A foodie’s guide to the historic city of Verona: The best restaurants to know about

I think we can all agree that Italy is a dream destination for food and wine lovers. The usual tourist traps apart (yes, you can eat badly in Italy too) from north to south you will encounter a country full of delicious locally influenced dishes. All accompanied by outstanding local wines.

As for the city of Verona, it is certainly no longer the hidden gem of Italy. But it remains a destination that many will consider only when ticked off bucket list destinations like Florence, Rome, Venice, the Cinque Terre, Tuscany, and Sicily.

I might be biased by my close connection to the city, since I once lived nearby in the Valpolicella area, and remain a regular visitor with friends still living here. But for me the city of Juliet and Romeo is a place that deserves to be among the must-visit destinations in Italy. Although, the moment I am saying this, I wish I could turn back time and wander the narrow streets just like I used to in the past. Which is, without the large crowds you will invariably encounter these days. But that’s just selfish me.

For alpine sports enthusiasts, and particularly those keen to visit the next Winter Olympics, there is an additional reason to plan a trip to Verona. Though snow is rare here, the city is one of the major gateways to the nearby alpine locations playing host to the various events of the next Winter Games.

While Milan will likely be point of entrance for international visitors arriving by plane, as the small Verona Valerio Catullo Airport is mainly serving local and a few European connections, to reach the various host towns in the Trentino-Alto Adige regions, there is a high chance you are passing through Verona.

Consider it the perfect opportunity to add a couple of days in this beautiful historic city, exploring the medieval old town with its impressive monuments, historic buildings, and beautiful squares that have owned Verona a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site listings.

Verona also boasts a fantastic culinary scene, with many excellent restaurants covering the whole range from a simple Trattoria to Michelin-star dining. The best will mostly focus on the classic regional dishes, including the all-time favourites of Risotto di Amarone, Tortellini di Valeggio, and Pandoro.

If you are wondering where to eat and drink around Verona during your visit, then I have you covered.

The 10 Best Restaurants in Verona for authentic local food

To be honest, I am always nervous advising others about the best places for food or drinks. Taste is such an individual thing, and the bars and restaurants I love might not necessarily live up to the expectations of others.

But when you are looking for traditional local food and a great wine list based on local wines from the Veneto, I bet you won’t be disappointed going to one of the popular, and in some cases long-established wine bars and restaurants in Verona’s historic centre I’ve rounded up below.

Antica Bottega del Vino

The historic wine bar and restaurant dates back to the 15th century. Changing hands (and name) quite a few times since opening, Antica Bottega del Vino became well known on an international scene after it was purchased by Severino Barzan and Raffaelo Cedro in the late 1980s particularly thanks to Severino Barzan’s wide-ranging connections in the world of wine. Around 15 years ago, it changed hands once again and now belongs to an association called ‘Famiglia Storiche’. Literally translating to ‘historic families’ the association is formed by some of the Veneto’s leading historic winemaking families, including such celebrated names like Allegrini, Begali, Brigaldara, Guerrieri Rizzardi, Masi, Musella, Speri, Tedeschi, Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Tommasi, Torre D’Orti, Venturini, and Zenato.

For many, locals and tourists alike, this place is first and foremost a spot to simply enjoy a glass of wine or come here for an Italian aperitivo (meaning the Italian traditional way to start into the evening, with a glass of wine or a cocktail and something to nibble on). Boasting over 18,000 wines, including many from the nearby Valpolicella and other Veneto wine regions, plus a good choice of international ones, this is certainly the best place for a wine experience in the city.

If you are craving for more than a small snack, in the rear part of Antica Bottega del Vino, there are a few tables for those that want to sit down and have a proper meal. On the menu are almost exclusively traditional dishes from the region.

Food to try here: Risotto al Amarone (a delicious risotto variation made with local Amarone wine), Tortino di Sarde con Verdure (pasta with sardines and vegetables), Tortelli di Zucca (pasta stuffed with pumpkin), or when in season the deer carpaccio with black truffle.

Vicolo Scudo di Francia, 3

Osteria Scudo di Francia

Just steps away from busy Via Mazzini, small and cosy Osteria Scudo di Francia is part wine bar and part restaurant. The extensive wine list includes wines from all over Italy and some excellent wines from France and Germany. Meanwhile, on the menu are classic Veronese dishes which are created with a modern twist.

Scudo di Francia is open all day, which means you can come here for a late lunch even at 3pm or for a very early dinner at 5pm. Despite this, it is not a place specifically created for international tourists offering tourist menus (with pictures) all day.

Food to try here: Gnoccho di patate, bigoli with braised duck ragù, tiramisu Scudo di Francia

Vicolo Scudo di Francia, 5

Casa Perbellini I 12 Apostoli

Perhaps the best-known of Verona’s seven Michelin-starred restaurants, the story of Casa Perbellini starts with a local icon, chef Giorgio Gioco. Not only a chef but also a poet, his historic ’12 Apostoli’ restaurant was frequented by artists, musicians, and writers along with other local well-known personalities.

Now under the helm of chef Giancarlo Perbellini, who once started his career at the 12 Apostoli before refining his skills at places like L’Ambroisie, le Chateau d’Esclimont, and Taillevent in Paris, the menu boasts creative and innovative variations of the traditional dishes of the Veneto.

