Restaurants and Places to Eat in Verona: My Verona Journey Series, Part 7

If there’s one thing that makes Verona truly unforgettable, it’s the food. In Part 7 of My Verona Journey, we’re taking you on a tour of the best places to eat in this charming city. From cozy, family-owned trattorias to modern eateries with a creative twist, Verona’s culinary scene has something for every taste.

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Whether you’re craving traditional dishes or looking to try something new, this guide will help you discover the spots that will make your taste buds fall in love with Verona just as much as you do. Let’s dig in!

Don’t just visit Verona—experience it like never before! Grab your copy of My Verona Journey: A First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Exploring, Experiencing, and Remembering the Heart of Verona by Obehi Ewanfoh and embark on an unforgettable adventure today!

One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Verona is exploring its incredible food scene. From elegant restaurants, serving fine Italian cuisine to hidden trattorias dishing out authentic regional specialties, Verona offers a rich culinary experience that will delight your senses.

In this chapter of the book, we will guide you through some of the best places to eat, whether you are craving traditional Veronese dishes, regional Veneto wines, or casual bites on the go.

If you ready let’s dive into the flavors of Verona, and help you find the perfect spot to fuel your adventure!

1. Veronese Cuisine – A Taste of Tradition

Verona’s cuisine is shaped by its history, culture, and position in the Veneto region. The dishes here are hearty, flavorful, and often made with local ingredients, including meats, fresh vegetables, and, of course, the famed wines of the area. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks while you are in Verona:

Risotto all’Amarone

One of Verona’s signature dishes is Risotto all’Amarone, a creamy risotto made with Amarone wine, one of the region’s most famous red wines. The dish is rich, full-bodied, and the perfect introduction to the complex flavors of the Veneto region. It’s often served with braised meats or fresh cheese.

Want to try it at home? The following is a perfect recipe of Risotto all’Amarone for 4 persons:

• 320 grams of Vialone Nano Veronese IGP rice
• 60 grams of Monte Veronese d’Allevo (aged cheese)
• 1 onion
• 50 grams of butter
• 1 liter of beef broth
• 1/2 liter of Amarone della Valpolicella
• Salt and pepper to taste

Your Tip: Risotto all’Amarone is a popular dish in many traditional Veronese restaurants, particularly those around Piazza Bra, making it an ideal choice if you plan to stay in that area during your trip to Verona.

Pastissada de Caval

If you want to sample something truly local, try Pastissada de Caval, a classic Veronese stew made from horse meat. Slow cooked in red wine with aromatic herbs and vegetables, this dish is hearty and rich, perfect for the cooler months. It’s typically served with polenta or mashed potatoes.

Your Tip: This dish is a specialty in Verona’s traditional restaurants. Ask the locals if you are looking for the best place to try it!

Bigoli

A traditional Venetian pasta, Bigoli are thick, long noodles that are often paired with rich sauces. In Verona, Bigoli is typically served with a sauce made from duck, which adds a bold, savory flavor to the dish. If you are a pasta lover, don’t miss this unique version of the famous Italian staple.

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Your Tip: If you visit in the winter, Bigoli served with duck is a classic, seasonal dish often enjoyed during festive meals.

Polenta e Salsiccia

For a simple, yet satisfying meal, Polenta e Salsiccia (polenta with sausage) is a favorite of the Veronese. The creamy, cornmeal-based polenta pairs beautifully with the grilled sausages and can be found in both rustic taverns and upscale restaurants.

Your Tip: Enjoy this dish with a glass of local red wine. The Verona’s Valpolicella wines are perfect pairings.

2. Where to Eat – Our Top Restaurant Picks

Now that you have got a taste of the must-try dishes, let’s dive into some of the best places to enjoy them. Whether you are looking for fine dining or a casual meal in a cozy trattoria, Verona has something for every palate.

1. Ristorante Il Desco

If you are in the mood for a truly fine dining experience, Ristorante Il Desco is a must-visit. Located near the Piazza Bra, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a creative take on traditional Veronese and Italian cuisine.

The tasting menu is a wonderful way to experience the flavors of the Veneto region, and the wine list features some of the best local and Italian wines.

Your Tip: Try the tasting menu to sample a variety of dishes, paired with exquisite local wines.

2. Osteria Le Vecete

For a more casual, authentic experience, head to Osteria Le Vecete. Located in the historic center of Verona, this cozy osteria serves classic Veronese dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Known for its traditional Risotto all’Amarone and Pastissada de Caval, the food here is simple yet delicious, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Your Tip: Be sure to book a table in advance, as this place can get busy, especially during the evenings.

3. Antica Osteria al Duomo

A charming and intimate restaurant located just steps from Verona’s Cathedral (Duomo di Verona), Antica Osteria al Duomo specializes in regional Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu offers a great variety of dishes, from homemade pasta to grilled meats and fresh fish. Their wine list features wines from the Veneto region, including the famous Amarone.

