120 Best Restaurants in Italy

Background Illustration for Restaurants

We've compiled the best of the best in Italy - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

'ino

$ | Piazza della Signoria Fodor's choice

Serving arguably the best panini in town, proprietor Alessandro Frassica sources only the very best ingredients. Located right behind the Uffizi, 'ino is a perfect place to grab a tasty sandwich and glass of wine before forging on to the next museum.

'ino

$ | Piazza della Signoria Fodor's choice

This is the perfect place to grab a bite and/or a glass of wine after a visit to the nearby Uffizi. Only the very best ingredients go into owner Alessandro Frassica's delectable panini.

A'Marenna

$ Fodor's choice

Run with enthusiasm and love by two young Sorrentine women, this small rustic-styled bakery and bistro makes generously filled panini using fresh ingredients on ciabatta and panuozzo pizza-dough bread. It's also a fab spot to linger with some local wine and a cheese platter.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Antico Ristorante Sibilla

$$ Fodor's choice

Founded as a hotel and restaurant in 1720 and set beside the striking Roman Temple of Vesta and the Sanctuary of the Sybil, this establishment has an idyllic, wisteria-draped terrace overlooking the deep gorge of the Aniene River, with a thundering waterfall in the background. Standards are high, and the trip to Tivoli is worth it even if you do nothing more than order a lunch of upscale versions of local dishes and take in the spectacular view.

Via della Sibilla 50, Tivoli, 00019, Italy
0774-335281
Known For
  • Beautiful terrace with a superb view
  • Salt-baked fish
  • Homemade pasta with seasonal ingredients
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential

Buonocore

$ | Capri Town Fodor's choice

Follow your nose to this legendary, sweet-smelling Caprese fave for breakfast, beach picnics, and on-the-hoof snacks. Buonocore lures you down its steps on a Capri Town lane with all manner of pizze, panini, gelati, and paste, including their speciality almond and lemon Caprilú biscotti.

Cacciani

$$ Fodor's choice

The Cacciani family has been running this stylish restaurant in the heart of Frascati old town since 1922, when it was a popular hangout for the likes of Clark Gable and Gina Lollobrigida. Perched high on a rise overlooking the town and the Roman plain, there are spectacular views from the Cacciani terrace, but you can also keep an eye on the gorgeous food being prepared in the open kitchen. The family runs a hotel in the same building in case you want to spend the night after dining on the celebrated local plates.

Via Armando Diaz 13, Frascati, 00044, Italy
06-9420378
Known For
  • Tonnarelli cacio e pepe prepared at the table
  • Great views
  • Welcoming, family-run vibe
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun.

Cave Ox

$ Fodor's choice
This casual osteria is frequented by local winemakers who come for pizza dinners and rustic daily lunch specials, but most visitors are smitten with the small but amazing cellar focused on Etna natural wines. Everything's fresh, simple, and delicious—and made to pair with one of the delightful wines suggested by owner and wine enthusiast Sandro. He'll take you back to his cellar for a look, gently guiding you toward a unique bottle you'll never find back home.
Via Nazionale Solicchiata 159, 95012, Italy
0942-986171
Known For
  • Superlative selection of natural wines from Etna
  • Filling lunches and pizza dinners
  • Local winemaker crowd
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.

Dal Corsaro

$$$$ Fodor's choice

This elegant but simply furnished Michelin-starred restaurant near the port offers modern and creative Italian haute cuisine on two wide-ranging tasting menus (€120 and €155 per person), consisting of a series of dishes that are only revealed when presented to your table (any food allergies can be communicated beforehand). Dal Corsaro shares its kitchen and chef, Stefano Deidda, with the adjacent Fork, an elegant and modern bistro where you may find such mouthwatering concoctions as smoked mackerel with honey and liver, and cheesecake salad with marinated salmon and citrus, while desserts might include licorice ice cream with a crunchy almond topping. Fork offers five-course tasting menus costing €70 and €75, and has outdoor dining in spring and summer.

Viale Regina Margherita 28, Cagliari, 09124, Italy
070-664318
Known For
  • Adventurous and sophisticated cuisine
  • Surprise dishes on fixed-price menus
  • Fine Sardinian wines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Dal Corsaro closed Mon. and 2 wks in Jan. No lunch. Fork closed Mon. and Tues., Reservations essential

Enoteca dei Tadi

$$ Fodor's choice

In this cozy and atmospheric cross between a wine bar and a restaurant, you can put together a fabulous, inexpensive dinner from various classic dishes from all over Italy. Portions are small, but prices are reasonable—just follow the local custom and order a selection, perhaps starting with fresh burrata (mozzarella's creamier cousin) with tomatoes, or a selection of prosciutti or salami. Don't pass up the house specialty: lasagna—there are several kinds on the menu. Main courses are limited, but they include a savory Veneto stew with polenta.

