This friendly family-run restaurant provides marchigiana farmhouse cooking in the precints of the Abbey itself. Generous helpings of good honest local fare are available such as rustic antipasti and hand-made pasta dishes such as papperdelle with wild hare and local grills. A good idea to book especially if you want a table in the portico. The house wine is particularly good.
La Foresteria 0733 201125 Closed Monday B
Situated in the old pilgrims' lodgings at the 11th C Abbadia di Fiastra is World Champion chef Roberto Sebastianelli's restaurant. The food and setting are both traditional with modern influences. Roberto insists on local and seasonal produce so the menu is always changing but always of the same high standard. Duck breast with balsamic dressing and Chicken Galantine are among the diverse antipasti. The pasta is handmade and excellent. The meat is very local and absolutely delicious. The wine list is well chosen and from Le Marche. Self service is also available.
La Selva 0733 514010 Every day summer, weekends winter. C
Good rustic food served in a converted cantina in an agriturismo in the grounds of the Abbey fiastra. The ingredients are all local or from the abbey estate itself. There is a concise menu of antipasto with an excellent selection of hams and salami, thin Cannelloni filled bosciaola sauce or duck gnocchi and superbly cooked local lamb alla brace or warm porcetta. Abbey produced wine to round off a really value lunch.
Amandola
La Rimessa 0736 847915 Closed Monday P. Risorgimento,31. Open lunchtimes from May. This fun, friendly place is great for families. The decor is old style rustic with beams & antique agricultural tools. Very good value and varied menu,from snacks to big salads to a mouthwatering array of steaks from local herds. Delicious array of pizza straight from the oven. Good selection of wines and beers.Seating in piazza in summer.
IL Casolare 0736 848755 Closed Thursday C Via A Biondi-1km out towards Monte Fortino This charming old house has been recently restored to show off its wealth of beams and tiles. There is a traditional selection of local antipasti and pasta - the ham and salami board is particularly good as is the Bucatini Amatracina. What really stands out is the alla brace meat courses -the lamb is succulent, pork juicy and the beef outstandingly delicious but simple. there is a panoramic terrace and loggia for summer. Rooms are available.
Ancona Osteria Teatro Strabacco 071 56748 V Oberdan 2, just off V Stamira. Closed Monday. B An eccentrically welcoming wood-panelled tavern tucked away in a side street just a stone's throw from the port. The walls are covered with cartoons of celebrity guests. There is a great range of delicious traditional Ancona dishes using the freshest fish straight from the Adriatic as well as meat and produce from local farms.Impressive wine list, fun staff.
Ascoli Piceno
Trattoria Laliva 0734 810014 Closed Tues pm & Wed B P. di Viola just off P. Arringo www.trattorialaliva.it It is clear that chef Marinella is mad about the local cuisine. As well as classics like Ascoli olives, she delights her guests with Sibille lasagne with parma ham, aromatic mountain herbs and chilli, chickpea soup and salt cod Bacala . The puddings are excellent, try the unique candied olives. Monthly degustazione menus. Great fun and very friendly.
Caldarola
Il Picciolo di Rame 348 3316588 Castello di Vestignano, 3kms from Caldarola. Booking Essential. Cash only. Evenings only.C A chance to step back in time to enjoy the fascinating and delicious dishes of Medieval Le Marche. The mother and son team have resurrected ancient seasonal recipes and delight diners with a set menu of up to 12 courses.There are intriguing dishes like 15 herb lentil soup,ravioli with truffle and marjoram and pork with cinnamon, saffron and almonds. The setting is a wonderful medieval olive press in an ancient borgo. The staff are justifiably enthusiastic and charming. Well worth the trek.
Civitanova
L'Oasi 0733 816396 Closed Monday C Lungamare Sud, Viale Permanni 16 www.loasi.com Set on its own section of beach is this friendly family-run restaurant specialising in fish and seafood plucked fresh from the Adriatic, visible from the restaurants broad windows.There are local dishes like brodetto,clams with spaghetti and wonderful fried mixed seafood.A lovely way to enjoy the fruits of the sea and there are non fish dishes, too. Sweet staff. Open all year.
Civitanova Alta
Trattoria Assunta 0733 892848 Closed Wednesday C Piazza xxv Luglio- off Piazza Liberta This pretty, traditional, vaulted trattoria is located in a tiny piazza in this historic, artistic hill-town. Very popular with the locals who love the regional dishes, huge steaks and delicious fish, fresh from the sea 5kms away. The regional and fish set menus are really good value. Delicious pizza available in the evenings. Outside seating in the piazza during the warmer months.