Chef Giancarlo Perbellini offers his guests three different tasting menus, based on local seasonal produce but above all on his personal journey through the world of food.

Food to try here: If you want to treat yourself to something truly amazing, book the chefs table.

Vicolo Corticella San Marco, 3

Locanda 4 Cuochi

Just around the corner from the Arena and Piazza Bra, this is one of the newer, trendier places in the historic core of Verona. Opened in 2012 by four ambitious chef-friends, and hence the name which translates into four cooks in English, the restaurant boasts a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.

The menu is rooted around traditional dishes prepared in a new innovative style.

Food to try here: Risi e Bisi (rice and peas), risotto with saffron and prawns, lamb kebab with herbs,

Via Alberto Mario, 12

Ristorante Maffei

Hidden away inside 17th century Palazzo Maffei, this is certainly one of the best places to eat in Verona.

Though you are only steps away from the bustling (and very touristy) Piazza Erbe, this place is true oasis of calm. Inside, the restaurant boasts a classic minimal style while the best place certainly is the outdoor part. Here you find yourself sitting among the ancient columns of the palazzo.

The menu is mostly made of traditional local dishes, prepared with an innovative twist. The wine list is a blend of local wines from the surrounding wine regions, particularly the stellar wines of the Valpolicella, and international wines.

Food to try here: Tagliatelle with ragu (according to the season), lobster pasta, braised beef cheeks in Amarone wine, and absolutely a must, the Tiramisu with Pandoro from Verona.

Piazza Erbe, 38

Osteria Ponte Pietra

Nestled next to Ponte Pietra with the towner overlooking the century-old historic stone bridge, Ponte Pietra is among the more recent openings.

Inside, the restaurant is furnished with pieces from 1800s yet breathes a certain classic modern style.

There are few tables on the outside opposite the tower and even fewer on a small patio overlooking the Adige River offering stunning views over the historic stone bridge and Castel San Pietro on the opposite side of the river.

The seasonal changing menu is mostly offering traditional Veronese food prepared with a modern twist.

The wine list too is impressive, perhaps not surprising if you look at owner and manager Giovanni Pascucci’s vita which includes twenty years with Antica Bottega del Vino.

Food to try here: slow cooked eggs with black truffle, ravioli del plin, braised veal cheek, and to finish the delicious peaches tarte tartin.

Via Ponte Pietra, 34

Trattoria al Pompiere

Opening its doors in the first half of the last century, the place started as a simple inn run by a retired fireman. Not bothering to find a name for his restaurant, the local people who quickly started to flock to the place for its great food, therefore coined the phrase ‘going to the fireman’ to eat. The name stuck, and as such the restaurant to this day carries the name Al Pompiere, which is Italian for fireman.

Upon entering, you are greeted by stylish, wooden furniture, and black and white photos of local and international personalities on the wall creating a cosy, rustic atmosphere.

The food is typical Veronese, simple but delicious. The wine list too is made of mostly local wines, with most of them red though you will also find some nice white ones.

Food to try here: Al Pompiere is famous for its large selection of cold cuts, with over 30 different types available, along with around 100 different cheeses. Desserts are local classics, including Coppa di zabaione al Marsala and lemon crostata, all homemade.

Vicolo Regina d’Ungheria, 5

Trattoria Tre Marchetti

Tucked away in narrow Via Tre Marchetti, just around the corner from the Arena, is Trattoria Tre Marchetti. The restaurant first opened its doors in 1960 and today is owned and manged in the second generation.

Tre Marchetti is one of the restaurants that will stay open until late into the night on evenings with performance at the Arena. That when you might find yourself dining next to the protagonists you just admired at the opera.

Food to try here: potato soup with truffles from the Lessini mountains, risotto Vialone Nano with Taleggio cheese, tortellini di Valeggio, potato gnocchi with tomato sauce and stracciatella, beef filet in Amarone sauce

Via Tre Marchetti, 19

Caffé Dante Bistrot

You can simply stop to have an espresso or cappuccino at the outside seating, admiring the surrounding historic palazzi on one of the most beautiful squares of the city. But what at first glance looks like a simple café mostly catering to passing tourists, once you step inside turns into a lovely restaurant serving delicious food rooted in classic Veronese dishes. Which by the way you can also eat sitting outside.

Food to try here: Risotto al Amarone, Bigoli alle Sarde al Gardesana (pasta with sardines from Lake Garda), Beef Cheek braised in Amarone

Piazza dei Signiori, 2

Signorvino

Signorvino was created in 2012 by the Calzedonia, Italy’s well-known leg- and swimwear brand. Which might sound a bit wired, but then why not?

First and foremost, Signorvino is a wine store with an extensive number of Italian wines on offer, including those lesser-known regional names that you might find more rarely outside of Italy.

The brand operates across various Italian cities, including Milan, Turin, Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Verona. I really recommend seeking out the vast local wines on offer here when in Italy. The staff is very approachable, hand-down, and highly knowledgeable. You also don’t have to worry how to carry home your finds as the shop will ship around the world.

That said, the Signorvino concept kind of follows that of Eataly, merging the stores with an on-site restaurant. The food offer is classic Italian, with regional highlights including cold cuts, pasta al carbonara, pasta caccio e peppe, and some classic desserts like tiramisu.

This is a place I recommend if you are looking for a quick lunch, ideally paired with a nice glass of local wine.

Corso Porta Nuova, 2