Eat Out Like an Italian: Top 10 Restaurants in Italy Tourists Don’t Know About

It’s a hard work to find out which are the best restaurants in Italy as this country is famous for its enormously delicious food. That’s why we’ve asked local professionals – experts from the luxury tailor-made tour provider LUXO ITALIA, who have visited all fine restaurants in Italy - to pick out the best Italian places for eating out. So no more frozen pizzas or gelato that tourists usually eat in Italy – with our Top 10 you can head straight to places with the best food.

1.Villa Crespi Restaurant, Lago d'Orta

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The exterior of Villa Crespi is appealingly mysterious, and this somewhat exotic sensation is even stronger as you enter Antonino Cannavacciuolo’s two Michelin starred Villa Crespi Restaurant. For the Chef, Anonino Cannavacciuolo, cooking is a way to express his style of life that has no choice but to move on, in a continuous process of research and growth. He plays with flavors, putting ingredients from the Mediterranean Sea together with typically Piedmontese ones, creating new combinations that enhance their unique flavors and arouse the curiosity of visitors.

A Local Tip: We suggest you to choose one of 3 delicious tasting menus made by their famous Chef who starred in the Kitchen Nightmares TV program.

2.Relais Blu, Marciano, Amalfi Coast

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The Relais Blu is recommended by leading culinary guides, it is one of the area's favorite dining venues in virtue of its innovative kitchen and fabulous site. Salvatore Acampora, patron of the Relais Blu, a renowned expert in Campania cuisine, has created a restaurant where Mediterranean specialties, prepared with the latest techniques, can tempt any palate. The Wine List includes over a thousand of Italian and international labels, so be ready for amazing white tasting, and probably stay for a night in one of the luxury hotel rooms with amazing views.

A Local Tip: We suggest you to try Fresh Taglierini with raw shrimps and catch of the day as a main course.

3.La Maniera di Carlo, Milano

La Maniera di Carlo restaurant in Milan

Milan is full of amazing restaurants. But our choice goes to La Maniera di Carlo. Located in the central Milano, this restaurant has a very warm and cosy interior which offers you a relaxing mood to start your food journey with. The dining room is relatively small, but that is the sign that they do their job in a proper way and have chosen a “Better Quality than Quantity” motto. The young Chef and owner of the Restaurant is gifted in mixing seafood and fruits and creating amazing dishes! Go for the surprise menu and you will never be disappointed. Everything is just amazing here – from delicious home-made bread to the wine list with many hidden gems only known by experts.

4.La Brinca, Liguria

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This is really a hidden gem! Settled between mountains and the Liguria Sea this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy local cuisine prepared from fresh ingredients by the Circella family. The place has a long and rich history. Opened in 1987, today it is one of the best restaurants in Liguria. They offer a large variety of traditional local dishes which stem from the peasant heritage of the western Liguria, therefore only using local seasonal farm products.

This place is famous for its beverages and drinks. Their Wine List includes more than 1000 labels of different kinds and vintages, differing in color, region and country of origin. The List of Liqueurs includes more than 300 names, with a particular attention to grappa, grape and fruit liqueurs, Cognac, Armagnac, brandy, calvados, rum, Marc and whisky.

5.La Malga Panna, Trentino, Moena

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If you are up to amazing views and superb food look no farther but this Michelin starred gem, located at the height of 1380 m, just at the foot of the Italian Dolomites. The cuisine is exceptional here – you can enjoy Porcini Mushrooms, Wild Venison, Wild Boar and some most amazing cheeses in the area, along with some absolutely fabulous wines.

A Local Tip: Book this restaurant in advance together with a hotel for a memorable Alpine experience.

6.La Fioraia, Castello di Annone

Castello di Annone restaurant in Italy La Fioraia is run by family

A real gem for truffle and porcini lovers in the middle of white truffle area, La Fioraia is run by a wonderful family, who can make fantastic local food - from bread to delicious desserts – this can became a gastronomy experience of your life! A must visit place for truffle season (September-November).

7.Colleoni dell’ Angelo, Bergamo

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This glamorous place, owned by Pierangelo Cornaro, an internationally renowned Chef, overlooks one of the most enchanting Italian squares from the Bramante Palace. Service is a top-class here, while its spacious vaulted rooms once appealed to a great architect Le Corbusier. It has been a meeting point for intellectuals, painters and poets ever since.

8.Guido, Siena

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Located in the heart of Siena, few steps away from famous Piazza del Campo GUIDO, the Restaurant offers to its clients the old-fashioned Italian cuisine. You can taste some truly amazing dishes with truffles, fresh porcini mushrooms and world-famous Florentine steak accompanied by one of the fantastic local wines. Here you will find genuine and tasty cuisine, which has made this place very popular among Italians.

9.Il Buco, Sorrento

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Sitting at a table at Il Buco you can fully relax and enjoy the food. Its elegant and precious background will gladly welcome you to discover all tastes and flavors of traditional and creative food that will build up an exciting new experience for your senses. The Chef of the restaurant uses only fresh ingredients and products, combined with imagination and served to delight your eyes.

A Local Tip: book a table at the outdoor restaurant: in the ancient corner of Sorrento, on the street going down to the port, where you can enjoy the spirit of the city.

10.Focacceria della Manuelina, Recco

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Have you ever heard about Focaccia al Formaggio? It is a thin pizza with two layers of pasta and load of cheese inside. It’s something words can’t describe! And they make the original one only in Recco, not far from Genoa and Portofino. This place also will be a heaven for seafood lovers!

A Local Tip: Go for the delicious tasting menu that will give you a chance to try all the local specialties.

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I fell in love with traveling much earlier than I fell in love with my first man. And I'm still faithful to that love (But I have exchanged some men since my first one). I have never had a reason to regret my passion. I constantly dream of going further, it gives me indescribable emotions and meaning to my life.

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