Your Tip: The outdoor seating area is perfect for people-watching, especially in the summer months when the square is bustling.

4. Trattoria Caprini

If you are looking for a more traditional trattoria with a relaxed vibe, Trattoria Caprini is a great choice. Located in a quieter part of the city, it’s a fantastic place to enjoy hearty Veronese classics like Bigoli con anatra (Bigoli with duck) and Risotto alla Veronese. The friendly staff and rustic atmosphere make this trattoria feel like a home away from home.

Your Tip: Pair your meal with a glass of Valpolicella Ripasso, a local wine that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the Veneto cuisine.

5. La Bottega del Vino

Wine lovers will appreciate a visit to La Bottega del Vino, a wine bar and restaurant located near Piazza delle Erbe. This spot is renowned for its impressive selection of wines, especially those from the Verona region, including Amarone, Valpolicella, and Soave.

The food menu includes delicious small plates like cheese and charcuterie boards that perfectly complement the wine list.

Your Tip: Ask the staff for recommendations on the best wines to pair with your meal, and don’t miss the chance to try the Amarone. It’s one of Verona’s most famous wines.

3. Casual Dining – Quick Bites and Street Food

Sometimes, you don’t have time for a long sit-down meal, or you simply want to enjoy a quick bite while exploring the city. Verona also has a number of casual spots where you can grab a delicious snack or a light meal.

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Pizza & Street Food

For a quick, casual bite, nothing beats a slice of pizza. Verona has several excellent pizzerias, including Pizzeria Il Portico and Pizzeria Mazzini, where you can enjoy traditional Neapolitan-style pizza or pizza by the slice. Street food stalls around the city also offer tasty snacks like panini (Italian sandwiches) and focaccia.

Your Tip: Grab a slice and enjoy it in one of Verona’s beautiful piazzas, such as Piazza delle Erbe, or stroll along the Adige River while snacking.

Gelato – A Sweet Escape

In your fist visit to Verona make sure to indulging in some gelato. Verona has many excellent gelaterias offering a wide variety of flavors made with fresh, local ingredients. A few top spots include Gelateria Savoia and Gelateria La Romana, both of which are known for their rich, creamy gelato and unique flavor combinations. Other popular Gelateria in Verona include:

• Zeno Gelato e Cioccolato
• La Boutique del Gelato
• Il Mustacchio Verona
• Vittoria 1938 Gelato
• Gelateria Ponte Pietra and the list goes on.

Your Tip: Try a scoop of tiramisu gelato, a perfect tribute to the region’s love for coffee and mascarpone.

Caffè & Pastries

When you need a pick-me-up (tiramisu gelato), remember that most of Verona’s cafes offer a great selection of Italian coffee drinks, along with freshly baked pastries. The historic Caffè Cavour near Piazza Bra serves delicious cappuccinos and espresso, alongside pastries like crostata (jam tart) and brioche.

Your Tip: Grab a caffè corretto (coffee with a shot of grappa or brandy) to kickstart your day or warm up in the winter months.

4. Wine and Dine – Discover Verona’s Famous Wines

Verona is located in one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions, and the local wines are an integral part of the food culture. Be sure to try some of the area’s most famous varieties:

Amarone della Valpolicella

Known for its rich, full-bodied flavor, Amarone is one of the most famous wines produced in the Valpolicella region, just outside Verona. Made from dried grapes, it’s a complex wine with notes of dried fruit, spices, and chocolate, making it the perfect companion to rich dishes like pastissada de caval or Risotto all’Amarone.

Your Tip: Many restaurants in Verona will offer Amarone by the glass, so be sure to ask for a tasting!

Valpolicella Ripasso

For little lighter but still flavorful, try Valpolicella Ripasso, a wine that’s made by adding the skins of Amarone grapes to the fermentation process of a younger Valpolicella. The result is a smooth, medium-bodied wine that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes and meats.

Soave

Verona is also known for its white wine, Soave. Made primarily from the Garganega grape, Soave is a crisp, refreshing white wine with notes of citrus and almonds. It’s a great choice for seafood dishes or a light summer lunch.

Your Tip: Pair your Soave with a plate of fresh seafood or light pasta for a perfect match.

Your Journal Prompt: What type of Veronese dish are you most excited to try on your first visit to the city? Think about your preferences. Do you love hearty meats, fresh pasta, or perhaps something sweet like gelato?

Write down a few restaurants you’d like to visit and why. Doing this mean you are taking a conscious decision of the kind of experience you want to have in your Verona trip.

Verona’s culinary scene is sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you are enjoying a fine dining experience, grabbing a quick bite, or sipping on local wine, the flavors of this city will enhance your journey and make your memories even sweeter.

Ready to fall in love with Verona? Get your copy of My Verona Journey: A First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Exploring, Experiencing, and Remembering the Heart of Verona by Obehi Ewanfoh and embark on an unforgettable adventure today!