Colmurano **** Fabriano
Marchese del Grillo 0732 625690 Closed Tuesday A* Loc. Rocchetta Bassa 3 kms from Fabriano Set in the cellars of a stunning 18th century villa, this is foodie heaven. Emanuella della Mora creates modern, seasonal dishes adhering to Slow Food Movement principles: they are spectacular to look at and to eat. Chickpea Mousse, Quail & Pecorino Tortelli and spicy Fabriano Lamb are particularly memorable.Wonderful handmade puddings. The Degustazione Menu at E40 is excellent value. Very impressive wine list.
Falerone
Le Loggette 0734 710143 Closed Monday B On the right before Falerone from Sant Angelo on SP45 Fabio and his family provide some the best pasta dishes in the area especially the filled pasta- the vegetable sauces come straight from the garden and change almost weekly. The antipasto and alla brace meats are delicious and very local, too. Traditional fish dishes are available at the end of the week. Great mountain views from the balcony. Well researched local wine list. A friendly family place with a playground in the garden.
Fermo
****
Loreto
Andreina 071 970124 Closed Tuesday B V. Buffolareccia- just below old town, signposted. www.ristoranteandreina.it
One of the best restaurants in the region. Exciting modern and traditional dishes perfectly prepared and beautifully presented: artichokes fried in Verdicchio with pecorino tart; seared duck breast with passionfruit jus and some of the most fantastic puddings we have tasted. Degustazione menus are available including the best vegetarian dishes around. Excellent service and wine.
Loro Piceno
Girorrosto 0733 509119 Closed Wednesday B* Centro storico. www. agritursibillini.it Set in the vaulted cellars of an ancient Franciscan monastery, this warm friendly restaurant serves high quality marchigiani food. Attention to detail in the kitchen is evident in such delicious handmade pasta dishes as ravioli with lemon scented ricotta, sage and butter and the twelve layer vincisgrassi. Full flavoured stews and rotary grilled meats follow such aslocal lamb and guinea fowl.Enzo will give you a warm welcome and offer excellent wine suggestions.
1 Taverna x Loro 0733 509789 C* Largo Crescimbeni 3, Closed Mon& Tues. Evenings only except Sundays and holidays Gianpaolo, Matteo and their young enthusiastic team have opened up a great set-menu restaurant in the heart of medieval centro storico.Traditional seasonal dishes are given a modern twist- 3 antipasto dishes such as fava bean souffle are followed by two light delicious pastas and local meat like roast lamb and wild fennel. Save room for the delicious homemade puddings. Excellent local wine list. Ask about the wine degustazione evenings - popular and fun.
Macerata
Da Rosa 0733 260124 Closed Sunday A* Via Armaroli, 17 A very elegant trattoria in centro storico of Macerata specialising in modern interpretations of local, seasonal rustic dishes such as Porcini Sformata with white truffle sauce, Pumkin & truffle risotto, Guinea Fowl with chestnut & orange demi-glace and Pistacchio creme brulee. Excellent wine list with local wines great & small.
Da Secondo 0733 260912 Closed Monday A* Via Pescheria Vecchia, Just off Piazza Della Liberta. A Macerata favourite with opera buffs and Maceratese alike. Very high quality Marchiagiani dishes and wines in a traditional setting. Wonderful service amid the Opera memorabillia on the walls. Try the fried Tempura vegetables' the lemon scented Ravioli with porcini and truffle cream and the Tagliatelli with prawns. Great grilled local meat, Osso Bucco and Pigeon. Outside seating during summer.
Osteria dei Pigliapochi 0733 264393 Closed Sat & Sun lunch C Vicolo della Rota, 8. Just off Corso della Repubblica A charming old style osteria nestled in a tiny alley in centro storico. The house style is traditional marchiagiani and the diverse menu includes Local hams and cheeses, Vincisgrassi and pork loin with wild fennel. The local wine list is well chosen.
Magliano di Tenna
Osteria dell'Arco 0734 631630 338 3631128 B* www.osteriaarco.it Closed Mon and Tues Booking advisable. Piazza Gramsci 27, centro storico. The exciting modern dishes like ricotta and mushroom sformata and home-smoked carpaccio with pecorino flakes as well as traditional classics like Ascoli Olives are fantastic here. Oxtail ravioli with black truffles and risotto with leeks, pumpkin & smoked cheese are delicious. Excellent local meat follow straight from the wood-fired grill. Save room for wonderful homemade puddings like melt in the mouth like millefeuille with strawberries and cream. Owner/sommelier Tiziano has selected a great local wine list. Also a wine bar with bar snacks.
