Best Restaurants in Perugia: My 8 Favorites

Choosing restaurants can be a difficult part of the holiday. Like the day my husband and I discovered a nice eatery full of locals in Mantova (Mantua in English). What could possibly go wrong? We discovered that the locals were there for the aperitivo, not the cuisine.

There are so many fantastic restaurants in Perugia that it’s difficult to pick only eight. Umbria is a foodie’s paradise, which is why friends keep returning. Perugia is known for its wonderful Italian comfort food, indigenous specialties such as truffles, and world-class wines. But, after a long day of sightseeing in Perugia, choosing a restaurant is the last thing on my mind.

Because there are so many alternatives, the first step is to decide what you’re looking for. Is it a destination that residents frequent? A restaurant serving Umbrian specialties? Or maybe simply something quick and tasty to get you through the hangry period?

While my husband and I enjoy trying new places or getting take-out Chinese from time to time, when friends and relatives come to visit, we keep showing them the best eateries Perugia has to offer. Restaurants that emphasize Umbrian cooking’s rich, earthy flavors.

Dining Basics at Italian Restaurants

Unlike in the United Kingdom or the United States, most restaurants close once a week, generally on Monday. However, as it might be any day of the week, I noted which day in the restaurant’s description.

Restaurants don’t start serving food until 7.30 p.m., with some staying up until 8.30 p.m.

Tipping isn’t required because it’s already included in your bill. However, if the service was outstanding, it’s always great to give a tip—but no more than 5%.

Italians, unlike the French, believe that fish, including shellfish, should not be served with butter, cream, milk, or cheese. So don’t expect Parmigiano to be strewn over your spaghetti con vongole (spaghetti with clams). I like this rule because milk makes me sick, and it means I don’t have to inquire what’s in a meal.

In Perugia, there are eight excellent restaurants.

Because I have trouble deciding anything when I’m hungry, especially what to eat and where to consume it, I usually grab the first item I see. So you don’t have to worry, here’s a list of eateries that I frequent when friends visit or when we don’t want to cook.

So you don’t end up with microwaved pumpkin tortellini and meatball risotto-like we did in Mantova….

1. Dalla Bianca

It’s tucked away in the heart of Perugia, and unless you go looking for it, you’ll never discover it.

This isn’t a high-end establishment. The majority of the consumers are locals who visit several times per week.

The menu consists of traditional Perugia home food, and it tastes exactly like my mother-in-cooking. law’s The lunch rush is always busy, the service is quick and polite, and all of the ingredients are from the area.

What’s more, what’s the most vital thing to know? On a Saturday, they’re closed, which I never remember.

Budget, as much as possible.

Do you need to reserve a table? It isn’t required.

Lunch and dinner are served. Closed Saturday.

Via Piantarose, 13/14, 06121 Perugia PG, phone: 075 572 7132

2. Civico 25

In a unique small section of Perugia full of street art, a cozy hip wine bar, and a restaurant.

Before dinner, have a glass of Umbrian wine at Civico 25’s bar. We’ve always liked the cuisine here, and they offer a variety of vegetarian options.

They have a fantastic selection of Umbrian wines, a modest but high-quality menu, and excellent English.

Cost? I’m expecting to spend roughly 25 euros per person or more.

Do you need to reserve a table? Most likely not if you arrive before 8 p.m. But, just to be safe, I generally do.

Closed on Sundays, but open for dinner.

Website/Adress/Phone number: https://civico25.com Via della Viola 25, 06122 Perugia tel: 075 571 6376

3. La Romantica

A fun, always-bustling pizza parlor.

Place an order for a half-meter pizza. It’s a sight to behold, and the manner in which it’s presented is even better! They cut it into three large strips and order three pizzas from the menu to go on it. It’s ideal for four people to share, but everyone must agree on the toppings.

It’s not a thin-crust Roman pizza, but it’s similar to a thicker-crust Naples pizza.

Pizza is traditionally served with fries and a beer in Italian restaurants, so expect to depart in a carb coma.

Cost? Pizza is inexpensive. A pizza and a beverage could be had for less than ten euros.

Do you need to reserve a table? There is nearly always a table if you arrive before 8 p.m.

Is it open every day?

Address/website: Borgo XX Giugno, 9, 06121 Perugia PG http://www.laromanticapizzeria.it/

4. Altro Mondo

I like to come here for the arched ceilings and the supply. It’s a favorite lunch spot for local businessmen and women.

What exactly is a suppli? A little oblong rice ball with a piece of mozzarella inside and a touch of tomato and herbs for taste. You must request them because they are not on the menu.

We come here to celebrate birthdays and other special events because Altro Mondo concentrates on high-end typical Perugia meals.

Cost? It takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare a pasta dish.

Do you need to reserve a table? I don’t believe I have, but it never hurts to ask.

Sundays are closed. Serve Lunch and dinner.

Website/Address: https://ristorante-perugia-altromondo.business.site Via Cesare Caporali, 11, 06100 Perugia PG

5. Dal Mi Cocco

A pleasant place with a fixed menu that varies daily and seasonally.

