Table of Contents
Introduction
How does one travel to Italy and actually find the best restaurants in Italy? Well, I’ve got you because while in Venice recently, I was able to get all the tips and tricks on how spot when looking for the best restaurants in Italy, while also avoiding the tourist traps.
This post is a following on from the 5 Italian Food Rules You Must Obey (If You Want to Eat Like a Local) where I share a three part Italian food series to make sure you eat like a local. The post include:
- 5 Italian Food Rules You Must Obey (If You Want to Eat Like a Local)
- How to spot the best restaurants in Italy (the one you are reading now)
- The best foods and drinks to try while visiting Venice,Italy (this will now be out next week).
I’ve been to Italy countless times from Rome to Florence, Pisa, Bologna, Milan and to now Venice. It’s honestly taken a while to figure out which places are worth sitting down for. And what places you may just want to avoid and walk past.
There are just so many restaurants to choose from. and when you’re hungry after a long day of exploring, and walking around the cities charming sites. It’s so easy to be tempted by the wrong one.
So if you want to eat like a true Italian (and not get stuck with overpriced frozen food), here are the insider Italian food tips on seeking out the best restaurants in Italy. And how to avoid tourist traps in Italy while also getting the most authentic Italian food!
1. If the menu has lots of dishes the food is frozen.
A long menu might look impressive, yeah lots of option can sometimes mean you are spoilt for choice right? However, I’m here to tale you that it might actually be a red flag and not an overall good sign.
The best Italian restaurants focus on just a few dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. If you see pages and pages of options, it usually means everything is pre-made or frozen. I don’t know about you but I want the authentic flavours when I am in another country.
2. If there are lots of photos it’s not a local restaurant.
Italians don’t eat with their eyes; they eat with their hearts (and taste buds!). Isn’t that just amazing.
Photos on the menu are a clear giveaway that the restaurant is targeting tourists and not the locals. When we travel it’s nice to eat the most traditional local food.
3. If there are lots of translations – it’s very touristy.
A menu translated into five languages might be convenient, trust me. However, it’s rarely authentic. And could be a sign that it’s again not for locals but for tourists. Which of course is fine if you want over charged meals and tourist dishes?
The sole purpose is likely to attract tourists, which means it’s not the kind of place locals actually eat.
4. If there’s someone standing outside calling you in run!
I see this a lot when I’m travelling around the world people calling you to come and eat at their resturant. It might seem welcoming, but genuine Italian restaurants don’t need to convince local people to come in.
When the food is good, word of mouth (and the smell of fresh flavours) does all the work it needs to.
5. Green Flags and how to find the best restaurants in Italy.
So what should you look for instead? Well it’s simple the green flags to below will give you a quick step by step guide.
- Shorter menus means that the food is likely to be flavourful, with seasonal dishes.
- Menus in Italian only are likely going to be attracting local Italians which means the food is going to be truly Italian.
- Full tables of Italians always the best sign where you don’t have someone calling you and telling you to come and sit at their restaurant for some ‘good price’.
Final Views
Finding the best restaurants in Italy isn’t hard once you know what to look for. And with these 5 ish or so tips you know what to keep your eyes peeled for. That is short menus, local crowds, and simplicity. Because you know simplicity is always best.
And remember, the most unforgettable meals in Italy often come from small, family-run spots tucked away down quiet streets not the ones flashing photos of spaghetti on every corner. But of course you can eat wherever you want I’m just sharing for those that love a local authentic dish with local flavours.
Let me know what you think in the comments. And as always don’t forget to subscribe for more foodie adventures around the world.
Ciao,
Adebola MBV x