Mogliano
Da Marina al Teatro 0733 557399 Closed Monday B Piazza Garibaldi Set in a pretty baroque piazza is this lovely restaurant, pizzeria and bar. It's an elegant little place specialising in bright interpretations of local dishes like salamis & cheese, the house special Gnocchi Teatro, Rocket pesto Ravioli with smoked cheese followed by rare sliced steak with truffle. Great homemade puddings and well chosen wine list. Excellent pizza in the evening .Mingle with Marina's regulars with an aperitivo and snacks at the end of the week.
La Perla 0733 559048 Closed Saturday C Via iv Novembre Just outside the pretty town of Mogliano on the way to Macerata is La Perla which specialises in traditional local dishes.There is a generous lunchtime antipasto table to begin with. Local pasta sauses like Mushrooms& Olive Oil and Wild Hare are really flavoursome.Traditional alla brace meats follow though the Saltimbocca Romana is particularly good. Straightforward and good value.
Montecarotto
Le Busche 073189172 Closed Sunday pm and Monday. B Contr. Busche www.lebusche.net Young chef Andera Angeletti creates exciting, modern dishes with an oriental twist like sushi style seabass with porcetta and sausage. His seafood and oriental set menus are served with perfectly matched wines.Enjoy these wonderfully presented dishes in the cantina or covered verandah. Fantastic wine list.
Montecosaro
La Luma 0733 229701 Closed Monday B* Via G Bruscantini. www.laluma.it An impressive, stylish, elegant & thoroughly professional restaurant:-one of the very best in the region. Beautiful location with fabulous views over the Chienti Valley, set in centro storico of Montecosaro. Fabulous starters like homemade pate fois gras, swordfish carpaccio with ginger followed by perfect pink duck breast with apricot jus and deliciously delicate puddings like torrone semifreddo and hot chocolate souffle.Excellent well-priced wine list. A real treat: beautifully presented, perfect staff and surprisingly good value.Good wine shop & rooms available.
Monte Cosaro Scalo
Due Cigni 0733 865182 A* V dell Annuziata, 19 Closed Sunday Evenings and Monday. The renowned Rosaria Morganti produces what is widely acknowledged as the grandest Vincisgrassi in Le Marche-'Princisgrassi'( you are given a commerative plate with this dish). Her dishes are wonderfully rich with lavish use of foie gras and truffles. The five course antipasta is excellent and generous. Wonderful fresh fish from just down the road and local organic meat. Splendid wine list, a grand dining experience.
Montemonaco
La Cittadella 0736 856361 Booking essential C* www.cittadelladeisibillini.it A beautifully situated agriturismo below Montemonaco in the Sibilillini National Park.The dining room faces the mountains with stunning views and offers simple, authentic cuisine based on traditional dishes found in the region: it's part of the Slow Food movement. The menu is set and stretches over 7 courses and changes weekly. It's very popular with a lively, fun atmosphere. The cellar has a wide carefully selected range of regional wines.
Monte San Martino
Agriturismo San Martino 0733 660515 On SP239(SS210) at Molino Nr Monte San Martino www.agriturismosanmartino.com Farmhouse marchiagiani cuisine with a touch of Sardinia, too The antipasta is simple but well selected. The pasta dishes are especially good, the choices more unusual and the ingredients sophisticated. The house pasta is cassareccia with a saffron and porcini sauce,delicious. All pasta is home made. A meat is local and perfectly cooked, excellent lamb alla brace. Home made puddings to round off a memorable dinner. The wine is local and carefully chosen or house and red are good. Ring for details of wine tasting evenings. See agriturismo section at back of guide
Osteria del Lago Lago San Ruffino 0733 660477 Closed Monday C* Halfway between Monte San Martino and Amandola. Signposted off SP239. Set on the shores of Lago San Ruffino,this pretty restored stone farmhouse serves local traditional dishes inside during winter and outside on the terrace during summer for lakeside views.There is a delicious variety of antipasto including a number of vegetarian dishes. The ricotta-filled raviolini is the highlight of the handmade pastas but ask Marco or Luciana for the daily specials. Lots of space outside for families to roam around the lake. Barbeques on the lakeside during the summer. Rooms available.
Da Priori 0733 660209 Closed Wednesday B Set in the main square of this beautiful hill top town, Da Priori offers traditional Marchigianian dishes in a tranquil atmosphere with local artists work on the walls. Lovely , simple antipasto dishes of hams, cheese and salamis all produced in and around the village. This is followed by their hand made tagliatellini classic sauces like ragu di Angelica followed by delicately grilled local meat. A wide selction of Italian wines. Try the tiramisu. Organic local meat .
