice
With its pumpkin-coloured walls, gleaming golden fixtures and jet-black tables and chairs, Ai Mercanti effortlessly conjures up a romantic mood. No wonder…
Val d'Orcia
There aren't any vineyard views at this winery restaurant, but there's plenty of atmosphere. A particularly welcoming choice in the cooler months, when…
Agrigento
In warm weather, tables spill from the interior dining room into the courtyard at this sweet eatery tucked between two side streets in the medieval centre…
San Polo & Santa Croce
Dire Straits was on high rotation last time we visited this Michelin-starred restaurant, which somewhat distracted from the refined ambience created by…
Murano, Burano & the Northern Islands
Run by the Cipriani family since 1935, the Locanda is Harry’s Bar gone rustic, with a wood-beamed dining room opening onto a pretty garden. But standards…
Amalfi
If you've had it with the tourist tumult of Amalfi, try temporarily relocating to its quieter cousin Atrani to eat al fresco at one of its traditional…
Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
All designer labels and media gossip, this fashionable cafe and restaurant buzzes throughout the day. Its menu covers the full gamut, listing everything…
Enna
Meimuna's contemporary reinterpretation of a trattoria combines stylish decor with modern versions of traditional Sicilian flavours. Hearty dishes like…
Stresa
Regional dishes are at the heart of this tiny trattoria’s business, so expect grilled lake fish, pear and blue-cheese risotto and plenty of polenta (the…
Corniglia
Near the top of the stairs leading up from the train station, La Posada is one of Corniglia's most memorable settings for an al fresco meal. On a terrace…
Central Sicily
Celebrating a hilltop location near Piazza Armerina's cathedral, La Locanda combines a top Sicilian wine list with creative spins on traditional flavours…
Naples
Rising star Isabella de Cham is at the helm of this all-female-run pizzeria specialising in fried pizza with a twist. Bite-sized dough balls are topped…
Umbria
Huddled away in the upper part of the old town, this inviting trattoria attracts a faithful local following for its cosy vaulted interior, authentic food…
The Veneto
This hipster bar gets everything right, from the cool industrial decor to the organic cicheti (Venetian tapas) and the 30 top-quality wines by the glass,…
Stresa
You may need to queue here, but it’s worth it to dine under vines on one of Stresa’s prettiest terraces in the centre of town, just off pedestrianised Via…
Western Sicily
This unassuming roadside eatery, 8km south of San Vito, features couscous prominently on the menu. However, there are also plenty of seafood and meat…
Lago Trasimeno
You can imagine Mona Lisa giving a wry smile of approval to the food served at this intimate, art-strewn restaurant in the heart of town. You, too, will…
Rome
This friendly eatery makes for a fine lunch stop after a visit to the MAXXI art museum. The vibe is casual and its interior is a handsome mix of dark-wood…
Cilento Coast
Enjoying a supreme position, with a broad terrace overlooking the turquoise sea and small adjacent sandy cove, this place is part of the same-name hotel…
Turin
One of Turin's first vegan restaurants, Mezzaluna serves traditional Piemontese dishes with organic, vegan ingredients. Try bagna caoda (a traditional…
Ravello
This wonderfully dated trattoria serves down-to-earth Italian grub in a unfussy, celeb-free environment. An informal family affair – meat comes from the…
Ischia
Sit outside, front or back, with the castle as an evocative backdrop to the shopping street or sea. The reassuringly brief menu includes pasta mainstays…
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