The Best Restaurants in Assisi, Italy

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.

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.

Duck under the frescoes of the Volta Pinta arch, opposite the Temple of Minerva; just off the Piazza del Commune, you’ll find this family-run trattoria. It specialises in Umbrian regional cuisine, so expect to find staples such as pigeon served alla ghiotta (literally glutton’s style), rabbit alla cacciatore, rich with onions, tomatoes and red wine, the local strangozzi pasta (wheat pasta) and homemade gnocchi.

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.

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.

Conveniently located five minutes on foot from the Basilica di San Francesco, the Locanda del Podestà serves delectable Umbrian food. Decor, like the food, is traditional, with stone walls and low, vaulted ceilings; but you’ll barely care about your surroundings as you taste local dishes such as wild boar stew and grilled lamb chops. The pasta is made by hand, as are the gorgonzola and black truffle gnocchi.

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.

The biggest selling point of Le Terrazze di Properzio is its breathtaking outlook across the Umbrian countryside. But, despite its bucolic setting, you’ll find it less than a 10-minute walk from the Basilica di San Francesco. The food, too, is excellent, with local favourites like tagliata di manzo (sliced beef), saltimbocca (rolled-up pork with herbs) or slow-cooked wild boar stew. Wash it down with one of the craft beers on offer.

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.