Le Querce 0733 660207 Closed Wednesday C This relaxed place beneath Monte San Martino serves a large amount of traditional, old style, local antipasto as well as other Marchigiani dishes. You can expect buckwheat soup, chick peas in porcini broth, potato frittata as well as crostini with cheeses, truffle paste and sausage plus delicious local ham and salamis. The handmade pasta is very good with generous helpings full of the flavour of the mountains. Mixed grill cooked on a traditional fire is excellent . A fun, vibrant family restaurant with very good pizza in the evening.
Ortezzano
I Piceni 0734 778000 Closed Tuesday B* Piazza M Savani. www.locandaipiceni.it Exciting food in the quiet centro storico of Ortezzano. Modern interpretations of traditional rural and coastal dishes like Laurel-smoked Beef with Pecorino shavings, Leek Risotto, and Salmon poached in Falerio wine. Fantastic truffle dishes when available. The knowlegable and helpful staff will rightly recommend the puddings. Great views over the Aso Valley and outside seating during the summer.Capital city quality at marchigiani prices. Rooms available.
Passo Ripe San Ginesio
L'Antico L'Approdo 0733 506886 Closed Monday C Passo Ripe San Ginesio Behind Bar on SS78, opposite large clock/thermometer. Home to some of the best pizza and friendliest staff in the area. A great selection of delicious red and white pizza straight from the wood burning oven. Equally good are the huge T bone steaks expertly grilled over wood embers and carved at the table. A traditional list of excellent pasta dishes, too. Great value set lunch menu and discounted children's menu. Fun and friendly.
Penna San Giovanni
Vecchi Sapori 0733 669319 Closed Monday C* Vl Beato Giovanni, 11 Opposite La Porta Marina just below the centro storico, this restaurant/pizzeria is tucked down an alleyway below Bar Porta Marina. An ideal place to get together for a group pizza and sample from the wide variety on offer. The home made tomato sauce for the red ones is especially delicious. Also available are a selection of good old favourite pasta dishes like penne quattro formaggio and spaghetti carbonara. Good honest house wines. Low key, low priced and good fun. Special fixed menu is extremely good value. Tourist apartments and rooms available.
Tre Querce 0733 669157 3356082620 Bookings only C* Signposted between P S Giovanni and Falerone www.trequerce.it Wonderfully straightforward and authentic, the cooking is truly marchigiana farmhouse and organic to boot. The set menu board has a number of diverse daily choices and change seasonally depending on what is fresh from the garden. Traditional antipasto includes crostini with chicken liver pate and home produced salami. The chickpea and bacon soup is a house speciality. Local flame-grilled lamb is delicious as is the rare tagliata steak with peppercorns and rosemary. Homemade puddings. House wine and good local list, too. See Agriturismo section at back of guide
Petriolo Mangiafuoco 0733 550273 Closed Tuesday B V Matteotti,26A diverse and interesting menu awaits at this classy, cheerful and busy restaurant tucked away in the centro Storico of pretty little Petriolo. A party of 40 celebrating a 60th wedding anniversary tucked in to an all day fish buffet. Antipasta of endless types of shellfish was followed by risotto,tagiatelle and ravioli all fish based and looking spectacular. The main course hadn't happened before we left 2 hours later. We were really impressed by the pasta dishes we choose following a selection of home produced proscuitto salami and pecorino cheeses for anti pasto. I devoured a whole, large bowl of ravioli filled with lemon flavoured ricotta, nicely al dente, served with a creamy lemon and speck sauce. It was one of those dishes you have to finish even though you know you should leave a few for appearances sake. David was very happy with the large, home made pork filled tortellini served with a spectacular truffle and mushroom sauce. It was all surprisingly light for such a robust and rich dish. Again nothing was left to show for it but a large, contented grin on Davids face. The secondi we choose was a generous, well seasoned, perfectly grilled selection of meats including lamb chops, pork steak, sausages and spare ribs. The meat is either home reared or locally sourced. The tagliata , overly generous ( our dogs could not believe their luck when they witnessed the contents of the doggy tray we brought home) seared on the grill to perfection, reddy pink as ordered and served with a rich and syrupy balsamic dressing. Another gold star went to the vegetable buffet on offer for 2,50 euros a plateful. Lots of healthy choices of undressed salads and grilled vegetables along with my favourite stir fried beta with a bit of chili and lemon juice. We enjoyed a substantial R osso Piceno from the wide and carefully selected wine cellar for a mere 7.00 euros. Too replete to indulge in the dolce course we settled for a good, strong espresso each. Going on appearances though the deserts looked very elegant and the pannacottas served with a summer fruit or caramel dressing wobbled beautifully.
