The 12 Best Restaurants in Verona, Italy
Planning your trip and wondering where to eat in Verona? From cozy osterias serving slow-cooked local classics to elegant spots with wine lists the size of encyclopedias, this guide to the best restaurants in Verona has you covered.
Verona might be best known as the backdrop for Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, but its charm goes far beyond Juliet’s balcony. This small, elegant city in the Veneto region is a glorious blend of Roman ruins, medieval lanes, Renaissance palazzi, and a quietly confident food scene that often gets overshadowed by nearby culinary powerhouses like Bologna or Venice.
But spend a few meals here, and you’ll start to notice something special: a cuisine deeply rooted in tradition yet unafraid of bold flavors—game meats, polenta, Amarone-soaked risottos, and plenty of dishes you won’t find anywhere else in Italy.
As someone who lives in the sun-drenched south of Italy—Puglia, to be exact—I’ve long soaked up Italy’s coastal, olive oil-heavy cuisine. So when I recently realized I’d never visited Verona, I had to ask myself: why had this storied northern city escaped my radar for so long? I quickly set out to correct that.
I spent several days wandering its cobblestone streets, exploring tucked-away corners and historic gems—and, of course, diving fork-first into its culinary culture. What I found was a food scene that’s both hearty and refined, deeply local but warmly welcoming. Here are the best restaurants in Verona, Italy, from rustic trattorias to elegant institutions.
12 Best Restaurants in Verona, Italy
1. Trattoria al Pompiere
Trattoria al Pompiere was one of those rare finds that felt like stepping into a well-kept secret—even though it’s been around since 1907. The vintage charm hits you the moment you walk in: green checkered tablecloths, framed black-and-white photographs lining the walls, and a sense that not much has changed here in decades (in the best possible way).
I came for the cheese and salumi boards—hand-carved behind the counter and as much a visual feast as a culinary one—and stayed for the white ragù. Made with three kinds of game meat, it was rich, earthy, and completely unforgettable.
Whatever you do, save room for the tiramisù. It might be the obvious choice, but the one here silences a table, layered and luscious and just boozy enough. Trattoria al Pompiere doesn’t just serve a meal—it serves a memory. It’s safe to say Trattoria al Pompiere is a must when in the city, easily one of the best restaurants in Verona.
2. Osteria Al Duca
Osteria al Duca is a culinary time capsule nestled in the heart of Verona, offering an authentic taste of Veronese tradition. Housed in a 13th-century building once associated with Romeo’s family, the osteria exudes rustic charm with its low wooden ceilings and walls adorned with vintage photographs.
It’s no-frills, old-school Veronese dining at its most honest: simple, solid, and refreshingly unpretentious. The menu leans heavily on tradition, with a focus on set meals (a generous €26 gets you a primo and secondo of your choice), and features plenty of polenta, along with meats like horse and donkey that are staples in the local diet.
I went with the penne tossed in radicchio and Gorgonzola—rich, bitter, creamy, and perfectly balanced—followed by the braised horse with polenta, pastissada de caval, a dish that felt deeply rooted in place and history. Both were excellent, and an incredible value for the quality.
I paired it with a glass of Valpolicella Ripasso, easily the best red I had in Verona—structured, smooth, and exactly what you want with hearty northern Italian fare. Osteria al Duca won’t dazzle you with innovation, but it will feed you like a Veronese nonna—and that’s its real magic.
3. Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli
Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli is Verona’s most refined dining experience—a marriage of deep-rooted tradition and modern culinary artistry. Helmed by celebrated chef Giancarlo Perbellini, the restaurant recently moved into the historic 12 Apostoli building, where Perbellini’s career began.
The setting is spectacular: frescoed ceilings, curated vintage décor, and an air of quiet grandeur. The three tasting menus range from inventive and personal to vegetarian-forward, each dish showcasing the chef’s signature precision and creativity.
With its intimate chef’s table and a wine list heavy on French gems, this three-Michelin-starred spot is less a dinner and more a beautifully choreographed gastronomic performance.
