Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and for good reason. With miles of coastline, diverse landscapes, and a historical culture to explore, Italy is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a break from the daily grind. Besides its natural beauty, what makes Italy so popular is its thriving culinary scene. From rustic mountain cuisine to modern fusion cuisine, Italy has something for everyone. One of the most popular countries in the world is also home to some of the most famous Michelin star restaurants in the world. From sophisticated fine dining to casual family-friendly spots, here’s everything you need to know about the best Michelin star restaurants in Italy.
Paradise Kitchen in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
Italy’s second city, Bologna, is also home to one of the country’s best Michelin star restaurants. Paradise Kitchen is helmed by chef Massimo Mina, who is widely regarded as one of the best chefs in the world. The restaurant is a culinary journey through the Mediterranean, with dishes that draw influence from the cuisine of Italy, Greece, the Middle East, England, and the Americas. The two-Michelin starred restaurant, which opened in 2013, is currently closed for renovations. The restaurant plans to reopen in the Fall of 2019.
Villa Manzi, Elba
The Michelin-starred restaurant is located in a 100-year-old manor house in the small town of La Ronde on Elba. The Michelin inspectors praised the “excellent cuisine” and the “exceptional cuisine” at the restaurant, which is run by the family that owns the manor where it’s located.
Isola dei Famosi, Sicily
First opened in June 2013, this restaurant is located on the remote isle of Isola dei Famosi, which lies in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Sicily. The isle is owned by the Misericordia di Isola dei Famosi and the restaurant is operated by the charity. The Michelin inspectors praised the restaurant’s “perfect balance between discretion and discretion,” adding that the “two-star food is exemplary.”
Al Boccione in Turin, Piedmont
Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region, is home to not one, but two, of the world’s best restaurants. Both Boccione and Grom are two-Michelin starred, earning them the title of the “world’s best restaurant” in the city. Boccione was opened in 2014 by chef Stefano Pellegrino, who previously worked at acclaimed restaurants in the US and Italy. The restaurant focuses on creating dishes inspired by the Mediterranean and Piedmont region’s culinary traditions. Grom was opened in 2015 by chef and owner Massimo Bottura, a chef and restaurateur who previously gained fame for his work feeding millions of people through the World Food Programme’s (WFP) “We Are the World” initiative.
Osteria dei Forni in Como, Lombardy
Located in the creative city of Como, Osteria dei Forni is one of the best restaurants in Italy. The two-Michelin starred restaurant was opened in 2015 by chef Massimo and Federica Pellegrini, who previously worked at other two star restaurants in the city. Osteria dei Forni is the couple’s creative outlet, with dishes that draw influences from their Italian and Chinese cultural backgrounds. The restaurant also offers an innovative wine program, with more than 2,300 bottles available to explore.
Michele in Arezzo, Tuscany
Chef Michele is one of the best chefs in the world, having earned a total of six Michelin stars throughout his career. The restaurant is located in the charming city of Arezzo, in Tuscany. The three-Michelin starred restaurant was established in 1997 and is run by chef Michele Cracco. The restaurant is famous for its modern Italian cuisine, but is also open to new and exciting ideas. The restaurant also offers a creative wine program, with more than 6,000 different bottles available to explore.
Sant'Eustachio in Busseto, Umbria
Sant'Eustachio is one of Northern Italy’s most famous and authentic restaurants. The two-Michelin starred spot is located in the historic city of Busseto, in Umbria. Sant’Eustachio is run by chef Fabio Dalto, who previously worked at other two star restaurants in the region. The restaurant is famous for its traditional Tuscan cuisine, but also offers modern interpretations of classic dishes. The restaurant also offers a creative wine program, with more than 2,000 different bottles available to explore.
Pizzeria Graziano in Rome, Lazio
Pizzeria Graziano is one of the top restaurants in Italy, with two Michelin stars. The restaurant, which opened in 2012, is located in the city of Rome. The pizzeria, which is run by owner and chef Antonio Di Graziano, recently won the 2019 “Best Restaurant in Europe” award held by BBC Radio. The restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Roman cuisine, drawing influence from the Asian continent, southern Italy, and the Mediterranean region.
Conclusion
Italy is a country filled with incredible sights, delicious food, and welcoming people. The country is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, some of which have received Michelin stars. From Michelin star restaurants in Bologna to two-starred spots in Turin, here are the best Michelin star restaurants in Italy.