A professional, friendly, well run restaurant serving interesting, well executed, delicious food at a very reasonable price.
75 euros for 3 courses and wine.
Locanda del Cavaliere 0733 550776 Closed Monday C Via M Martello Just by an ancient gate in the old walled town of Petriolo is the down to earth Locanda del Cavaliere. The setting and cuisine are traditional- with vaulted ceilings and generous portions. Rich, filling pasta like papperdelle with seasonal vegetables and handmade spinch and ricotta ravioli could be shared. Alla brace meats follow. Fixed Menu at lunch; wood-oven pizza available in evenings.
Piane di Montegiorgio
Oscar & Amorina 0734 967351 Closed Monday B Opposite the Eiffel Tower on SS210 near the 26km milepost www.oscareamorina.it This opulent temple of fine dining is a popular place amongst well-heeled locals. This long established, family-run restaurant is a Mecca for gourmands and bonviveurs. Handmade pasta includes Tagliolini with mushrooms and other sauces inspired by the local hills and woods. Excellent alla brace and rotisserie meat.Delicious puddings and excellently chosen and priced wine list from the well stocked cellars. A memorable, enjoyable, well-priced place. Rooms available.
Pintura (Between Sassotetto and Bolognola)
Rifugio La Capanna 0737 520134 fax 0733 201611 C Closed Thursday. Open all year. Almost 1400m above sea level, La Capanna is set amongst breathtaking and majestic scenery. The local wildlife feature heavily in the menu with plenty of dishes with wild boar, venison, hare, mushrooms and truffles. Excellent handmade pasta and polenta. Fish is available on request. 8 rooms available. A fantastic location in the very heart of the Sibillinis; spectacular at any time of the year.
Portonovo **** Ripe San Ginesio
Osteria Leonina 0733 506010 Closed Wednesday C Via Giacomo Leopardi Down a tiny alley in the centro storico is this charming osteria situated in some ancient cellars. Here traditional dishes are presented in a modern style by the talented young chef. Classic marchigiani antipasto is followed by full flavoured pasta like tagliatelle with wild boar and porcini and giant ravioli with sage and lime butter. Excellent puddings and a good wine list. Traditional flavours in a contemporary setting.
Sant' Angelo in Pontano
Il Melograno 0733 661521 C* Bookings advisable www.ilmelogranoagriturismo.it Open Friday eves, Sat & Sun lunch and dinner Just outside village, sign posted by petrol station. Set in a commanding position looking towards the mountains, Melograno specialises in the heartier dishes of the area and is justifiably popular with the locals. There is a relaxed atmosphere of conviviality. Traditional salamis are served with seasonal farmhouse antipasti like fennel, tomato and cheese tart and farro salad. Gnocchi and papardelle come with big mushroom sauces and the house speciality ragu. Mixed grill and farmyard chicken cacciatore are served with home grown greens. The homemade puddings include hazelnut semifreddo and tiramisu. Impossible to rush.
See Agriturismo section at back of guide.
Duilia 0733 661288 Closed Wednesday (open throughout Aug) B In centro storico next to bell tower. Cash only. Booking recommended. Set near the top of the centro storico, Duilia commands wonderful views from its terrace across the region towards the sea. The cooking is traditional hearty marchigiana farmhouse style. After antipasti there is a selection of homemade pasta including possibly the area's best tagliatini alla papera -duck and juniper sauce.Delicious local alla brace lamb. Big helpings, sweet staff and well chosen wine list by Roberto.
Pippo & Gabriella 0733 661120 Closed Monday B On SP45 2kms between Passo and village. Something of a local legend . For years, Pippo and Gabriella have provided excellent farmhouse cooking in a fun and relaxed atmosphere which has endeared them to generations. The friendly, helpful, english speaking staff have always got time for a laugh. There is a wide selection of goodies from the antipasto table. The handmade pasta and crepes melt in the mouth.The traditional log burning grill cooks the meat courses which are hearty and mouth-watering. A real taste of Marchigiana food and hospitality.
