Osteria Francescana – Modena
Topping the list of Italy’s best restaurants is Osteria Francescana, the brainchild of world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura. Located in Modena, this three-Michelin-star restaurant has earned international acclaim for its innovative and poetic take on traditional Italian cuisine. Dishes like the “Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano” showcase Bottura’s playful and artful approach, blending tradition with avant-garde techniques. Reservations are highly sought after, so booking well in advance is essential.
La Pergola – Rome
As the only three-Michelin-star restaurant in Rome, La Pergola offers an extraordinary dining experience with panoramic views over the Eternal City. Helmed by German-born chef Heinz Beck, La Pergola serves refined Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian twist. Signature dishes include Fagottelli “La Pergola” (filled pasta with a creamy carbonara center) and scampi with black truffle. Located in the luxurious Rome Cavalieri hotel, La Pergola is ideal for those seeking an elegant dining experience in Rome.
Enoteca Pinchiorri – Florence
Florence’s Enoteca Pinchiorri is a three-Michelin-star restaurant known for its blend of Italian and French influences. The restaurant boasts one of the largest and most prestigious wine cellars in Europe, with over 4,000 labels. Head chefs Annie Féolde and Riccardo Monco offer a seasonally driven menu that celebrates the best of Tuscan flavors and ingredients. Standout dishes include risotto with sea urchins and suckling pig with mustard and apple. For wine lovers, Enoteca Pinchiorri is an absolute must-visit.
Piazza Duomo – Alba
Nestled in the heart of Alba, Piedmont, Piazza Duomo is a three-Michelin-star gem led by chef Enrico Crippa. Known for his dedication to local ingredients, Crippa offers dishes that reflect the unique flavors of the Langhe region. The restaurant even has its own organic vegetable garden, supplying the freshest produce daily. Piazza Duomo’s dishes, like the renowned “Salad 21…31…41…,” which incorporates over 40 herbs and vegetables, celebrate the seasonality and artistry of Italian cuisine.
Ristorante Da Vittorio – Bergamo
Located just outside Bergamo, Da Vittorio is a three-Michelin-star family-owned restaurant run by the Cerea family. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and exceptional food, Da Vittorio focuses on traditional Italian flavors with a refined twist. Signature dishes include paccheri pasta with tomato and basil and a seafood platter that highlights the family’s passion for fresh ingredients. Da Vittorio also offers a tasting menu that changes seasonally, ensuring guests have a unique experience every visit.
Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia – Milan
Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia is a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Milan, founded by Aimo and Nadia Moroni. Today, the restaurant is run by their daughter Stefania and chefs Alessandro Negrini and Fabio Pisani. Known for its contemporary take on Italian cuisine, Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia blends traditional recipes with a modern touch. The tasting menu includes classics like spaghetti with tomato and basil alongside unique dishes inspired by Italy’s regions. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the creative side of Italian cuisine.
Uliassi – Senigallia
Located along the Adriatic Sea in Senigallia, Uliassi is a three-Michelin-star restaurant that combines the best of land and sea. Chef Mauro Uliassi’s cuisine is known for its simplicity and purity, focusing on fresh seafood and local ingredients. Dishes like the “Raw Fish Experience” showcase the chef’s mastery over seafood, highlighting its natural flavors. With an intimate seaside atmosphere and inventive dishes, Uliassi offers a delightful blend of coastal charm and fine dining.
Antica Osteria Cera – Campagna Lupia, Venice
For seafood enthusiasts, Antica Osteria Cera near Venice is a must-visit. The two-Michelin-star restaurant, run by brothers Lionello and Daniele Cera, specializes in exquisitely prepared seafood dishes. The minimalist menu lets the freshness of the ingredients shine, with offerings like raw shrimp with lemon zest and a variety of fish tartares. Located in a quiet village near Venice, Antica Osteria Cera provides a serene atmosphere for an intimate dining experience.
Ristorante Reale – Castel di Sangro
Situated in the mountains of Abruzzo, Ristorante Reale is a three-Michelin-star restaurant that celebrates Italy’s rural flavors and ingredients. Chef Niko Romito’s minimalist approach allows the simplicity and quality of his ingredients to take center stage. Dishes like roasted pigeon and eggplant with tomato sauce reflect Romito’s commitment to honoring Italian tradition while exploring new possibilities. The restaurant also offers an immersive “Essentials” tasting menu that provides a journey through Italy’s culinary heritage.
La Subida Trattoria al Cacciatore – Cormòns, Friuli Venezia Giulia
For a unique twist on traditional Italian dining, visit La Subida Trattoria al Cacciatore in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, close to the Slovenian border. This rustic trattoria is known for its “border cuisine,” blending Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian flavors. The menu includes hearty, rustic dishes like goulash and frico (a crispy cheese pancake). Set in a cozy farmhouse surrounded by vineyards, La Subida offers an authentic and homely dining experience in one of Italy’s lesser-known regions.