Via dei Tadi 16, Padua, 35139, Italy
049-8364099
Known For
  • Several kinds of lasagna
  • Intimate and rustic setting
  • Bountiful wine and grappa list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., 2 wks in Jan., and 2 wks late June–July. No dinner Sun., Reservations essential

Falorni

$ Fodor's choice

This institution—it's been around since 1806—began life as a butcher shop and, indeed, it still is. But it also has a little restaurant inside the shop which serves great taglieri (plates of mixed cured pork products, usually, though cheese does prominently figure as well). Soups, lasagne, various tartares, and sandwiches are also on hand. The quality of the products is exceptional.

Piazza G. Matteotti 71, Greve in Chianti, 50022, Italy
055-853029
Known For
  • Cured meats using centuries' old recipes
  • Great wines by the glass
  • Outdoor seating

Il Marchese

$$ | Piazza di Spagna Fodor's choice

This rustic-meets-glamorous bistro attracts locals for its flawless execution of Roman classics (many served photogenically in metal cooking pans) as well as original dishes. Its bar is known among amaro connoisseurs for having the largest selection in Rome, and the bitter liquors are the stars of the expertly crafted cocktail menu.

Il Portico

$$ Fodor's choice

Brotherly love (and ownership) and quality seafood are among the things that make this old-town restaurant so exceptional. Modern artwork, stone pillars, and arched ceilings help to provide a fitting setting for the predominantly traditional cuisine livened up with modern elements. Appetizers created by the Ladu brothers might include steamed octopus with fresh tomato, and smoked salmon with misticanza (mixed green salad). The seasonal menu always features local fish and might include homemade pastas such as lados con ragù di galletto ruspante e casizzolu (disc-shaped pasta with a sauce of free-range rooster and local cheese). Desserts such as girella al cioccolato bianco (white chocolate roll with raspberry coulis) and pineapple with zabaglione ice cream are not to be missed. Service is attentive and welcoming. Booking is recommended.

Via Mons. Bua 13, Nuoro, 08100, Italy
0784-232909
Known For
  • Innovative takes on traditional cuisine
  • Locals' choice
  • Welcoming atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., 2 wks July–Aug., and 2 wks Jan.–Feb. No dinner Sun.

La Fiocina

$$ Fodor's choice

Set on the tranquil shores of Lake Nemi, next to the Roman Ship Museum, La Fiocina has been serving local specialties, including lake fish and homemade gnocchi with wild boar sauce, for more than 50 years. The interior is elegant and welcoming, with a roaring fireplace on cooler days; in warmer months, you can dine on the terrace.

Via delle Navi di Tiberio 9, Nemi, 00074, Italy
06-9391120
Known For
  • Coregone lake fish
  • Garden terrace with lake views
  • Wild Nemi strawberries
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.

La Giostra

$$$ | Santa Croce Fodor's choice

This clubby spot, whose name means "carousel," was created by the late Prince Dimitri Kunz d'Asburgo Lorena and is now expertly run by Soldano, one of his twin sons. The ever-changing menu generally has vegetarian and vegan options. For dessert, this might be the only show in town with a sublime tiramisù and a wonderfully gooey Sacher torte.

La Trippaia

$ | Santa Maria Novella Fodor's choice

Locanda Baggio

$$ Fodor's choice

A fabulous garden setting and warm yet unfussy country-style dining rooms elevate this family-run restaurant, renowned for Nino Baggio's elegant creative take on traditional cuisine. This is the finest restaurant in Asolo, and the prix-fixe menu (you can also order à la carte) delivers one of the best-value top-quality dining options in the Veneto.

Nerbone

$ | Santa Maria Novella Fodor's choice

Oberraut

$$ Fodor's choice
Drive up into the hills about 12 minutes northeast of Brunico to reach this charming chalet-style family-run eatery, which has an expansive terrace with great views overlooking the mountains. Hearty dishes use local ingredients—including meat from their farm, vegetables from their gardens and greenhouses, and grain from their own mill—and the delightful servers are happy to recommend seasonal specialties.

Officina della Bistecca

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Local butcher and restaurateur, Dario Cecchini, has extended his empire of meat to include this space above his butcher's shop. In addition to two tasting menus—one heavily meat laden, the other with none—you'll find a homemade version of giardiniera sott'olio (pickled and preserved vegetables) that's second to none. All offerings are a nice change from the more standard options found at restaurants throughout Chianti. The bread on the table is exceptional (the product of much experimentation).

Osteria de'Benci

$$ | Santa Croce Fodor's choice

A few minutes from Santa Croce, this charming osteria serves some of the most eclectic food in Florence. Try the spaghetti degli eretici (in tomato sauce with fresh herbs). The grilled meats are justifiably famous; the carbonata is a succulent piece of grilled beef served rare. Weekly specials complement what's happening in the market, and all of the food pairs beautifully with their wine list, which is heavy on things Tuscan.

