Italy by plate: The best of fine-dining and local cuisine
If you're heading to Italy, make sure you read our foodie guide to Rome, Florence and Milan first
If you want to chase the last of the summer sun and experience a foodie adventure, head to the best of local and fine-dining cuisine from these Italian destinations. Travel by train between each city and sit back and watch the luscious Italian countryside whizz by. Follow this ultimate foodie guide, whether you’re wanting to dine like a local or go all out with some of the most spectacular food that Italy has to offer.
Rome fine-dining: Hotel Hassler
With iconic views from the top of the Spanish Steps, Imàgo Restaurant offers a reinterpretation of Roman cuisine while overlooking the city's most memorable dining views. The Michelin star restaurant pays homage to Italian tradition, using modern techniques and the best seasonal produce. Treat yourself to the full experience and order the tasting menu, six courses of food heaven. Highlights include scallop souffle, served in their original beautiful shells and a melt-in-the-mouth lobster. Each course is paired perfectly with wine hand-picked and explained by their in-house sommelier.
Hotel Hassler, Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 6, 00187 Roma, Italy
Rome local: Trattoria il Tettarello
Although this restaurant is easy to miss, inside is a warm welcoming eatery that serves some of the city's best pizza and pasta. Don't be put off by the crowds outside - the food is worth the wait, especially with a glass of wine in hand. Trattoria il Tettarello feels as if dining inside a family home, with friendly staff and cosy decor. It’s very popular with locals, so come early or be prepared to wait for a table. A carafe of red wine will cost you nine euros, so you can happily sit back and eat the most delicious rustic pizza with good company. We suggest the four cheese or truffle pizza with a white base if you're after something different. If you have any room left, order their homemade tiramisu - you won’t regret it.
Trattoria il Tettarello, Via dei Capocci, 4, 00184 Roma, Italy
Florence fine-dining: Caffè dell’Oro
Taking its name from Florence’s famous tradition of gold crafting, Caffè dell’Oro is a bistro located on the river Arno. The menu boasts light dishes inspired by the Italian regional tradition, which add creativity without losing the taste of simplicity. Chef Alessio Mori’s Farm to Table menu uses fresh produce from Il Borro’s vegetable garden, not far from Florence. Caffè dell’Oro has recently introduced Farm to Glass, a range of organic wines produced by avant-garde wineries to be paired with the dishes.
Caffè dell’Oro, Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 4, 50123 Firenze, Italy
Florence local: Trattoria 13 Gobbi
Located in the heart of the city, Trattoria 13 Gobbi offers a hideaway of foodie heaven and is a firm favourite for the locals. The interior itself is reason enough to visit, boasting plenty of character in the form of mismatched dinner plates and quirky frames which cover the walls. Cheese-lovers listen up, prepare yourself for the creamiest pasta sauce around.
Trattoria 13 Gobbi, Via del Porcellana, 9R, 50123 Firenze, Italy
Milan fine-dining: Rinascente
The restaurant is on the seventh floor of the Rinascente department store in Milan, an ideal spot for feasting after a day of retail therapy. Located in Piazza Duomo and with a panoramic rooftop terrace, the views over the spires of Milan Cathedral are nothing short of beautiful. Start with a classic Aperol Spritz whilst you browse their menu, which spans tasty classic pizzas and delicious seafood salads.
La Rinascente, 20121 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy
Milan local: Torre
Restaurant Torre is located on the sixth and seventh floors of the Fondazione Prada, Milan’s answer to the Tate Modern. After taking in all the art and beautiful architecture, make your way to restaurant Torre, where the locals hang out as the sun sets over the city. Whether you're after evening cocktails away from the tourist-filled squares of Milan or an intimate dinner, Torre is the best place to go to feel like a local Milano.
Torre, Largo Isarco, 2, 20139 Milano MI, Italy
Lake Como fine-dining: CO.MO Bar & Bistrot
CO.MO Bar & Bistrot is a picturesque lakeside setting, with a terrace that captures the afternoon sun, as well as breathtaking sunsets. Available for lunch and dinner, the menu features a selection of traditional Italian dishes all prepared using seasonal produce. Guests can enjoy the bistro’s signature pizzas, prepared with mozzarella and organic tomatoes sourced from Campania and oregano from Sicily. We recommend the spaghetti Nerano style with zucchini, basil and Parmigiano cheese.
CO.MO Bar & Bistrot, Via E. Caronti, 69, 22020 Blevio CO, Italy
Lake Como local: Antica Trattoria del Risorgimento
Nestled away from visiting tourists, Antica Trattoria del Risorgimento is in a secluded position that’s hard to find on busier streets. A family-run trattoria that uses fresh and local ingredients, diners are guaranteed a warm, friendly atmosphere, while eating on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
via Sant'Abbondio 8, Azzano di MezzegraTremezzina, Lombardia, Italy
Why Botswana is the ultimate safari destination
The Resort Review: Bellevue Syrene
The Resort Review: Four Seasons Desroches & Mahé
The ultimate Australian adventure
Michelin dining on the mountainside in beautiful Italian ski resort
The mountain escape proving family skiing can be seriously chic
13 ways to elevate your next winter holiday
3 ways to switch up your next ski trip