You’ll receive an antipasta, a first, a second, and a contorno for roughly 13 euros. A digestive (liqueur) is served after the starter, pasta, meat, and vegetable side dish. Wine, water, and a cup of coffee are all optional.

We always have a great time here because it’s fun, affordable, and easy to share.

If you have food allergies or require a variety of options, this is not the place for you.

Everything is printed in the local dialect, even the restaurant’s name, so even an Italian may struggle to grasp the menu.

The price is low.

Do you need to reserve a table? No, there shouldn’t be any reason for it.

Open? Mondays are closed, however, they are open for lunch from 1 pm to 2.30 pm and dinner from 8.30 pm to 10 pm.

Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi, 12 (06123 Perugia PG)

6. Il Paiolo

A good restaurant for pizza or major courses, and the ideal venue if you can’t decide what you want to eat.

It’s in a great structure with soaring ceilings and multiple rooms.

This is a good one if you’ve driven into Perugia because it’s close to a parking lot.

The price is average. The pizzas are 10 euros, and pasta and meat are

Do you need to reserve a table? I would definitely suggest making a reservation on a Friday or Saturday night.

Is it open seven days a week?

Website/Address/phone number: http://www.ilpaioloperugia.it via Angusta, 5/11, 06123 Perugia PG tel: 075 867 4944

7. Locanda del Morlacchi

I adore coming here to enjoy a drink and the vista hidden behind the theatre, commonly known as Morlacchi.

Everything we’ve eaten here has been delicious. Excellent Norcia prosciutto, shellfish pasta (pasta all scoglio), truffle entrees, and a wide selection of Umbrian wines.

Cost? We usually charge between 25 and 30 euros per person. We start with a shared appetizer, then split the main course, a glass of wine, and a dessert.

Do you need to reserve a table? Yes, request a table outside and try to arrive before dusk.

Open? Tuesdays are closed. 12.30-2.30 p.m. and 7.30-10.00 p.m., respectively, for lunch and dinner

Phone: 075 465 1240 Address: Via del Verzaro 39

8. La pecora nera – Polpette & Co.

The black sheep, that is. This is a restaurant that specializes in meatballs or polpette in Italian. But not only when it comes to meat.

Their meatball menu includes vegan, gluten-free, and fish choices, as well as some delicious salads.

You also have the option of sitting at the start of the walk for the medieval aqueducts, which is convenient. It’s a great photo even if you don’t plan on walking it.

Cost? You may grab a sandwich and a drink for as little as ten euros.

Do you need to reserve a table? Nope!

Open? For lunch and dinner on a daily basis

Phone: 075 572 2739 Address: Via Baldeschi

Are you undecided on what to order? In Perugia, there are a few things to look for on a menu.

Traditional foods from Perugia and Umbria, in my opinion, are among the greatest. And any of Perugia’s better restaurants should have a few on their menu. Lentils, or lentic

Toasted bread with pate (crostini con pate). Liver pate is an Umbrian staple, filled with herbs like sage. Regular crostini are also delicious with Umbria’s freshly pressed olive oil.

Pasta Alla Norcina is a small pasta dish with a sausage and cream sauce from Umbria. Because it’s a pastoral dish, my Mother-in-Law makes a lighter, more traditional version with ricotta (produced with sheep milk).

Chie and beans are staples in Umbrian cuisine, despite their meatiness. Here are some of my favorite traditional dishes:

Spaghetti with Tartufi Neri is a long pasta dish with black truffles and extra virgin olive oil. In Italy, the province of Umbria produces the most black truffles. Garlic is usually used, and if sardines are used to enhance the flavor, it may be undesirable for vegans.

What about the wine? If you’ll be having a meaty dish a glass of Sagrantino (red wine) goes great with it. Otherwise, for red wines, a Sangiovese is a lighter option for a before-dinner drink. For white wine look for a local option from the small town of Torgiano or the more famous Orvieto.

Cinghiale, often known as wild boar, can be found all over central Italy. It can be made into a ragu di cinghiale, a pasta sauce, or a stew, usually with a tomato basis called umido di cinghiale.

What about the alcohol? If you’re serving a hearty dish, a glass of Sagrantino (red wine) will complement it perfectly. Otherwise, a Sangiovese is a lighter red wine alternative for a pre-dinner drink. Look for a white wine from the small village of Torgiano or the larger town of Orvieto.

On a menu, what are Antipasti, Primi, Secondi, and Contorni?

• An antipasto is a type of appetizer.
• Pastas, risottos, and gnocchi are the primi, or firsts. The primo is always served before the secondo, hence the name.
• Secondi are meat and fish meals, with some vegetarian options such as melanzane parmigiana.
• Contorni is a type of side dish. Typically, cooked greens, potatoes, and salads are served.

Everyone would traditionally order a Primo and a Secondo, but that’s a lot of food! It’s increasingly normal these days to order only one. To preserve room for dessert, my husband and I split the first and second courses.

And after dining at one of Perugia’s best restaurants?

Gelataria is open from spring to October so walk around the city and get the best gelato at Maestro Cianuri. If you are wondering how to get gelato or what it tastes like in general, I have written about it all here.