Borgo Santa Croce 31/r, Florence, 50121, Italy
055-2344923
Known For
  • <PRO>weekly seasonal specials</PRO>
  • <PRO>eclectic menu</PRO>
  • <PRO>Tuscan-heavy wine list</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential

Osteria del Conte

$ Fodor's choice

As high in Montepulciano as you can get, just behind the Duomo, this small and intimate restaurant is expertly run by the mother-and-son team of Lorena and Paolo Brachi. Passionate about the food they prepare, both have a flair for the region's traditional dishes—the pici all'aglione (pasta with garlic sauce) and the filetto ai funghi porcini (steak with porcini mushrooms) are mouthwateringly good. The wine list, though limited in range, presents a decent selection of wines from both Montepulciano and Montalcino. For a change from the usual Tuscan meat dishes, fresh fish is served on Friday. Outdoor seating is limited.

Osteria del Fico Vecchio

$$ Fodor's choice

Only a couple of miles outside Frascati, this 16th-century coaching inn has a tastefully renovated dining room and an old fig tree (its namesake) that shades a charming, table-filled garden. Long known for its excellent cooking, which was beloved by Italian director Federico Fellini, the classic restaurant still prepares typical Roman dishes, among them pollo al diavolo (spicy braised chicken) and abbacchio allo scottadito (sizzling grilled lamb).

Via Anagnina 257, Grottaferrata, 00046, Italy
06-9459261
Known For
  • Pretty garden for outdoor dining
  • Classic cacio e pepe
  • Grilled meats
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Thurs., reservations recommended

Osteria del Tempo Perso

$$ Fodor's choice

A couple of jazz-, rock-, and food-loving friends joined forces to open this smart little restaurant in the center. The interior's warm terra-cotta-sponged walls give off an orange glow, and wine bottles line the walls, interspersed with photographs of musical greats—but the food is what counts. Here you'll find nicely done classics—like cappelletti prepared three different ways (with butter, with a meat ragù, or in brodo)—as well as more contemporary fare. The fritto misto is an absolute winner. The carefully culled wine list includes many local labels, and service is stellar.

Osteria del Vecchio Orologio

$ Fodor's choice

Tucked on a side street off the medieval Piazza delle Erbe, the Osteria del Vecchio Orologio offers top-quality Tuscia specialties in a warm and informal atmosphere. It's a member of the Slow Food Movement, with a menu that changes according to the season.

Osteria San Bartolo

$$ Fodor's choice

Chef Danilo Conti started with a passion for wine and subsequently grew deeper respect for the soil of his home territory. The dishes at his osteria just steps from the port in Lipari are clean and balanced—the opposite of fussy—but primarily celebrate the fishing and agricultural traditions of the island; think lime-scented carpaccio of swordfish and pasta with anchovies, wild fennel, and orange zest. The dedication to his producer partners goes so deep that they are called out by name on the menu (a rarity in Italy). In addition to the osteria, Danilo operates a wine shop (San Bartolo Vineria e Dispensa) just a few doors down. There you'll find expressions of his own wines, plus a robust selection from natural wine producers around Sicily and a small (but excellent) selection of salumi and cheeses. 

Procacci

$$ | Santa Maria Novella Fodor's choice

At this classy Florentine institution dating from 1885, try one of the truffle panini and swish it down with a glass of prosecco.

Restaurant Apostelstube

$$$$ Fodor's choice

In a pretty Art Deco setting inside Hotel Elephant, wunderkind chef Mathias Bachmann whips up beautifully presented and creative Italian cuisine with an Asian flair in his nightly six-course tasting menus. Dishes change with the seasons, but if they're on the menu, don't miss the nori tartlet with asparagus or Hokkaido wagyu with miso and black applesauce.

Rivoire

$$ | Piazza della Signoria Fodor's choice

One of the best spots in Florence for people-watching offers stellar service, light snacks, and terrific aperitivi. It's been around since the 1860s, and has been famous for its hot and cold chocolate (with or without cream) for more than a century. Though the food is mostly good (it's not a bad place for a light, but expensive, lunch), it's best to stick to drinks (both alcoholic and non-) and the terrific cakes, pies, and pastries.

Vineria di Piazza

$$ Fodor's choice

It's set in a lively, historic market square and frequented by locals. The menu adheres to Tuscan tradition, often including high-quality bistecca alla fiorentina, but also indulges in some flights of fantasy, as evidenced by a whimsical dessert that riffs on a liquid Livornese classic.

Piazza delle Vettovaglie 13, Pisa, Italy
050-5207846
Known For
  • Inventive pasta dishes
  • Baccalà (salt cod) served in inventive ways
  • Charming, energetic staff

Vitello d'Oro

$$$ Fodor's choice

Udine's very chic landmark restaurant is the one reserved most by locals for special occasions, and the menu features the freshest meat and fish in sophisticated dishes served with moodily lit culinary stagecraft. You might start with an antipasto of assorted raw shellfish, including the impossibly sweet Adriatic scampi, followed by the fresh fish of the day. Service is impeccable, as is the Friuli-focused wine list. Perhaps the best way to go is the multicourse tasting menu.

Via Valvason 4, Udine, 33100, Italy
0432-508982
Known For
  • Seafood served raw and cooked
  • Large terrace popular in summer
  • Multicourse tasting menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch Wed. and Thurs., Reservations essential