Restaurant Guide to Le Marche
Welcome to the only English guide to the restaurants of Le Marche.
If you are new to area you are in for a real treat. The food in the region of Le
Marche is truly delicious and once tasted never forgotten. If you are one of
the lucky ones living here then we hope we have discovered some new places
for you to try.
La Vita has eaten its way through the Le Marche region, testing each of the
restaurants in this guide often alot more than just once and has discovered
that Le Marche is remarkable. Not only for the diversity of food on offer but
also for the excellence in standards and quality and the result is this
collection of our favourite places to eat. Thankfully as the region is
bursting with excellent restaurants and Agriturismo we have a long way to
go and mean to continue our gastronomic journey and continue to expand
our guide each year. Along with our girths no doubt.
The chefs and managers of the restaurants have kindly given their input to
ensure we have left nothing out. We have only included restaurants which
we deemed worthy of inclusion. There are many to choose from all excellent
in their own way.
The topography of this exceptionally beautiful region plays an important
part in the variety and type of dishes on offer. With the Adriatic sea on one
side and the Sibillini mountains on the other, Le Marche offers a diverse
and exciting cuisine. The majority of dishes and recipes stretch back
through generations and are based on locally available seasonal produce.
But there are many emerging and established restaurants serving modern
Italian Cuisine and breaking away from strict regionally.
The quality of produce is faultless for the most part being locally farmed ,
produced and often organic. Food here tastes like it should taste, how one
remembers it tasting as a child before to much choice and low quality
ingredients jaded the palette. The restaurants we have selected offer home
made, home grown and home produced dishes and where this is not feasible
the produce has been sourced with diligence and attention to quality and
locality. For the most part Marchigiana food is simple, unsullied and
understated but plentiful and often rich, always surprising and very
fulfilling with a sense of luxury thrown in when one is offered dishes with
such ingredients as fresh white truffle and fresh porcini mushroom.
We hope very much that you will take courage from this book and get out
there and indulge yourselves in all things Marchigianan.
We also hope you enjoy all the restaurants you choose as much as we did
and do and are won over by the sheer yumminess of the food on offer.
We have put together a small list of words and phrases which you will come
across constantly and may prove a little baffling on first sight.
Buon Appetito or in English: enjoy this exceptionally good grub.
Da Rosa 0733 203552 Closed Thursday C
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*
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.
Monte San Martino
Agriturismo San Martino
See agriturismo section at back of guide.
(inserzione opposo)
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
Margigianian 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 truffo 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
Tre Querce
See Agriturismo section at back of guide
Petriolo
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
(inserzione opposto)
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
****
Sant' Angelo in Pontano
Il Melograno
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
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
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
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.
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 liketomino cheese with prosciutto,pepper
and vaniglia 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
(inserzione opposto)
La Cittadella 0736 856361 Booking essential C*
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
(inserzione opposto)
Agriturismo San Martino 0733 660515
On SP239(SS210) at Molino Nr Monte San Martino
Farmhouse marchiagiani cusine 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
(inserzione opposto)
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
(inserzione opposto)
Il Melograno 0733 661521 C* Bookings advisable
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
(inserzione opposto)
Colle Regnano 0733 967691 3351278072 C*
Between S Ginesio and Tolentino on SP126 by 4km post.
Evenings only . Bookings only.
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.
(inserzione opposto)
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.
Alla Brace: The traditional way of
grilling the delicious local meat over
olive, vine and other wood embers.
Ascolane Olives: Huge olives filled with
sausagemeat, coated in breadcrumbs,
then fried.
Bacala: Salt cod stew with tomatoes,
potatoes & olives. A Friday tradition.
Bosciaola: traditional mountain pasta
sauce of sausage, mushrooms & cream.
Brodetto: Spectacular fish soup/stew. A
broth filled with 13 varieties of seafood
and fish.
Ciambusculo: Soft pork garlic & herb
salami- like a spreadable pate.
Cinghiale: Wild Boar- served in a juniper
sauce with either tagliatelle or as a stew
(salmi).
Coratella: Rich antipasto dish of diced
lamb's offal. Sometimes served with egg.
Crema Fritta: An odd yet popular side
order of deep-fried custard. Yes, that's
right.
Lepre: Wild Hare- often served in a rich
ragu sauce with thick pappardelle pasta.
Orata: Sea Bream- the great fish of the
Adriatic, served with fennel.
