Deciding on Italy’s “best restaurants” is like picking a favorite child—impossible, yet here we are, diving fork-first into the challenge. After some serious pasta plate research (a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it), we’ve rounded up the crème de la crème of Italian dining spots. Whether you’re into mountain views with your Margherita or seaside settings for your spaghetti, these Best Italian Restaurants are serving up dishes that are molto delizioso. From cozy trattorias to posh fine-dining joints, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our top 10 picks across Italy.
Table of Contents
Best Italian Restaurants Gem: Lo Scoglio
Tucked away in a picturesque Amalfi Coast village, Lo Scoglio isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a coastal culinary experience. This family-run gem has been dishing out Best Italian Restaurants classics like caprese salad and seafood-packed spaghetti since 1958.
With its laid-back vibes and jaw-dropping views, it’s no wonder Lo Scoglio remains a top pick for both locals and discerning diners seeking the Amalfi’s finest flavors.
Naples’ Pizza Perfection at Concettina ai Tre Santi
The birthplace of pizza and a paradise for dough-tossing aficionados. But amidst the 800-strong pizzeria crowd, one spot elevates the humble pie to an art form—Concettina ai Tre Santi. Under the creative genius of Ciro Oliva, this 3rd generation gem isn’t just serving slices; they’ve turned pizza into a high-brow affair.
Imagine a pizza tasting menu paired with rare wines, transforming street food into a gastronomic symphony. If that doesn’t make it one of the Best Italian Restaurants, we don’t know what does!
Venissa: Venice’s Best Italian Restaurants Gem in the Lagoon
Nestled away from the selfie-stick wielding crowds of St. Mark’s Square, Venissa is the Italian foodie’s hidden treasure. This wine resort, more luxurious than your nonna’s pasta Sundays, sprawls across the enchanting Venice Lagoon.
Sip on wines crafted from the nearly-lost Dorona grapes—once the favored sip of Venetian Doges, now making a grand comeback. As for the food? Choose between Venissa’s Michelin-starred extravaganza or the relaxed vibes of its osteria.
It’s where Venetian history and contemporary cuisine dance a tantalizing tango, making it one of the Best Italian Restaurants you’ll want to brag about finding.
Regina Bistecca in Florence
Nestled a stone’s throw from the iconic Duomo di Firenze, Regina Bistecca isn’t just another spot in Florence—it’s a carnivore’s paradise. This elegant eatery offers a fresh take on classic Tuscan dishes that’ll make your nonna raise an eyebrow (in a good way, of course). Their pièce de résistance?
A mouthwatering Florentine steak, dry-aged to perfection for at least 21 days, then grilled over charcoal and served rare, just as the Tuscan gods intended. And fear not, steak purists—there’s a parade of antipasti and sides ready to accompany this star of the show at one of the Best Italian Restaurants in town.
Roman Remixes & Heavenly Mousse: Trattoria Pennestri Ups the Ante
In the heart of Rome’s industrial-chic Ostiense district lies a culinary gem: Trattoria Pennestri. This isn’t your average trattoria; it’s a neo-trattoria with a flair for reimagining Roman classics. And oh, do they pair them well—with an impressive wine list showcasing Lazio’s small, local producers.
The menu boasts appetizers to die for, pasta dishes that’ll make your taste buds do the tarantella, and mains that are simply magnifico! But don’t even think about skipping dessert. Their chocolate mousse, infused with rosemary and sprinkled with sea salt, is nothing short of divine—a must-try at one of the Best Italian Restaurants in Rome.
Bologna’s Best Bites: Trattoria dal Biassanot
Bologna, the culinary capital lovingly dubbed “la Grassa” or “the fat,” is a foodie’s paradise. Amidst its maze of mouthwatering dishes, Trattoria dal Biassanot stands out as one of the Best Italian Restaurants you can’t miss. Tucked away like a well-guarded recipe, this cozy bistro offers more than just a meal—it’s an experience.
Here, you can indulge in heavenly tortellini, silky tagliatelle, and lasagne that would make nonna proud. And the cherry on top? A secret view overlooking one of Bologna’s charming canals. So, if you’re seeking authentic flavors in a setting that screams Italian charm, Trattoria dal Biassanot is your place to mangia!
No Menu, All Magic: Unveiling Restaurant Pretzhof’s Alpine Delights
Tucked away in the majestic Dolomites, Restaurant Pretzhof is not just a dining spot—it’s a culinary journey. This mountain lodge, one of the Best Italian Restaurants, promises a taste of hearty South Tyrolese cuisine that’s so divine, they don’t even need a menu! Fresh, seasonal ingredients from the backyard (literally, they’re sourced locally) are crafted into dishes that sing the song of the mountains. And don’t worry if you have specific cravings; the staff are like culinary wizards, ready to whip up your heart’s desires. So, if you’re looking to dine with a view, a story, and a whole lot of flavor, Restaurant Pretzhof is your mountaintop haven
From Factory Floor to Fork: Dopolavoro La Foce’s Tuscan Feast
Nestled next to the enchanting La Foce gardens, Dopolavoro La Foce isn’t just another eatery; it’s a piece of Tuscan history. Earning its spot among the Best Italian Restaurants, this former worker’s hub has blossomed into a farm-to-table haven.
Imagine feasting on homemade pici drenched in rich ragù, pairing it with local pecorino cheeses, and sipping on wines that would make Bacchus jealous. With a setting straight out of a Renaissance painting and a menu that sings the Tuscan countryside’s praises, Dopolavoro La Foce offers a dining experience that’s as authentic as it gets. So, if you’re craving a taste of Tuscany with a side of history, this is your spot.
Dine Like a Merperson at Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio: Italy’s Most Unique Seafood Experience
Ever dined on a restaurant hovering over the sea? If not, welcome to the world of “trabocchi” on Italy’s stunning Adriatic Coast. Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio takes the cake, or should we say, the fish? Elevating the seafood game, this unique spot is among the Best Italian Restaurants for seafood lovers.
Picture yourself feasting on a daily fixed menu, where the catch of the day goes straight from sea to table. From tender squid to plump mussels, every dish is a salty embrace from the Adriatic. So, if you’re seeking a dining experience that’s both offbeat and utterly delicious, Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio is your next culinary adventure.
Castle Cuisine & Truffle Dreams: Castello di Sinio’s Regal Feast
Feeling like your usual Italian restaurant is a bit, well, pedestrian? Then buckle up for a trip to Castello di Sinio! This 12th-century castle in Piedmont isn’t your average dining destination – it’s a portal to a world of refined dishes and legendary wines.
Imagine this: you’re surrounded by the history and grandeur of a medieval castle, a glass of Italy’s most celebrated Barolo swirling in your hand. The menu reads like a royal decree, boasting delicacies like roasted duck with prosciutto, fennel, and rhubarb, or a wild mushroom souffle that dreams are made of (and infused with cheese fondue and black truffles, no less!).
Best Italian restaurants who? Castello di Sinio is in a league of its own. Here, every bite is an adventure, and the ambiance is fit for a king (or queen) with a serious case of wanderlust and an even more serious appreciation for good food.