4. Locanda di Castelvecchio
Locanda di Castelvecchio is a grand dame of Veronese dining—a place where tradition isn’t just preserved, it’s plated. Housed in a historic building that once served as a pharmacy in the 18th century, the restaurant exudes an old-world charm with its elegant decor.
The menu is a heartfelt tribute to Verona’s culinary heritage. The star attraction is the carrello dei bolliti—a trolley laden with a selection of boiled and roasted meats, served tableside with traditional sauces like the peppery pearà, salsa verde, and mostarda.
Other highlights include tortellini in brodo and risotto all’Amarone, each dish prepared with meticulous care.
The wine list is equally impressive, featuring a curated selection of regional wines, including Valpolicella and Soave, which pair beautifully with the hearty fare. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall dining experience.
5. Osteria Il Bertoldo
For those looking for places to eat in Verona that feel like a reward for wandering off the main tourist trail, Osteria Il Bertoldo is that kind of intimate, slightly tucked-away spot. Just a few steps from Piazza dei Signori, this cozy osteria charms with its exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and a warm, welcoming energy that immediately puts you at ease.
The menu is compact but thoughtful, leaning into seasonal Veronese ingredients with a creative touch. I had a perfectly al dente pasta with truffle and cream—simple, indulgent, and expertly balanced. Service is genuinely kind, the wine list smartly regional, and the vibe? Effortlessly local. It’s one of those places you wish you could keep to yourself.
6. Ostregheteria Sottoriva 23
Tucked beneath the medieval porticoes of Via Sottoriva, Ostregheteria Sottoriva 23 is a rustic gem that offers a charming dining experience in Verona. The restaurant features a cozy interior with red-checkered tablecloths and shelves adorned with wine bottles, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Securing a table on the tiny terrace overlooking the Adige River is the way to enjoy dinner, however, especially as the sun sets over the water. The menu showcases traditional Veronese dishes, including the renowned Amarone risotto, which I have to admit was one of the best I tried in Verona.
It’s a perfect spot for those seeking authentic flavors in a picturesque setting.
7. Antica Bottega del Vino
Antica Bottega del Vino is a Verona institution—and it wears its legacy well. With its dark wood interiors, candlelit tables, and walls lined floor-to-ceiling with bottles, the atmosphere strikes that perfect note between old-world charm and timeless elegance.
I came for lunch and ordered the risotto all’Amarone, a rich, creamy dish balanced by the wine’s signature tartness, and a crisp salad to lighten the mood. Both hit the spot, but honestly, the setting alone—10/10—would have been worth it.
You can sit down for a proper meal, as I did, or pop in for an aperitivo at the bar, glass in hand, surrounded by locals and savvy travelers. And if you’re even remotely into wine, prepare yourself: the list is epic, presented in a massive, manuscript-like tome that feels almost ceremonial to flip through.
Service is warm, polished, and knowledgeable—exactly what you’d hope for in a place with this much history and heart.
8. Iris Ristorante
Iris Ristorante, nestled within Verona’s historic Palazzo Soave, offers a dining experience where history and haute cuisine intertwine. Chef Giacomo Sacchetto, formerly of the Michelin-starred La Cru, brings his innovative touch to the menu, emphasizing sustainability and regional flavors.
The restaurant’s ambiance is a good blend of ancient Roman stonework and contemporary elegance, creating an intimate setting for up to 35 guests. You begin your culinary journey with appetizers served in the palazzo’s 14th-century wine cellar, setting the stage for a meal that celebrates both tradition and creativity.
The wine list is equally impressive, boasting over 800 labels with a focus on French and Veneto selections. If you’re seeking a memorable gastronomic adventure in Verona, Iris Ristorante stands out as a destination that honors the past while embracing the future.
9. Antica Amelia Bistrot
Antica Amelia Bistrot is a romantic hideaway tucked into a quiet corner of Verona’s historic center, just off Vicolo Due Stelle. Chef Micol Zorzella, a self-taught talent with a flair for storytelling through food, has created a space that feels both worldly and deeply personal.
