Buon Appetito: A Foodie’s Guide to Verona, Italy

Such as the Roman arena, the 14^th century Museo di Castelvecchio, and the Casa di Giulietta, where thousands of visitors take photos with the statue of Juliet Capulet and gaze at the balcony above, imagining the well-known scene from Shakespeare's play.

When all the sightseeing works up an appetite, you're certainly in the right place. Like most Italian cities, Verona is a foodie's paradise. Located in the heart of the Veneto wine region, Verona’s cuisine is unpretentious yet robust. Pasta and rice, especially gnocchi and risotto, are staples and paired with a wide variety of meats such as veal, beef cheek, horse and rabbit. Local chefs also love to prepare fresh seafood.

Bigoi Verona

After a walk along the Adige River, stop by Bigoi Verona near the corner of Corso Cavour and Via Antonio Cantore. This small eatery specializes in authentic pasta and sauces in a take-away style that's perfect for explorers on the go. Enjoy Bigoi's handmade pasta with fresh pesto or tomato sauce, and choose from a variety of meat and vegetable toppings. You can also purchase fresh pasta to take back to your room for cooking yourself. Stand and eat at the table inside, or relax in the outdoor seating area while enjoying the sights and sounds of the city.

Casa Perbellini

Looking for an intimate, sophisticated atmosphere to enjoy a leisurely dinner? Try Casa Perbellini, a small restaurant with an impeccable reputation for excellent cuisine. With only five tables, Casa Perbellini strives to create a cozy atmosphere with individualized service. Watch from your table as chefs prepare elegant dishes with fresh ingredients in the open kitchen. The restaurant offers a tasting menu with a range of presentations, including Catalan-style lobster; spaghetti salad with lemon, clams, and parsley; and rabbit with sweet pepper, whole meal panà, smoked mozzarella, and burnt-onion powder. Alternatively, choose two ingredients for the creation of two dishes. Ingredient options include eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, rabbit, and basil.

Cangrande Ristorante & Enoteca

Located near Piazza Bra, the city's largest open square, Cangrande Ristorante & Enoteca serves fine Italian cuisine at cozy indoor tables and atmospheric sidewalk tables. The extensive menu includes homemade pasta, cannelloni, polenta, and savory crepes accompanied by a variety of meats, including veal, octopus, and lamb. Dishes often include unusual and delicious flavor combinations, such as duck ravioli with chocolate and orange zest, a favorite of many guests. For dessert, enjoy the creamy tiramisu or a slice of white chocolate licorice cake topped with caramel.

Ristorante Maffei

Tucked away near the picturesque Piazza della Erbe, Verona's market square, Ristorante Maffei offers sumptuous Italian cuisine in a palatial setting replete with carved stone columns and elaborate iron fences. Enjoy tasty appetizers such as beef tartar with black truffle caviar and scallops with zucchini, almonds, and passion fruit. The first and main course selections represent a range of Italian hallmark dishes, including risotto, pasta, braised beef cheek, and prawns. If you're feeling adventurous, try Ristorante Maffei's spaghetti with squid, anchovy sauce, parsley, and lemon for a delicious new take on a traditional course.