La Torre 0733 661277 Closed Monday B Tucked away in the centro storico is La Torre, where you can find deceptively delicious local food with plenty of truffles and porcinis to go around. The pasta is homemade, incredibly light and served with mouthwatering sauces. To follow there are steaks and escallopes with lemon, porcini and green pepper sauces and excellent local alla brace lamb. Very good value and friendly staff. Rooms available.
Sant Elpidio a Mare
Il Melograno 0734 858088 Closed Tuesday B via Gheredini, 9 www.ristoranteilmelograno.it A stylish and cool place to enjoy modern interpretations of traditional dishes. The beautiful setting is reflected in the skillful and imaginative menu and its presentation. The menu is highly seasonal :asparagus in spring, chestnuts in autumn and changes almost daily. There are far-reaching views of the Chienti Valley which breathtaking: the sea one way, the Sibillinis the other. The terrace is open during the summer. Very good regional and national wine list.
Osteria dei Ponti Oscuri 0734 810014 Closed Monday B* Vicolo Ponti Oscuri - sign posted. Open throughout July & August. www.osteriadeipontioscuro.it Tucked away down an alley just by a medieval gate in the centro storico is this charming osteria, the only fish restaurant in town. Fish fresh from the port and regional ingredients create an exciting menu with wonderful Neopolitan and local flavours. Excellent antipasti include rice balls filled with mozzarella and bacon and seasonal vegetable tart. Seafood pasta dishes are great as are the fish and meat courses. Local and campania wine list. Seating outside in summer.
San Ginesio
La Querchia dellaMemoria 0733 694431 3484768272 Closed Mon C* Open Fri eves, Sat & Sun lunch and dinner. Other days bookings only. Between S Ginesio and Sarnano, sign posted from SS78 www.querciadellamemoria.it It's not just the organic home produce and the delicious farmhouse cooking that makes La Quercia such a great place to eat; it's like going back in time to before the arrival of GM foods etc.The menu is unsurprisingly highly seasonal and varied with such goodies as organic pea polenta, fresh wild salad, home baked bread and grissini, porcini and bean soup, roast pork with chestnuts and pannacotta with sapa. A great experience. Veggies catered for, mention when booking. Educational talks available.
Colle Regnano See Agriturismo section at back of Guide.
Osteria Marche Segrete 0733 663630 Closed Monday B* 200m from crossroads at Passo S Ginesio/S Angelo. Signposted. www.marche-segrete.com This restaurant specialises in old marchigiani recipes using the finest local meat and the freshest fish straight from the Adriatic. The light pasta is handmade and served with such sauces as porcini with duck and orange; and with pinenuts.The fish varies with the catch but may include monkfish steamed with garlic and tomatoes and turbot baked with potato and chilli.This osteria successfully combines the fresh flavours of the sea and the rich local traditional dishes under one roof. No need to travel to the coast for excellent fish. Well done chef Nando and his English speaking staff.
Il Fontanile 0733 656659/656008 Closed Fridays C Booking advisable. Left at Palazzo Giovale, first right. Tucked away off the main square in San Genesio this is a pretty little restaurant with high vaulted ceilings and a genuinely cosy atmosphere. It serves superb pizza. thin, crunchy bases, well seasoned and piping hot from the wood burning oven. There is a really good choice of proscuitto,salamis and bruschetta as antipasto followed by traditional local pasta dishes. It is incredibly good value so a perfect place to bring a crowd for a scrumptious pizza.Outside eating during the summer.
Terra Nostra 0733 656957 Closed Monday C* Piazza Gentili www.terranostrasanginesio.it A friendly place set in the historic main square, popular with families. There is a concise, delicious list of local favorites like tagliatelli with porcini mushrooms as well as argentine pastries. The taste of the mountains is evident in the wonderful wild boar stew. Great pizza available in the evening. Eat out under the stars in the piazza during the summer. Good value and friendly English speaking staff and menus.
San Lorenzo al Lago (Lake Fiastra)
Osteria del Lago 0737 52669 C Just by the beach. Booking advisable off season. info@sibillinitour.it A taste of the mountains and lake under one roof. Delicious light hand made pasta with classic local sauces like porcini and truffle; the vincisgrassi is good, too. Alla brace meat or freshly caught lake trout stuffed and grilled, excellent. Eat out under the awning during the summer. Friendly, family run and relaxed. Rooms available, best to email when booking.
Il Gatto e La Volpe 0737 52105 Closed Tuesday C Next to the Church. With its delicious rustic mountain dishes, this is an excellent place to enjoy lunch when up in the mountains. Local flavours like truffles, mushrooms and sausages are here as well as local river trout and other fish at the weekend. Favourites include truffle ravioli and simple yet delicious alla brace.Wood oven pizza available at night. Shaded outside area in the summer.
