Italy’s charm lies in its ability to transport you through its history, art, and, of course, food. But when exploring a region as authentic as Umbria, where every dish reflects centuries-old traditions, it can be challenging to avoid the tourist traps and find a meal that truly speaks to the heart of Italian cuisine. In a region known for its rustic, earth-driven flavors, finding the right places to dine can make all the difference in your experience.
Umbrian cuisine is known for local ingredients like wild game, earthy black truffles, and simple yet bold flavors. Whether it’s the rich olive oil produced in the region or the renowned pork delicacies, each dish offers a slice of history. In this guide, we’ll share six of the best traditional restaurants in Umbria where you can indulge in these authentic flavors—places that prioritize tradition over trends and offer a true taste of the region.
Learn more about Italy’s Green Heart here with our Ultimate Guide to Umbria!
Traditional Umbrian Dishes You Need to Know
Imbrecciata
A traditional Umbrian soup made from a mix of legumes and grains, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, and barley, cooked slowly with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like bay leaves and rosemary.
Coratella D’agnello
A traditional dish made from the offal of a lamb. Preparing coratella d’agnello typically involves sautéing the finely chopped organs with onions, garlic, and herbs such as rosemary or sage.
White wine is often added to deglaze the pan, giving the dish a rich, complex flavor. The result is a savory, hearty dish with a distinctive, slightly gamey taste.
This dish is often enjoyed during Easter in Umbria, but it can also be found on the menu of restaurants that specialize in authentic regional cuisine.
Mazzafegato
Mazzafegato is a traditional Umbrian sausage made from a mix of pork and liver, giving it a distinctively rich and robust flavor. The name “mazzafegato” literally means “half liver.”
In addition to the liver and pork, the sausage is often seasoned with spices and herbs, including black pepper, garlic, and sometimes a touch of cinnamon or orange peel. Some versions may also include a hint of sugar, contrasting with the savory meat and creating a subtle sweet-savory balance.
Mazzafegato is typically grilled or pan-fried and can be served as part of an antipasto platter alongside other cured meats and cheeses or as a main course with polenta or fresh bread.
Palombaccia alla todina
Palombaccia alla todina is a traditional Umbrian dish with wild pigeon as the main ingredient. The dish is named after the town of Todi, a historic area in Umbria, and reflects the region’s rustic culinary traditions.
The preparation of Palombaccia alla todina typically involves marinating the pigeon in a mixture of red wine, garlic, rosemary, and other aromatic herbs. The bird is then slow-cooked or roasted, often with additional ingredients like pancetta or prosciutto, which add depth and richness to the dish.
Tegamaccio del Trasimeno
A traditional fish stew from the Lake Trasimeno region in Umbria, Italy. This hearty dish features a variety of freshwater fish like perch, pike, and tench, slowly cooked in a terracotta pot with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs such as rosemary and bay leaves.
The dish is typically served with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth or with polenta or potatoes.
Attorta
Traditional Umbrian dessert typically made from a dough enriched with ingredients like olive oil and sometimes wine.
The filling of attorta often includes nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, honey, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, making it a sweet and aromatic treat. The dough is rolled out, filled, and twisted into a spiral shape before baking.
Is your mouth watering yet? Here’s our list of Umbria’s best restaurants to try these traditional dishes!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]L’Acquario
Via Vittorio Emanuele ll, 69 Castiglone del Lago
12 – 2 PM & 7 – 10 PM Thursday-Tuesday
Closed Wednesday
L’Acquario is located in the charming town of Castiglione del Lago, which sits on the shores of Lake Trasimeno in Umbria. This restaurant is known for its focus on traditional Umbrian cuisine, with a particular emphasis on dishes that highlight the bounty of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
The restaurant offers a variety of dishes that showcase the region’s flavors, including fresh lake fish like perch and pike, which are often prepared with simple ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, and herbs. These dishes provide an authentic taste of the local terroir, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the culinary landscape of Umbria.
Some authentic dishes served at L’Acquario include tegamaccio, a slow-cooked stew with meat and vegetables, zuppa di pesce lagio, a soup made from the lake’s fish, and caviale del Trasimeno, or caviar with toasted bread.
The menu also includes a hearty potato gnocchi dish made with pike fish and a hearty tomato sauce, as well as the traditional Umbrian dessert, semifreddo al finocchietto, served chilled and topped with a fresh mint sauce.
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La Minera di Galpano
Vocabolo Galparino, 34 Galpano
Thursday-Saturday
Variable Hours
La Miniera di Galparino is a unique agriturismo and restaurant located in the northern part of Umbria, Italy, specifically in the Upper Tiber Valley near Città di Castello. The restaurant is part of a historical property dating back to the 1100s. Originally a fortified Templar house, it was later known for its lignite mine, one of the first in Northern Umbria.
The restaurant focuses on traditional Umbrian cuisine, emphasizing local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant independently produces its own organic extra virgin olive oil, wine, and honey and sources meat from local breeders.
