As lovers of Italian food, we often wonder about the best restaurants in Italy. Although one can find delightful dishes in many parts of the country, what makes a restaurant special?
If you’re going to Italy, it’s always best to research ahead of time for the ultimate experience. Many great discoveries in the foodie culture often require reservations.
This article will help you decide which amazing restaurants to visit. Learn about their origins, what sets them apart, and the must-try dishes!
How Did We Put This List Together?
Navigating the many dining options in an entire nation can be daunting, especially when there are around 160,000 restaurants to choose from, even more so than selecting the right restaurants in just one city.
The dining experience goes beyond the food quality and Michelin stars; let’s explore the food, seasonal influences, and atmosphere of these restaurants.
For this article, we considered several factors, such as the restaurant’s location, history, interior/exterior (including fantastic scenery), customer service, quality of food, and renowned chefs who create delicious cuisine.
Without further ado, here’s our list of the four best restaurants, including Michelin-starred ones, in Italy that you must check out:
- Osteria Francescana (Modena)
- Enoteca Pinchiorri (Florence)
- La Pergola (Rome)
- Da Vittorio (Bergamo).
| Restaurant | Location | Michelin Stars | Chef | Cuisine |
| Osteria Francescana | Modena | 3 | Massimo Bottura | Contemporary Italian |
| Enoteca Pinchiorri | Florence | 3 | Annie Féolde | Tuscan and French Fusion |
| La Pergola | Rome | 3 | Heinz Beck | Mediterranean |
| Da Vittorio | Bergamo | 3 | Cerea Family | Eclectic, Seasonal |
Osteria Francescana
Osteria Francescana is a world-renowned restaurant located in the center of Modena (and it just happens to be our home). The restaurant opened in 1995, has earned three Michelin stars, and is featured on Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” series, “Somebody Feed Phil,” as well as “Master of None.”
Additionally, it has been featured multiple times in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, claiming the top spot in 2016 and 2018.
The chef who operates this restaurant is Massimo Bottura, a highly acclaimed Italian restaurateur and a native of Modena.
He found his passion for cooking by spending time with his grandmother Ancella in her kitchen, and draws inspiration from various sources such as art, music, cars (Massimo loves his Ferrari), and slow food.
He achieves culinary success through a unique blend of traditional values and modern ideas. We’ve asked a few people about what is the best restaurant in Italy, and the most common answer we received is Osteria Francescana.
The Food
The restaurant constantly adapts seasonal selections inspired by the chef’s contemporary and traditional culinary explorations. As such, they offer a 12-Course tasting menu with accompanying wine pairings (those over Italy’s legal drinking age).
Conversely, you can opt for the A La Carte menu, where you can select various dishes that suit your preferences.
Our multilingual staff have prepared each tasty dish, and will accurately describe each item on the menu.
If you are searching for a delicious appetizer, try the Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano with its varied textures and temperatures.
Ambiance
Osteria Francescana presents a luxurious yet cozy atmosphere with minimalistic, fashionable decoration. Not only is the area filled with various pieces of art, such as paintings, installations, and sculptures; it makes for an ideal spot for art aficionados.
Additionally, the atmosphere and customer service are excellent, making it a truly memorable experience.
Location & Hours
Osteria Francescana is unique because it’s open every day – seven days a week.
You will find the restaurant at Via Stella 22 in Modena, just a short walk from San Francesco Church and 20 minutes from the train station or 10 minutes by taxi.
The restaurant is situated in the historical downtown, a restricted traffic region. To avoid being fined for entering and parking, it’s recommended to look for an alternate parking location.
Reservations
At Osteria Francescana, you must make reservations more than six months in advance. For example, for the 2023 season, if you want a reservation in December, you have to book on June 1, 2023. Each reservation can accommodate from 2 to 10 people, so be sure to check their website and plan! That said, I understand there is a “cancellation list.” So, if you find yourself in Modena and want to treat yourself to a last-minute dinner, feel free to call the restaurant. You never know!
