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.
1. Lo Scoglio
Nestled in a charming village along the Amalfi Coast, Lo Scoglio offers more than just a meal—it’s a true taste of Italy. This family-run treasure has been serving up classic Italian food like caprese salad and seafood-laden spaghetti since 1958, providing an authentic coastal dining experience.
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.
2. Naples’ Pizza Perfection at Concettina ai Tre Santi
Naples, the birthplace of pizza, is a haven for Italian cuisine lovers. Among the 800 pizzerias, one stands out—Concettina ai Tre Santi. Led by the innovative Ciro Oliva, this third-generation gem transforms the classic pizza into an art form. If you’re searching for Italian restaurants nearby that elevate pizza to new heights, this spot is a must-visit.
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 Top Italian Restaurants, we don’t know what does!
3. Venissa
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.
Here, Venetian history meets modern culinary innovation in a vibrant fusion, making it one of the best restaurants in Italy you’ll be proud to rave about. Indulge in exquisite Italian delicacies that blend tradition and contemporary flair for a dining experience you won’t forget.
4. Regina Bistecca in Florence
Just a short walk from the iconic Duomo di Firenze, Regina Bistecca stands out as one of the best restaurants in Florence Italy. This elegant spot is a paradise for meat lovers, offering a modern twist on classic Tuscan dishes that would impress even your nonna. Their crowning glory? It’s a dining experience you won’t want to miss.
Indulge in a mouthwatering Florentine steak, dry-aged for 21 days, then grilled to perfection over charcoal and served rare, just as it’s meant to be. For steak lovers, this is the ultimate treat, paired with a delightful array of antipasti and sides. Experience it all at one of the best Florence restaurants, where every dish is crafted to impress.
5. Trattoria Pennestri Ups the Ante
Nestled in the vibrant Ostiense district of Rome, Trattoria Pennestri stands as a culinary treasure. This isn’t just another trattoria; it’s a neo-trattoria that redefines Roman classics with creative flair. The dishes are perfectly complemented by an impressive wine list, featuring selections from Lazio’s small, local producers. Discover this gem at one of the best restaurants in Rome, where tradition meets innovation.
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 Restaurants in Rome.
6. 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!
7. 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
8. 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 Tuscany Restaurants, this former worker’s hub has blossomed into a farm-to-table haven.
Picture yourself enjoying homemade pici, coated in a rich ragù, paired with local pecorino cheeses, and sipping on wines that would make Bacchus himself envious. Set against a backdrop straight out of a Renaissance painting, Dopolavoro La Foce offers a dining experience that celebrates the essence of Tuscany. If you’re craving an authentic taste of Tuscany, this Tuscany restaurant is the perfect spot for both delicious food and rich history.
9. Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio
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 Restaurants in Italy for seafood lovers.
Imagine savoring a daily fixed menu where the freshest catch of the day is delivered straight from the sea to your table. From tender squid to succulent mussels, every dish is a true taste of the Adriatic. For an offbeat yet utterly delicious experience, Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio offers an unforgettable journey into Italian cuisine, celebrating the flavors of the coast.
10. 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.
