As in much of Italy, dining in Umbria is a cultural as well as a culinary experience.
There are almost too many fantastic restaurants to list, but these are some Palazzo Grande favorites.
EXPERIENCE UMBRIA!
Restaurants
La Taverna
Down a flight of ancient stone steps from the main square of Perugia is this casually elegant restaurant with fantastic food and wine. The colorful owner and chef, Claudio, speaks good English and is usually there. La Taverna promises a beautiful and memorable dining experience. Reservations strongly recommended.
http://www.ristorantelataverna.com
L’Umbricello del Coccio
A 15 minute drive from Palazzo Grande, on country roads winding through fields of sunflowers and grapevines, is this warm, rustic restaurant in a tiny village. Named after a local pasta variant, Umbricelli, the food is authentically Umbrian, fresh and tremendous. Reservations recommended.
http://www.lumbricellodelcoccio.it
Ristorante del Sole
This glass-enclosed restaurant hangs over a cliff a short walk from Perugia’s main square and features beautiful views both day and night. While not a favorite of local residents, the food is consistently good and sometimes inspired. Reservations strongly recommended.
Al Battibecco
This casual but very good restaurant is located close to Palazzo Grande, near the highway. It has an extensive menu of classic Italian dishes including tasty “primi piatti”, roasted meats and pizza. Both indoor and outdoor seating. Recommended for lunch or takeaway.
http://www.albattibeccoristorante.com
Osteria a Priori
Above a wine store near the main square in Perugia is this small restaurant dedicated to slow cooking and locally farmed ingredients. It’s always crowded with local residents and foodies. Reservations strongly recommended.
http://www.osteriaapriori.it/info-e-contatti/
Ristorante Da Massimo
Near the southeast shore of Lago di Trasimeno, in a residential neighborhood in the nearby town of Magione, is this local restaurant known for its extremely generous portions of pasta as well as its seafood. Prices are moderate and portions are large. Very little English is spoken but you can’t go wrong with virtually any pasta. Reservations recommended.
http://www.perugiaonline.com/damassimo/ristorante.html
Ristorante Masolino
A 40 minute drive from Palazzo Grande, in the impossibly quaint medieval stone hilltop village of Panicale, is Ristorante Masolino, one of the best and most authentic Umbrian restaurants in the region. Meals here begin with an olive oil tasting and end with a visit across the walkway through the restaurant’s wine store to an ancient cave for a digestif. In between is an array of fresh and artfully prepared Umbrian dishes. It’s a bit of a drive, but worth it.
I Capricci di Merion
This casually elegant, refined restaurant, part of a boutique hotel, is located on a small promontory in the village of Tuoro, about a 20 minute drive from Palazzo Grande near the north shore of Lago di Trasimeno. Dishes are seasonal and represent elevated, contemporary versions of regional cuisine. Particular attention is paid to the presentation of the dishes, and the service is attentive as well. Capricci Di Merion is particularly suitable for special occasions. Reservations are required.
https://www.capriccidimerion.it/en/restaurant/
Fiorefiore
At the Roccafiore Winery near Todi is this beautiful outdoor restaurant set among the winery’s vineyards. The menu is somewhat limited and the wine is not Umbria’s best, but the food is high quality and the outdoor setting is amazing.
https://www.roccafiore.it/en/todi-restaurant-fiorfiore/
Relais Todini
A few miles from Todi is this casually elegant and sophisticated restaurant with a constantly changing seasonal menu and achingly beautiful views across vineyards to Todi. A high quality wine list complements the menu. Dining here is a truly memorable experience. Reservations recommended.
https://www.relaistodini.it/eng/restaurant-hotel-todi-umbria.html
San Pietro a Pettine
Among the hills of Trevi is this intimate restaurant with a wonderful view. The menu is exclusively based on freshly picked truffles from the adjacent fields. The restaurant offers a tasting menu of over 10 courses for an excellent value.
http://www.lacucinadisanpietroapettine.com/en/
L’Alchimista
This wine bar and restaurant is located in the central square of Montefalco. The cuisine is strictly local, varies according to the season, and is served with great professionalism by the staff. The pasta is always handmade and the meat is carefully selected. The wine list is extremely rich. During good weather, sit outdoors on the square for a relaxing and memorable experience.
http://ristorantealchimista.it/
Tempio del Gusto
In the historic centre of Spoleto you will find this small restaurant run by chef Eros Patrizi and his wife. High level and refined Italian cuisine, made with exellent quality raw materials and a complete selection of Italian and French wines.
http://www.iltempiodelgusto.com/
La Grotta
Just outside the Tuscan wine town of Montepulciano, across the street from a well-preserved Gothic cathedral, is this jewel of a restaurant with pretty outdoor garden seating. The food is a blend of traditional and contemporary Tuscan cuisine, all prepared with great care; the local wines are well-selected; and the service is friendly and impeccable.