Fun Things To Do In Modena
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Originally beginning as a wine cellar with a wine tasting room, Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence has grown to become a three Michelin star restaurant since its opening in 1973.
The restaurant was honored with a Wine Spectator Grand Award and placed 32nd in the world according to British Restaurant magazine in 2008.
Giorgio Pinchiorri and his wife Annie Féolde are the driving forces behind their restaurant. Giorgio’s passion for wine combined with Annie’s delicious, complementary dishes creates an irrepressible enthusiasm that they impart to customers.
Annie, the first woman (outside of France) to receive three Michelin stars, was also included in “Great Women Chefs of Europe.”
The Food
Italian cuisine is dramatically reimagined when Annie, from Nice, France, infuses elements of her hometown into it. She uses all-natural ingredients and no preservatives. Masterful handling of the dishes brings out their extraordinary flavor and incorporates unexpected flavors common in Tuscan cuisine.
The special menus cater to various palates, from the “Heart Mother” menu, which is grounded in the most recent culinary studies, to the “Evolution” menu, which pays homage to Italian cuisine. Dishes span from pumpkin flowers, ravioli, and prawns to an array of meats and sauces.
Oenophiles will be in love with the selection of up to 3000 various wines, from rare vintage bottles to exquisite cuvées.
Ambiance
This restaurant is perfect for a romantic night out with your special someone. Its old-world charm and renaissance atmosphere will add to the romance of the evening.
As soon as you step into the room, the staff will treat you like a VIP. On special occasions, even the owner, Annie Féolde might personally come to your table.
What really sets the restaurant apart is its open kitchen. Here, you’ll be able to watch skilled chefs prepare your dishes right before you.
Location & Hours
The restaurant, situated at Via Ghibellina, 87 in Florence, is located in a Renaissance palazzo-style building. For us, Florence has some of the best restaurants in Italy.
If you plan on traveling by car, they offer a parking service just make sure you let them know beforehand. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 07:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Reservations
For an evening visit, you should make reservations ahead of time. Children and pets are both welcome, and a private room exists that can accommodate 6-12 people.
For added convenience, they offer online reservations for up to four people and a calendar to check availability.
Additionally, if you’re looking to make a reservation for today or tomorrow, or for a group larger than 4, please contact them via the phone number found on their website.
Fun Things To Do In Florence
La Pergola
La Pergola is a renowned restaurant in the center of Rome that has been wowing diners since 1994. The restaurant has earned a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Rome, Italy, with locals and numerous guides, such as the Gambero Rosso Wine Guide, recognizing it.
The Food
Firstly, the three-star Michelin restaurant in Rome owes its success to the German chef Heinz Beck. He has gained recognition for his work under the renowned Heinz Winkler and currently owns various successful restaurants around Europe.
Chef Beck is well-respected for mentoring new and upcoming chefs, disseminating his recipes, and exploring the impact of food on our bodies.
The base of the restaurant’s cuisine is Mediterranean, with dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing. You can enjoy a ten-course gourmet menu for €320, or a seven-course option for €270.
The menu also offers Italian classics like pasta, seafood, risotto, and steak made with care.
A must-try dish is the pasta carbonara, a mixture of cheese, egg, and cream nestled inside the pasta for an amazing flavor. The zucchini seasoning and bacon add even more deliciousness to this unforgettable dish.
Alongside these two distinct wine lists – one exclusively Italian and the other international – oenophiles can explore rare bottles hand-picked by the experienced Marco Reitano.
Ambiance
La Pergola in Rome is famous for being one of the most stunning restaurants in the world. It is famous as the gold standard for fine dining in Italy and provides guests with a magnificent view from its top floor.
Venetian masterpieces, refined furniture, stunning silverware, and beautiful fresh flowers accompany the rooftop setting of this elegant venue.