The décor is eclectic yet elegant—think antique chandeliers, vintage mirrors, and a touch of British colonial charm.
The menu is a thoughtful blend of Italian tradition and global inspiration, often drawing on Zorzella’s travels and her grandmother’s recipes. Dishes like vitello tonnato and seasonal reinterpretations of classics are plated with care and creativity. The wine list is curated with the same attention to detail, offering a selection that complements the menu beautifully.
Antica Amelia Bistrot gained wider recognition after winning the Verona episode of 4 Ristoranti, earning the title of the city’s most romantic restaurant. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable meal, this bistro offers an experience that’s both intimate and indulgent.
10. Osteria A La Carega
Osteria A La Carega is a charming, no-fuss spot that quietly delivers everything you want from a classic Veronese osteria. Tucked into a cozy corner of the city, it pairs old-world ambiance with a sweet little outdoor seating area that’s perfect for lingering over lunch or settling into a low-key dinner.
I stopped by for a casual bite and ordered the polpette—tender little meatballs that make the ideal snack or light midday meal—and followed them up with the baccalà con polenta, which was comforting, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
The menu leans into simple, well-executed plates, backed by a smart wine list and genuinely warm service. It’s the kind of place that feels like it’s been quietly making locals happy for decades—and has.
11. Osteria Trattoria Al Duomo
Osteria Trattoria Al Duomo is a cozy, family-run spot located near Verona’s cathedral, offering a warm, rustic atmosphere with exposed stone walls and wooden beams.
The menu features hearty Veronese classics like bigoli al musso (thick pasta with donkey ragù) and pastissada de caval (braised horse meat), served with creamy polenta. A selection of local wines, including Valpolicella, complements the dishes perfectly.
The friendly staff and authentic flavors make it a delightful choice for experiencing traditional regional cuisine in a casual and no-thrills spot where the food does most of the talking.
12. Caffè Monte Baldo
Caffè Monte Baldo is one of the best restaurants in Verona’s historic center, seamlessly transitioning from a lively aperitivo spot to a cozy osteria and refined restaurant. Established in 1909, it retains its old-world charm with terrazzo flooring and mirrored boiserie, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick glass of wine and their signature tartine—open-faced canapés that rival Venetian cicchetti—or settling in for a full meal, Monte Baldo caters to pretty much every dining desire.
The menu features Veronese specialties like risotto all’Amarone, recognized for meeting the Municipality of Verona’s benchmark standard. Complementing the cuisine is an award-winning wine list boasting over 300 labels, with a strong focus on local selections, including a fine array of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG.
What to Eat in Verona
Anyone who’s traveled across Italy knows that the country’s culinary identity shifts dramatically from region to region. Veronese cuisine, rooted in the north, feels worlds apart from the sun-drenched, olive oil-rich dishes I’m used to in the south of Puglia. When I visited Verona, I felt less like I’d crossed a few hundred kilometers and more like I’d landed in a different country altogether—gastronomically speaking, at least.
With that in mind, here’s what to eat in Verona and the wider Veneto region—because if you’re expecting the Italy you tasted elsewhere, think again.
Veronese cuisine is hearty, rustic, and deeply tied to its agricultural roots, with dishes that reflect the region’s love of slow cooking and rich flavors. One of the most iconic is risotto all’Amarone, a velvety rice dish made with the region’s prized Amarone wine—deep red, full-bodied, and luxuriously intense.
Pastissada de caval, a centuries-old horse meat stew, is another local specialty (horse meat is big in Verona), traditionally served with polenta (which, here in the north, is more beloved than bread). You’ll also find gnocchi di malga, buttery cheese-laced dumplings from the nearby mountain huts, and bollito misto, a comforting platter of slow-boiled meats served with zesty pearà, a peppery breadcrumb sauce.
Cicchetti, essentially small, open sandwiches, which are more popular in nearby Venice, are also eaten here and are perfect as a quick lunch or aperitivo.
To drink, Amarone della Valpolicella reigns supreme, but don’t skip a glass of Soave if you prefer white wine—or Recioto, a sweet red that doubles beautifully as dessert.
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