San Vittoria in Matenano
Farfense 0734 780171 Closed Wednesday B www.hotelfarfense.it Justly popular for miles around, Giampiero's restaurant is atmospheric, fun and a great place to enjoy some classic local dishes: It's a charming place with ancient vaulted ceilings, excellent food and a wonderful wine list. Great pizza straight from the woodburning oven. Try and book the snug in the cantina. Panoramic rooms available.
Sarnano
Il Sassetto 0733 658196 3498112161 C* Open at weekends, everyday in summer. Booking advisable. Just outside Sarnano, signposted. fantegrossi@libero.it A charming, family run place with the breathtaking backdrop of the Sibillinis. All the dishes are homemade by hand and thoroughly seasonal. Recommended dishes include little gnocchi with a Sassetto house sauce (special ragu with wild mountain herbs and maltagliati with spinach and cream plus delicious alla brace meat. Great pizza straight from the wood burning oven, evenings only. A good Marche only wine selection. Open air dining in the summer with spectacular views. Full/half board available See Agriturismo section at back of Guide
Marchigiana 0733 657211 Closed Friday C* 1km outside Sarnano on SS78 towards Macerata. A deservedly popular restaurant where locals and visitors flock to enjoy big helpings of delicious marchigiana food and hospitality. The antipasto is huge and includes tempura fried corguettes. The pasta is equally hearty with big local sauces like truffle and mushroom and bosciaola. A great alla brace fire dominates the back room and the aroma of delicious local meat sizzling is impossible to resist as is the wild boar stew. Friendly, English speaking staff.
Il Vicolo 0733 658565 Closed Tuesday C Just inside old town off V Leopardi A very pretty terracotta and beamed place tucked down an ancient narrow alleyway in the charming centro storico. Very much the local flavour of the mountains on offer with lashings of truffles, porcini mushrooms and home made pasta; try the wild boar in red wine, venison with truffles other game and local meat alla brace. Delicious casseroles and puddings,well chosen local and national wine list, too. Wonderful, unforgettable vine-covered garden for outdoor eating.
Servigliano
Il Re Leone 0734 750959 Closed Tuesday B Just outside the old town. This tastefully refurbished is popular with everyone as its menu is always spot on. The homemade pasta dishes are served with traditional and modern sauces and the meat courses are imaginative and perfectly cooked. The beef comes from the famed herds of the Sibillini Mountains. The big salads are justly popular as are the puddings. Great pizza is available in the evening, piping hot from the wood burning oven. Covered seating outside in the summer.
Smerillo
Le Logge 0734 79129 Closed Thursday C www.smerillo.com Delicious farmhouse cooking in generous proportions await at this elegant restaurant set in the walls of this ancient village. The mixed antipasti is a must: half a dozen dishes including poached quails eggs with pancetta and bean and porcini soup. Handmade pasta like little ravolini are served with seasonal sauces like asparagus and truffles are scrumptious. Try to save room for the local alla brace meats and homemade puds. The staff at this delightfully elegant farmhouse restaurant are friendly and relaxed.
Tolentino
Osteria San Nicola 0733 967448 Closed Tuesday B* Via Flaminia, 6. On Corner of Corso Garibaldi and Via Oberdan. www.osteriasannicola.it Set in the centro storico just a few yards from the famous Basilica. This charming terracotta and beams inn has a wide range of varied dishes. As well as local specialities, the chef offers such interesting starters as fennel omlette and pecorino and pears. The second courses include prawn and saffron risotto followed by filled of pork with vin cotto. There are also a selection of big salads as well as a gluten free menu and specials for children. Delicious pizzas are available at lunch as well as dinner. Well chosen wine list and wide selection of beers.
Urbino
Angolo Divino 0722 327559 Via S Andrea 14, 2 mins from Piazza Repubblica. Closed Monday & Sunday Night. B Family run inn located in cellars of an ancient house in the centro storico.Local traditional dishes made using local organic produce from the local hills:-truffles, mushrooms, game as well as a wide selection of fresh fish. Unique historic dishes such as oven cooked salame matte, roast rabbit with wild fennel and excellent puddings. Delicious Degustazione fish menu available. Well chosen wine list.