When you visit, the friendly staff will offer you a warm welcome. They are always ready to answer your questions. Not only that, the staff can provide a comfortable experience for disabled guests as the restaurant is accessible via wheelchair.
Additionally, this restaurant is quite formal, so prepare accordingly. Male guests must wear a jacket (no tie required), while there aren’t any specific dress codes for female guests.
Location & Hours
Visitors to La Pergola will find the restaurant in the Rome Cavalieri hotel at Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101. You can get detailed transport information and a map on their website.
A noteworthy attribute is the Concierge service they provide, which can arrange a transfer to or from any of Rome’s airports or train stations.
The restaurant is open from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, except for a three-week closure in January and another in August.
Once you arrive in Rome, you may also try their Carbonara. Rome is known to have the best Carbonaras in Italy.
Reservations
Concerning reservations, they provide a straightforward online form with details such as the number of guests, dates, and arrival time. However, the maximum number of people they accommodate can accommodate per reservation is 16, to ensure top quality and service. You can book a table up to four or five months ahead and include any special requests.
Fun Things To Do In Rome
Da Vittorio
Da Vittorio
This Italian restaurant, renowned for its award-winning dishes and family-run establishment, is among the oldest of its kind.
Da Vittorio, which opened in 1966 in Bergamo province and moved to Brusaporto’s Cantalupa in 2005 as the first business on the Relais & Chateaux circuit, is a three Michelin-star hotel.
Vittorio and his wife Bruna’s successful venture began with the opening of their restaurant, kicking off the Cerea family’s journey.
The Da Vittorio Group is presently under the direction of Bruna and her five children, Enrico, Roberto, Francesco, Barbara, and Rossella. Indeed, Bruna is often the first to greet arriving visitors, usually accompanied by her two poodles.
The Food
Da Vittorio’s menu changes regularly to keep up with the latest food trends. Their variety of dishes offer something for everyone, including an eclectic selection of meat, seafood, veggies, and fruits.
In addition to their focus on authentic recipes, the Cerea family is also exploring innovative healthy cooking options.
Besides savoring the flavors, the dishes are also present beautifully. The meal ends with a sumptuous display of cheese and desserts, but you can also opt for alfresco dining and the classic barbecued fare or a scrumptious pizza on sunny days.
Ambiance
Da Vittorio stands alone in the sprawling countryside, taking up 10 hectares of land for various activities.
Any visitor who comes to view the two natural lakes, tennis court, and football pitch will be in awe. What makes this location even more distinct is the charging station for electric vehicles which is available for guests.
It’s a perfect blend of old and new. Enjoy the cozy family atmosphere with luxurious dining, all elevated by the high-quality ingredients used in their dishes.
In addition, they are proud of their wine cellar; it was built brick-by-brick and holds an impressive array of thousands of bottles.
The Cerea family’s renowned brand, Rosso Faber, is crafted with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in their historic vineyard, giving it a delicate flavor.
Location & Hours
You will find Da Vittorio restaurant at Via Cantalupa, 17, just a 10-minute drive away from Bergamo. You can drive to this restaurant from Brescia, Milan, and Bergamo, and an accompanying map is on their website.
Visiting the restaurant by helicopter is a unique option, as they have their own helicopter landing pad.
Reservations
Additionally, booking a table is hassle-free when you go through the reservation page on their website. Just take a minute to fill out the form with your requirements. Make sure to plan ahead of time, though, as the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays and for ~20 days in August.
Fun Things To Do In Bergamo
Best Restaurants In Italy: Final Thoughts
Have you chosen which of these restaurants to visit first? You won’t regret it, whether you are looking for a romantic break or a fun family outing. While it’s not cheap, it is the opportunity of a lifetime to try delicious food out of the quality of ingredients, simplicity of dishes, potential health benefits, variety of tastes, and unique atmosphere that makes Italian restaurants so popular worldwide.