Eating well, spending the right amount and coming out fulfilled from a complete experience: it is still possible. In an age when fine dining is often synonymous with a hefty bill, there are addresses throughout Italy that offer tasting menus (of at least 3 courses) under 90 euros. Thoughtful dishes, seasonality respected, personal vision of the chef and local products. From north to south, here are the addresses where quality meets value.
On the cover: the “La Subida da Amerigo” event (both restaurants are in the selection below)
Emilia-Romagna
Osteria del Viandante - Rubiera (RE)
Within the walls of Rubiera's military fort, Jacopo Malpeli reinterprets the Emilian tradition with grace and substance. Three courses: Il Cammino del Viandante, Ortodossia, and Bisness Lunc (yes, that's how it's spelled!). Stuffed pastas, culatta, truffles, tuna marrow, pigeon and wagyu: the raw material is king.
Bisiness Lunc (3 courses, dessert included): 60 euros
Trattoria da Amerigo - Savigno (BO)
An icon of the Bolognese Apennines: since 1934 the Bettini family has been bringing to the table cuisine that tells of territory, memory and innovation. Two menus: Premiate Trattorie and Scoperta e Natura. In season, room for truffles and game.
4 courses: 55 euros, 5 courses: 70 euros
Arnaldo – Clinica Gastronomica – Rubiera (RE)
The history of Emilian cuisine served on carts: boiled, roasted, sweet. A choreography of taste that still excites today. A gastronomic journey that celebrates memory and product.
Boiled trolley menu: around 70 euros
Liguria
Il Marin
At “Marin,” the dining experience is a dive into the essence of the Ligurian sea. Chef Marco Visciola is committed to fusing regional authenticity with conscious innovation. Each gastronomic creation is an ode to the richness of marine biodiversity, reinterpreting tradition through a lens of creativity. Particularly affordable is the 2-course savory and dessert option at 65 euros, otherwise you can opt for the 5-act courses at 80 euros.
2 savory courses and dessert (your choice of “Classici” and “Maree”): 65 euros
Menu Caruggio, Canneto il corto, Onda Corta: 5 courses, 80 euros
Abruzzo
Al Metrò – San Salvo Marina (CH)
The Fossaceca brothers pay homage to the Adriatic with essential, contemporary cuisine. Mullet Genoa style, linguine with saffron and clams, lamb and sea urchins.
2-course lunch (Tue-Sat): 60 euros
Lazio
Mater1apr1ma – Pontinia (LT)
Fabio Verrelli D'Amico signs sustainable and local cuisine: buffalo, organic artichokes, local fish. Tripe with scampi, soup of veracious, pecorino, rabbit.
“Prefazione” menu (3 courses): 60 euros
Marche
Il Tiglio – Montemonaco (AP)
In the Sibillini Mountains, Enrico Mazzaroni brings forest, wild herbs, fruits and memories to the table. Two menus: La Transumanza and Il Ritorno.
Menu Il Ritorno (7 courses): 65 euros
Sicily
Crocifisso – Noto (SR)
Marco Baglieri talks about his Sicily with vegetable dishes and deep sea. Onion, almonds, kale, cannoli with pistachio ice cream.
2 courses + dessert: 80 euros
Campania
Il Papavero – Eboli (SA)
In the center of Eboli, Fabio Pesticcio passionately works with the excellence of the territory: Laticauda, sele, vegetables, fish.
5-course menu: 60 euros
Maeba – Ariano Irpino (AV)
In a former 18th-century oil mill, Salvatore Ciccarelli offers cuisine that is both identifiable and essential. Minestra maritata, conceptual pastina, chocolate dessert.
4-course menu: 70 euros
Lombardia
Lanterna Verde – Villa di Chiavenna (SO)
Roberto Tonola dedicates an entire menu to trout: from family farm to plate. Trout carbonara, paccheri, baked trout and kiwi.
“Dedicato alle trote” menu: 70 euros
La Coldana – Lodi
In an 18th-century farmhouse, Alessandro Proietti Refrigeri orchestrates a personal cuisine: glazed eel, chanterelle tortelli, ombrine.
4-course chef's menu: 80 euros
2-course à la carte: 75 euros
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Trattoria al Cacciatore – La Subida, Cormòns (GO)
Josko Sirk and chef Alessandro Gavagna pay tribute to Collio. Iconic dishes such as Tadpoles, venison dadolata, guinea fowl porchettata.
5-course menu: 80 euros, 7 courses: 95 euros
Tuscany
Paca – Prato (FI)
Young, talented, and passionate: the Palumbo brothers and Lorenzo Catucci offer a “in the dark” itinerary among nervetti, trout, and bottoni alla cacciatora.
Medium tasting menu: 85 euros