Urbisaglia
Locanda Le Logge 0733 506788 Closed Wednesday B* Corso Giannelli, 34 www.locandalelogge.it This smart, sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant in centro storico is famous for its modern and exciting interpretations of traditional dishes. The degustazione menu is fantastic and is incredibly good value. There are five interestingly varied antipasto dishes served and these might include treats like tomino cheese with prosciutto,pepper and vanilla oil, followed by cannelloni di Logge, red wine risotto and roast leg of lamb with rosemary and marjoram. The pudding selection is truly mouth watering. Superb wine list and excellent staff.
AGRITURISMO EATING OUT GUIDE
Montemonaco
La Cittadella 0736 856361 Booking essential C* www.cittadelladeisibillini.it A beautifully situated agriturismo below Montemonaco in the Sibilillini National Park.The dining room faces the mountains with stunning views and offers simple, authentic cuisine based on traditional dishes found in the region: it's part of the Slow Food movement. The menu is set and stretches over 7 courses and changes weekly. It's very popular with a lively, fun atmosphere. The cellar has a wide carefully selected range of regional wines.
Monte San Martino
Agriturismo San Martino 0733 660515 On SP239(SS210) at Molino Nr Monte San Martino www.agriturismosanmartino.com Farmhouse marchiagiani cuisine with a touch of Sardinia, too The antipasta is simple but well selected. The pasta dishes are especially good, the choices more unusual and the ingredients sophisticated. The house pasta is cassareccia with a saffron and porcini sauce,delicious. All pasta is home made. A meat is local and perfectly cooked, excellent lamb alla brace. Home made puddings to round off a memorable dinner. The wine is local and carefully chosen or house and red are good. Ring for details of wine tasting evenings.
Penna San Giovanni
Tre Querce 0733 669157 3356082620 Bookings only C* Signposted between P S Giovanni and Falerone www.trequerce.it Wonderfully straightforward and authentic, the cooking is truly marchigiana farmhouse and organic to boot. The set menu board has a number of diverse daily choices and change seasonally depending on what is fresh from the garden. Traditional antipasto includes crostini with chicken liver pate and home produced salami. The chickpea and bacon soup is a house speciality. Local flame-grilled lamb is delicious as is the rare tagliata steak with peppercorns and rosemary. Homemade puddings. House wine and good local list, too.
Sant Angelo in Pontano
Il Melograno 0733 661521 C* Bookings advisable www.ilmelogranoagriturismo.it Open Friday eves, Sat & Sun lunch and dinner Just outside village, sign posted by petrol station. Set in a commanding position looking towards the mountains, Melograno specialises in the heartier dishes of the area and is justifiably popular with the locals. There is a relaxed atmosphere of conviviality. Traditional salamis are served with seasonal farmhouse antipasti like fennel, tomato and cheese tart and farro salad. Gnocchi and papardelle come with big mushroom sauces and the house speciality ragu. Mixed grill and farmyard chicken cacciatore are served with home grown greens. The homemade puddings include hazelnut semifreddo and tiramisu. Impossible to rush.
San Ginesio
Colle Regnano 0733 967691 3351278072 C* Between S Ginesio and Tolentino on SP126 by 4km post. Evenings only . Bookings only. www.colleregnano.it Patrizia clearly enjoys cooking and you will be charmed by her genuine marchigiana farmhouse cuisine. All the produce is local and seasonal. The salamis are home-produced and the recipes from the family like spaghetti with white amatraciana sauce (ie without tomatoes). Great fun and a lovely location. Rooms avilable.
La Quercia della Memoria 0733 694431 3484768272 Closed Mon C* Open Fri eves, Sat & Sun lunch and dinner. Other days bookings only. Between S Ginesio and Sarnano, sign posted from SS78 www.querciadellamemoria.it It's not just the organic home produce and the delicious farmhouse cooking that makes La Quercia such a great place to eat; it's like going back in time to before the arrival of GM foods etc.The menu is unsurprisingly highly seasonal and varied with such goodies as organic pea polenta, fresh wild salad, home baked bread and grissini, porcini and bean soup, roast pork with chestnuts and pannacotta with sapa. A great experience. Veggies catered for, mention when booking. Educational talks available.
Sarnano
Il Sassetto 0733 658196 3498112161 C* Open at weekends, everyday in summer. Booking advisable. Just outside Sarnano, signposted. fantegrossi@libero.it A charming, family run place with the breathtaking backdrop of the Sibillinis. All the dishes are homemade by hand and thoroughly seasonal. Recommended dishes include little gnocchi with a Sassetto house sauce (special ragu with wild mountain herbs and maltagliati with spinach and cream plus delicious alla brace meat. Great pizza straight from the wood burning oven, evenings only. A good Marche only wine selection. Open air dining in the summer with spectacular views. Full/half board available.