Pecorino: Sheep Cheese- ranging from
soft (dolce) to positively dangerous
(fossa). Delicious with local honey.
Piadina: Flatbreads- a favourite lunch
snack toasted with ham and cheese
inside.
Polentone: Lasagne style dish using
layers of polenta rather than pasta
sheets.
Porchetta: Roast pork with wild fennel
stuffing often served in ciabatta.
Available at butchers and roadside vans.
Porcini: Super-delicious mountain
mushrooms. Tagliatelle ai porcini is the
dish.
Vincisgrassi: The lasagne dish of
Macerata; wafer-thin layers of pasta
with rich pork and chicken filling.
Vin Cotto: A rich, brown tipple from
Loro Piceno; not unlike Marsala.
Zuppa Inglese: Vin cotto-soaked sponge
triffle. Neither soupy nor English.
Eating out is an almost religious institution for Italians- it's always on their minds and most conversations revolve around eating and food.
Like so many things in Italy eating is done to a formula:- Antipasto is followed by Primo, followed by Secondo and finally Dolce and Caffe.
However, this does not mean that you have to have a four course meal everytime you eat out. The 'rules' have relaxed recently and it is
perfectly ok to have just one course of your choice if you wish. Though the quality of cooking is such, that it is hard to resist at least two
courses. Restaurants are normally happy to share one order between two diners 'uno per due'.
Be Brave! don't be put off be the lack of signs and menus or the excessive flourescent lighting and dubious art works which afflict a large
number of Italian restaurants - these asthetically challenged places serve the most delicious and interesting food.
Lunch rarely begins before 12.30, Dinner 8.00 and Pizza normally only after 8.00.
Antipasto: This starter course usually consists of a selection of Salami, Prosciutto, Cheese and Olives(often all home produced).A mixed
starter 'misto' often has house specialities like Fritatta, Bean Salad, Bruschetta and Crostini. Often one plate of 'misto' will feed two. Bread is
often a surprising let down.Whilst when in season, Pama Ham and Melon is superb.
Primo: Normally the pasta course though risotto is sometimes available. Often there is no menu so the waiter will rabbit through the list of
sauces then the list of pasta. Don't be afraid to ask him/her to repeat more slowly ('piano piano'). If you choose the 'wrong' sauce for a
particular pasta e.g. boscaiola with spaghetti, the waiter will look to heaven and make a noise. If this unerves you enough, just ask what would
the waiter recommend. Spaghetti Bolognese is never seen outside Bologna, over here it is called Spaghetti a Ragu and isn't a patch on the
British version. Pasta is often home-made, served in huge portions but surprisingly light. Risotto is best avoided except in the better
restaurants- it's a Northern dish and still a bit of a novelty here.
Secondo: Meat or fish course: often just a single cut of meat such as a steak, a chop, a cutlet, an escalope or a fish. The waiter will tell you if it
comes with a sauce; the smarter the restaurant the grander the sauce. Simple mixed grills alla brace are simple and delicious.Vegetables are
served very seperately. Stews available during the colder months.
Dolce: Puddings are invariable home made, brightly coloured and rich- so save room. Zuppa Inglese, Tiramisu and Zbaglione are very sweet
whilst Sorbetto, Semifreddo and Granita are more cleansing. Delicious fresh fruit is available in season such as peaches and watermelon. One
could write a book about the joys of Italian Ice Cream.
Caffe: coffee means espresso- a short, sharp shock of caffeine. Cappuccino, after a meal, raises a few eyebrows because it is traditionally the
coffee of breakfast time only.
Digestivo: Sticky, super strength, medicinal liquers often round off a meal.Amaro is bitter-sweet, Limoncello is a lemon liquer straight from
the freezer, Grappa is a mind blowing spirit from grape-must and Mistra is from aniseed and sometimes served in your coffee as 'corretto'.
Merende (Snacks): Bars are the best places to pick up a delicious Piadina, Paninni or slice of Pizza (bakers are good, too).Sandwiches are
normally bland, sometimes offensive. Porcetta rolls are excellent and availables from butchers.
Children: Kids always eat out with there parents here and eat the same as the adults. Kids menus don't exist but staff are always happy to russle
something plain and simple up to keep the little ones happy.
Vegetarians: With the exception of the Secondo course, non-meat eaters should normally be able to find some delicious dishes available.It's
best to ask what dishes don't contain meat rather than asking for Vegetarian dishes as the V word does tend to fluster a lot of waiters.