If you think MICHELIN-starred restaurants are always an unaffordable luxury, the MICHELIN Guide 2026 proves otherwise. Italy is full of one-star restaurants offering tasting menus for less than €80, and in some cases even business lunches for between €25 and €35, making haute cuisine accessible without compromising on quality. From north to south, here is a selection of places not to be missed.
Northern Italy: Lombardy, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna
In the hills of Bergamo, Osteria degli Assonica in Sorisole offers à la carte menus and business lunches at reasonable prices, while Vintage 1997 in Turin offers lunch tasting menus dedicated to meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes. Also in Piedmont, Zappatori in Pinerolo and Il Patio in Pollone combine tradition and innovation, with tasting menus designed to satisfy both lovers of local cuisine and those looking for more contemporary offerings.
In Emilia-Romagna, Osteria del Viandante in Rubiera and the historic Trattoria da Amerigo in Savigno offer tasting menus ranging from €55 to €70, showcasing local products. Abocar Due Cucine in Rimini offers seafood and meat dishes, while Cavallino in Maranello combines local tradition with dishes inspired by the history of Ferrari.
Lazio and Marche
In Lazio, Mater1apr1ma in Pontinia offers a contemporary tavern with tasting menus starting at €60 based on local and seasonal ingredients. In Marche, Il Tiglio in Montemonaco offers zero-kilometer dishes and seven-course menus for €68, while Casa Bertini in Recanati combines simplicity and refinement in two seasonal tasting menus.
Between Campania, Abruzzo, and Sicily
In Campania, Oasis – Sapori Antichi in Vallesaccarda and Il Papavero in Eboli tell the story of the region through local ingredients and traditional recipes. Also in Campania, Maeba Restaurant in Ariano Irpino focuses on technique, substance, and seasonality with tasting menus of up to nine courses.
In Abruzzo, Al Metrò in San Salvo Marina showcases fish from the Adriatic Sea and local products, while Zunica 1880 in Sant'Omero celebrates the quality of the region's raw ingredients with five- or seven-course menus. In Sicily, the modern Crocifisso in Noto offers tasting menus of up to two dishes and dessert for €80, showcasing local ingredients with a contemporary style.
Shared philosophy: accessibility without compromise
The common thread linking all these restaurants is clear: haute cuisine without excessive prices, promotion of local produce, seasonality, and attention to detail. Even business breakfasts or business lunch menus allow you to enjoy Michelin-starred gastronomic experiences without compromising on taste and quality. From north to south, from Abruzzo's seafood dishes to the excellence of Campania and Sicily, these restaurants prove that Michelin-starred dining can be affordable for everyone, combining passion, sustainability, and attention to raw ingredients.
