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Written by Lucrezia Worthington
modified 28 March 2025
3 min. read


Perugia is a city close to our hearts; a lively destination that’s not quite under the radar yet, but deserves to be spoken about.

The history, the culture and the cuisine - all elements that make Perugia worthwhile. From traditional trattorias serving time-honoured recipes to innovative restaurants redefining regional flavours, the city offers a rich and diverse dining scene. Whether you're craving handmade pasta infused with local truffles or a degustation menu unveiling a whole new approach to cuisine, here are five restaurants to try in Perugia.

A PRIORI 

Born in Foligno, Alessandro Casciola has always been in close contact with the land. It was through his father that this passion for picking fresh fruits and vegetables from the countryside was transmitted, focusing on showcasing the quality of Umbria products. This became the basis for his restaurant, A Priori, which was born to celebrate Umbrian farmers and artisans by exclusively using locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant itself has a rustic yet elegant charm, with shelves lined with bottles of regional wines, beers and local olive oils. As for cuisine, taste traditional recipes with a twist, and our suggestion? Start the evening with a shared plate of wild-boar cured meats served with Torta al Testo.

L’OFFICINA

L’Officina is a restaurant where tradition and innovation come together, blending together seasonal ingredients with contemporary recipes. Flavour is exalted, and dishes are the result of Chef Ada Stifani’s creativity, who seeks to present a different Umbria; An Umbria that looks forward, blended with international touches. Choose between one of two tasting menus, or A La Carte and pair with the extensive number of wines. The list, curated by Joannis Karakousis, features labels from Italy and around the world, alongside small artisanal winemakers. If you’re in for a surprising experience, we will always suggest the tasting menu.

ALTROMONDO

Ristorante Altromondo is your typical, Italian tavern where cuisine is traditional - no frills nor frocks. The restaurant itself is located under stone vaulted ceilings, the perfect, dim-lit atmosphere for an evening out. This family-run institution takes pride in offering dishes that highlight the rich culinary heritage of the region, such as handmade pasta (try the Umbricelli), truffle-infused specialties, and expertly prepared meats - all delivered as generous portions.

RISTORANTE DA CESARINO

In the main Piazza IV Novembre lies Ristorante da Cesarino, a beloved restaurant among locals, serving traditional Umbrian cuisine with warmth and authenticity since 1973. Renowned for its dedication to time-honoured recipes, serving exquisite dishes like Strangozzi al Tartufo or a comforting legume soup, it’s the place to come if you seek a typical Italian culinary experience. Imagine a glass of red wine, a plate of pasta followed by a homemade tiramisù - all enjoyed in the timeless setting of the city’s historical center.

L’ACCIUGA

For those looking for a more modern take on Umbrian cuisine, L’Acciuga is the ultimate restaurant to try. Chef Marco Bistarelli, a Michelin-starred talent, reinvents traditional flavours with contemporary techniques, creating a dining experience that is both refined and deeply rooted in the region’s culinary heritage. The design itself is well-curated; bright and airy interiors accompany a similar philosophy in the kitchen: light, veg-favoured dishes that come in the form of either tasting menu or free-selection A La Carte. As you embark on this culinary venture, choose whether you’d like a wine pairing (we always recommend for the full experience).

Do you also want to discover Umbria? Have a look at our holiday villas in Umbria here.

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Lucrezia Worthington

I am a Travel Journalist and Content Creator born in the UK, made in Italy. It is in fact in Italy that I have settled down, travelling to Umbria, Puglia and Sicily on a frequent basis. Although it seems as though I was always destined to work in the travel industry (I took my first flight at the age of 3 weeks old), I wouldn't have had it any other way. I love discovering, exploring and sharing the beauty of this world, and specifically, of our country: Italy.

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