The Best Restaurants in Assisi, Italy
Despite being familiar with St Francis, many visitors to Italy don’t make it as far as Assisi. That’s a shame because the city’s an easy trip from Rome and Florence, both just a two-hour drive away. Assisi is compact and packed with historic sites, but its flavoursome Umbrian cuisine is as big a draw. There is no shortage of restaurants in which to try the regional specialities, so here’s Culture Trip’s pick of the best restaurants in Assisi.
1. Il Vicoletto
Restaurant, Italian
This cosy place is located in the historic centre of Assisi, a stone’s throw from the Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum. But the vibe is anything but old-fashioned, with Umbrian classics imaginatively reinvented. Try the grilled octopus or homemade taglierini with quail eggs and truffles. Nab a table under the arched stone ceilings or on the small terrace outside in the alley, which lends the place its name.
2. Hostaria Terra Chiama
Restaurant, Italian
Terra Chiama’s central location, close to the cathedral and Piazza del Comune, makes it a tempting prospect for visitors keen to pack in as much as possible. The simple, authentic Umbrian dishes showcase fresh produce from the surrounding countryside. To keep things as local as possible, the menu changes seasonally, but don’t be surprised to see rabbit, guinea fowl or pigeon on the menu.
3. Trattoria Pallotta
Restaurant, Italian
4. Osteria del Mulino
Restaurant, Italian
Situated on the edge of Assisi, in the leafy Bosco di San Francesco, this traditional osteria is brimming with rustic charm. Inside, exposed beams, arched stone ceilings and pretty blue windows accentuate whitewashed walls. The beef is a favourite among regulars: follow suit, and try the rigatoni with white chianina (beef) ragout or the black angus tagliata (beef dish) with rosemary. Though the restaurant is open for dinner, it’s equally popular for lunch, thanks to the nearby woodland walks.
5. Antica Norcineria Umbra
Restaurant, Italian
Antica Norcineria Umbra is part restaurant, part deli. The cured meats – try the wild boar salami – and cheeses are particularly good. The menu also extends to meat and pasta dishes, and there’s plenty of decent Umbrian wine to wash it all down. Tree-lined Via Borgo Aretino overlooks the surrounding countryside, yet you’re within staggering distance of the main attractions in the city centre.
6. Locanda del Podestà
Restaurant, Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian
7. Benedikto
Restaurant, Italian
Benedikto replaced the popular Eat Out Osteria at the Nun Assisi hotel in July 2020. The new menu is just as exciting, featuring dishes such as duck breast served with red turnip sauce and salted codfish accompanied by green apple, lime and seaweed powder. The building in which you’ll find Benedikto was originally a monastery – the name is a clue to its 13th-century past. Ask to eat on the terrace to capitalise on the view of Downtown Assisi.
8. Le Terrazze di Properzio
Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub
9. Osteria Piazzetta dell’Erba
Restaurant, Italian
This reliable osteria is in the historic heart of Assisi, a brief walk from the Torre de Popolo and the Piazza del Commune. Opt to dine under vaulted stone ceilings or outside in the shaded courtyard. The food’s a modern take on the typical dishes you find throughout the area – try the glazed ribs with honey mustard and cabbage. If you can’t get a table, all is not lost – the restaurant now offers take-out as well.
Looking for somewhere to stay? Book into one of the best hotels in nearby Perugia, and dine at one of the best restaurants in town. For a different slice of life in Umbria, don’t miss the quaint Medieval hill town of Gubbio, and stay over in one of the best hotels the town has to offer. From Assisi, it’s a two-hour drive from Rome; discover why you need to visit Italy’s capital, and read our guide to the must-visit attractions in the city.
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