My “Elsewhere in the Italy“ culinary guides are based on several years of dining and exploring Italy, these are the places that are memorable to me.

VERONA-

Cradled in the Veneto region and steeped in Shakespearean romance, Verona is more than Juliet’s balcony—it’s a city of Roman relics, Renaissance façades, and a vibrant food culture anchored in hearty northern Italian flavors. Explore the ancient Arena, stroll along the Adige, and end your day in a trattoria where tradition sings in every dish.

Where to Eat:

• Locanda 4 Cuochi – Casual meets creative in this charming corner spot with fresh, inspired plates like cheese-stuffed tortellini and roasted meats.

• Trattoria Masemni – Rustic and traditional, this spot dishes out risotto all’Amarone and pastissada de caval in a warmly nostalgic setting.

• L’oste Scuro – Intimate and atmospheric, serving seasonal local fare like wild boar ragù and silky tagliatelle. Amarone is essential.

• Al Bersagliere – An old-school Veronese institution championing slow-cooked regional dishes with soul.

• Trattoria dall’Oste – Meat lovers, rejoice: this is your bistecca alla fiorentina sanctuary.

• Osteria Mondo d’Oro – Cozy and heartfelt, with honest Veronese fare that leans into seasonal simplicity.

• Trattoria al Pompiere – Gnocchi, braised meats, and a rustic atmosphere make this a local favorite.

• La Loggia Bistro – Panoramic city views meet modern Italian finesse. Great for a romantic night out.

• Il Desco – A Michelin-starred haven of refined Veronese elegance.

• Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli – Two Michelin stars, an innovative tasting menu, and unforgettable service in the historic heart of Verona.

MILANO

The capital of fashion and finance, Milan pulses with modern energy and ancient pride. Gothic spires, art masterpieces, and aperitivo culture thrive alongside culinary sophistication. From old-school trattorie to cutting-edge kitchens, this city’s food scene is every bit as chic as its boutiques.

Where to Eat:

• Antica Trattoria della Pesa – A slice of Milanese history with saffron risotto and ossobuco served in vintage surrounds.

• Langosteria – Sleek, modern, and seafood-forward; a must for lovers of fine coastal cuisine.

• Erba Brusca – A farm-to-table favorite championing local, sustainable flavors with countryside soul.

• Trippa – Offal done beautifully. Bold, flavorful, and not for the faint of palate.

• Ristorante da Giacomo – Sophisticated and classic, where Milanese dishes are executed with timeless grace.

• 28 Posti – An intimate design-forward space offering modern tasting menus with ethical sourcing.

• Il Kaimano – Elegant seafood dishes in an effortlessly cool Milanese ambiance.

• Propaganda Alimentari – Creative vegetarian options in a cozy, stylish bistro.

• Macelleria Popolare – Meat-driven minimalism at its best in a butcher-shop setting.

• Pavé – Possibly Milan’s finest pastry shop—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a midday sugar fix.

LAKE COMO

With its glacial waters, opulent villas, and cinematic hillsides, Lake Como is northern Italy’s postcard come to life. Days are slow, meals are long, and the lake’s bounty—perch, trout, and freshwater fish—takes pride of place on the plate.

Where to Eat:

• Trattoria del Porto – Careno – A waterside retreat with lake-fresh fish and timeless recipes.

• Crotto Isadoro – Dongo – Mountains meet water at this hidden gem offering polenta and lake fish in a serene setting.

• Rifugio Martina – Lezzeno – A mountaintop lodge where rustic comfort food and sweeping views converge.

• Feel – Como – Contemporary, refined, and deeply rooted in regional tradition. A treat for modern palates.

• Radici – Como – Local ingredients, elegant plating, and a laid-back lakeside vibe.

• Ristorante Mella – Bellagio – Fresh seafood and local produce served with Bellagio’s signature charm.

NAPOLI

Naples is chaos and charisma in equal measure. The birthplace of pizza, it’s a city of deep soul, baroque beauty, and volcanic intensity. Whether it’s street food from a bustling alley or a plate of spaghetti alle vongole by the sea, Naples serves its culture in every bite.

Pizza:

• 50 Kalò – Light, chewy crusts with spot-on toppings. A benchmark in modern Neapolitan pizza.

• Pizzeria La Notizia – Where tradition and creativity live in perfect pizza harmony.

• Attilio – Beloved by locals for its honest, unforgettable Margherita.

Restaurants:

• Donna Teresa – Homestyle Neapolitan with seafood, pasta, and comfort served in abundance.

• Mimi alla Ferrovia – Historic, refined, and reliably excellent for true Neapolitan classics.

• Peschiera Azzurra – Seafood-focused and right by the water, this is Mediterranean dining at its freshest.

• Da Donato – Family-run and pizza-focused with heart and soul in every slice.

• Ristoranti Napoli – A generalist’s delight, serving all the big Neapolitan hits with flair.

• Mangi & Bevi – An intimate gem showcasing Naples’ soul food at its simplest and best.

• Osteria ci si siede al tavolo con altri – A communal dining experience full of local flavor and shared stories.

• Signora Bettola – Think gnocchi alla Sorrentina, think home cooking, think Napoli at its most comforting.

• Centro Storico – Via dei Tribunali – Pizza pilgrimage central. Hit up Di Matteo for frittatine and Gino Sorbillo for that legendary slice.