Some notable dishes served here include pici with game, rabbit with rosemary, and a torta di mele, or apple pie, served with Vinsanto dessert wine.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|10%||10%|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_code][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]Tipico Osteria dei Sensi
Via Roma, 3 Montone
7 – 11 PM Tuesday-Saturday
12 – 2 PM & 7 – 11 PM Sunday
Closed Monday
Tipico Osteria dei Sensi is a restaurant located in Montone, a charming village in Umbria, Italy. This osteria emphasizes a “100% Made in Umbria” philosophy, offering dishes prepared with local ingredients and traditional recipes that showcase the region’s culinary heritage.
The restaurant also features a wine bar with artisanal beers and local products for tasting and purchase. The ambiance is rustic and inviting, perfect for enjoying authentic Umbrian cuisine in a relaxed setting. The menu includes handmade pasta, cured meats, cheeses, and dishes featuring local truffles and seasonal produce, all prepared to honor traditional Umbrian cooking techniques.
Notable dishes include the faraona e mazzafegato, a traditional Umbrian dish that combines faraona (guinea fowl) with mazzafegato, sausage made from pork and liver, and Piccione laccato served with chestnut honey and caramelized onions.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|10%||10%|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_code][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]Osteria i Birbi
Via Campo di Battaglia, 12 Perugia
7:30 – 10:30 PM Thursday – Tuesday
12:30 – 2:30 PM Saturday & Sunday
Closed Wednesday
Osteria i Birbi, located in the historic center of Perugia, offers a charming dining experience with its setting on the steps of Sant’Ercolano, near the namesake church. The restaurant was originally established on the outskirts of Perugia in a farmhouse in 2004 but moved to its current location in January 2017.
The interior features a multi-level layout with dining rooms furnished in various styles, creating a unique atmosphere for each space. During the warmer months, outdoor seating is available, providing guests with views of historic Perugia.
The menu at Osteria i Birbi focuses on traditional Umbrian and Tuscan dishes, reflecting the culinary heritage of the restaurant’s owners. It includes a variety of regional specialties such as pici pasta with wild asparagus, pappardelle with white rabbit ragù, and meats like roasted lamb and fried rabbit cooked over a wood-burning fire.
They also offer a selection of local delicacies such as Cinta Senese cured meats, truffles, and mushrooms, alongside dishes featuring Slow Food presidium ingredients like Roveja beans from Cascia.
Depending on the season you can also enjoy Roveja beans when you join us on Italy’s Epicurean Journey at Italy’s Top Restaurant for Traditional cuisine.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|10%||10%|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_code][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]Stella Ristorante Vineria e Locanda
Via dei Narcissi, 47 Perugia
7:30 – 11 PM Wednesday – Monday
Closed Tuesday
Nestled just outside Perugia, Stella Ristorante Vineria e Locanda is a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of Umbria. This charming spot combines a rustic restaurant, a wine bar, and a quaint inn, creating an authentic Italian experience for any foodie.
Wine enthusiasts will feel at home in the vineria, which boasts an impressive selection of over 350 wines. The focus is on natural and biodynamic wines from Italy, with a few international gems sprinkled in.
Notable dishes on the menu include spaghettoni con uova di carpa regina, a thicker spaghetti served with fish eggs, and Piccione ripieno, or stuffed pigeon.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|10%||10%|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_code][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]Il Cappano
Torrecola Locality, 6 – 06049 Spoleto
1 – 2:30 PM Sunday
1 – 2:30 PM & 8 – 9:30 PM Tuesday – Saturday
Closed Monday
On the outskirts of the enchanting town of Spoleto, Il Cappano is a charming and rustic restaurant serving up some of Umbria’s finest traditional slow food.
Il Cappano is celebrated for its dedication to Umbrian culinary traditions. The menu features a range of dishes that highlight the region’s rich flavors, including handmade pasta, locally sourced meats, and seasonal vegetables.
Notable dishes include trittico del ghiotto, a traditional trio of desserts that can include different types of mousses, sorbets, or cakes, Strangozzi con Tartufo, a truffle pasta dish, and Agnello alla cacciatora, a delicious and hearty traditional lamb dish.
Il Capanno is a restaurant that embodies the term “off the beaten path.” We first came across this restaurant several years ago on a trip to Spoleto on an unlit country road!
This location will most definitely require a car and a GPS to navigate those unfamiliar country roads. If you’re an adventurous and seasoned traveler like us, visiting Il Capanno is well worth the trouble to experience some of Italy’s best traditional food!
But if that sounds way over your head, or you simply don’t want to mess with the hassle of renting a car and navigating untrodden paths, you don’t have to miss out on Italy’s best spots for traditional cuisine and stick to the tourist trails – because we’ll take you!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|10%||10%|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_code][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]On our Italy Uncorked tour based in Gubbio, Umbria, we’ll take you to Italy’s finest restaurants and wineries, including two organic farms, a curated meal inside one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, and multiple award-winning wineries.
This is our only tour where you have the option to have all your meals included in your ticket price! Take the guesswork and logistical nightmares out of experiencing Italy’s best traditional cuisine and join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the Green Heart of Italy.
The sun-soaked vineyards of Sangiovese, Unesco heritage and medieval villages await you – save your spot to join us now!
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PLANNING A VISIT TO UMBRIA AND WANT TO KNOW THE BEST LOCAL EATS?
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