Italy is a paradise for foodies. Every region has its local specialities and Umbria is no exception. Following our recent trip to Umbria, we thought we’d share with you some of our top restaurant recommendations. We’ve included options for breakfast, lunch and dinner so that, if you don’t fancy cooking up a feast at your Umbria villa rental, then we will always have the perfect place for you to visit. This article does come with a bit of a health warning: Reading it will make you extraordinarily hungry! And visiting each of these restaurants will inevitably pile on the pounds!!!
Assisi
An elegant and contemporary restaurant which is located within the luxury hotel, Nun, in Assisi. Inside, it’s contemporary and elegant whilst outside you’ll find a great terrace for dining al fresco.
Bevagna
You could easily explore Bevagna and miss this absolutely charming little restaurant just off the main Piazza at Corso Matteotti 102. The owner, Assunta, is a talented chef and serves up delicious cuisine. We recommend you opt for the Panzanella salad and the simple bruschetta drizzled with olive oil. Incidentally, the café also sells excellent oil and wine to take home with you along with some beautiful ceramic souvenirs. It’s open for lunch during the week and for both lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays.
Situated at Corso Giovanni Amendola 8, this offers some of the best sea food in Umbria!
Just outside Bevagna in the tiny (and extremely charming) village of Torre del Colle is Serpillo. This is an absolutely idyllic setting, with outdoor tables set under the arches of the village walls and gate. If visiting during the Winter months, the interior is also beautifully designed. Superb quality food.
Foligno
Popular with youngsters, this is a great place for a quick bite to eat, serving up a selection of panini and some delicious sweet treats.
Open daily from 8 am to 9 pm (but closed on Sunday evenings), this is a combination of both an upmarket food shop and restaurant. Situated outside the main historic centre of Foligno, the concept is simple – it’s a luxury takeaway – and it was set up by three prestigious Italian masterchefs. It’s a great option for both breakfast and lunch and, if you don’t fancy cooking in the evening, then you can buy something to take back to your Umbria villa rental and eat at home.
A typically Italian fish restaurant in Foligno.
Owned by the incredible chef, Luisa, this restaurant is situated in the hotel of the same name. She uses the wonderful produce grown in her vegetable garden to create exquisite culinary dishes.
Montefalco
A wonderful restaurant run by Paolo out front and Pasqualino in the kitchen. Paolo is the perfect host, making every guest feel like they’re the most special person in his restaurant that night! The food is top notch, putting modern twists on traditional Umbrian fare. Book ahead and ask for a table outside on the charming terrace.
A restaurant and wine bar in Montefalco’s main Piazza del Comune, Enoteca L’Achimista offers diners absolutely delicious Umbrian cuisine using only the highest quality local ingredients. Their wine list is also second to none.
A delightful and welcoming restaurant serving up generous portions of Umbrian fare. They also produce their own amazing olive oil which we can highly recommend.
A fine dining option, this restaurant offers traditional Umbrian fare in a beautiful, white table cloth setting. Fantastic staff make can’t do enough to ensure you enjoy a wonderful dining experience.
Paciano
A great restaurant in this sleepy Umbrian village which serves up both authentic Tuscan and Umbrian cuisine. If visiting in the warmer months of the year, eat outside on the terrace and enjoy the impressive views over the rolling hills towards Lake Trasimeno.
Another excellent restaurant choice in Paciano. Run by Chiara and her mother, it serves up fantastic pizzas and pasta dishes.
Situated a couple of kilometres outside the historic centre of Paciano, Il Casale is a family run restaurant serving top notch Umbrian food in the most picturesque of settings with views that look out over Lake Trasimeno. If you’re visiting in the Winter months, then eat indoors instead in the warmth of the traditional open fire.
Simple but delicious homemade pasta dishes served either inside or on their picturesque terrace. Opt to eat here and you’ll never be disappointed!
Perugia
This restaurant deserves its top spot on TripAdvisor, serving up delicious Umbrian food from the heart of historic Perugia. Impeccable food and outstanding service are assured here.
Just outside Perugia in Ponte San Giovanni is La Forchetta. Owned and run by siblings, they change the menu frequently to reflect local ingredients that are in season.
Spello
A traditional Italian restaurant, serving up excellent quality local food created by Mirko and his wife. It does have an outdoor terrace but it’s small so if you want to sit outside, make sure you book ahead. We recommend trying the Tagliata di Manzo. Please note that it’s closed on Sundays and Tuesdays.
Situated about halfway up the main street in Spello, La Cantina offers great quality food in a charming setting. Whilst the restaurant does have an outdoor terrace, we recommend dining inside at this establishment to make the most of the atmosphere.
A small restaurant occupying a terrific position at the top of Spello and enjoying views of Assisi in the distance. Make sure to book a table on the terrace to make the most of the setting. The owner is incredibly friendly and, whilst he doesn’t speak much English, we feel that this only adds to the authenticity of the restaurant. A small but perfectly formed menu and absolutely delicious food. It gets great reviews on TripAdvisor and it’s easy to see why.
Another great option for those looking for some traditional Italian food, La Bastiglia is also at the top of Spello at Piazza Vallegloria 7. Its large outdoor terrace offers wonderful views over the rolling hills beyond.
A bar rather than a restaurant, it’s a popular spot with the locals for a bite to eat and a coffee at breakfast. We also love enjoying an aperitivo here late afternoon and early evening.
Situated at the bottom of Spello just outside the historic city gates is Panificio Serenelli. This large shop and café is extremely popular with the locals and, whilst there is a good sized car park, it can get pretty busy. They have a great selection of sweet treats for breakfast along with plenty of biscuits and cakes, as well as savoury snacks for lunch.
Whilst not much to look at, this restaurant serves up the best pizzas in Spello. It’s popular with the locals so, whilst there is plenty of seating, we recommend you book a table in advance.
Run by the head of the Angelini family, Roberto, and his daughter Irene, the family are passionate about wine. Roberto is a larger-than-life character. They offer a dinner and wine tasting experience for 50 euros per head which is always guaranteed to be plenty of fun.
Trevi
La Cucina di San Pietro a Pettine
A great option for those looking to sample some of the delicious truffles that Umbria is famous for. Book a table on the terrace to make the most of the sunset.
If you need any more inspiration on where to eat during your Umbria villa holiday, just get in touch with the Bookings For You team and we’d be happy to suggest even more great restaurants in Umbria for you to enjoy.
Alternatively, it’s definitely worth booking a chef at home experience during your stay in Umbria The extremely talented chef Alessio Berionni offers a 360 degree in villa chef service, coming to your chosen Umbria villa or apartment to prepare the most exquisite dishes of your choosing. Find out more at www.abpersonalchef.com. Quote ‘Bookings For You’ to receive a free gift with every booking.