WHERE TO EAT IN SOUTH TYROL
ITALY
If you are familiar with the region, you will very well know that it is a very particular part of Italy, especially when it comes to food. This is where Alto Adige ‘meets’ Sudtirol, where pasta ‘meets’ schnitzel, or, in other words where Italian flavours meet Austrian cuisine. The result? Certainly not monotonous! So, if you are asking yourself where to eat in South Tyrol, here are some of my favourite places.
For a food experience that blends international influences with alpine cuisine in a relaxed yet impeccable atmosphere, book a table at AO in Bressanone. Perhaps one of the best seasonal and honest fine dining options in the Dolomites. Or, in other words, what you see on your plate is what’s in season!
For a bistro-style lunch or dinner head to Luna, located in the heart of Bolzano. This is where you will find great pasta dishes, simple yet yummy side dishes, as well as generous fish and meat portions… and the best tiramisu I have ever eaten in a restaurant. During the warmer months book a table in the courtyard. It is one of the most refreshing and quiet corners you can find in Bolzano.
If you are a wine enthusiast that loves tasting different types of wines, seasonal risottos and a cozy vibe Pillhof wine bar might be your next favourite place. Great for elegant afterwork drinks and snacks, cozy dinners with family or friends! Don’t miss their focaccia…it is seriously delicious; in fact, the most delicious one I had so far!
If you are looking for an unforgettable dinner and a restaurant that doesn’t compromise on food quality, Mirror Room is the place to go! Located in Merano, it offers lush green views and an unbelievably intimate feeling. The moment you step in, you simply lose track of time and for a few hours you feel part of a fairytale. By far the most romantic restaurant in South Tyrol. And the best part? You can book the entire place just for yourself!
If you are in search of the perfect - and I mean absolutely perfect – homemade pasta, there is no better place than Pastificio A Mano in Appiano. This ‘down to earth’ bottega is not for those that search for elegant atmosphere or high-end service. It is for those who really know to appreciate good food and above all fresh pasta! If you happen to be there around Christmas taste some of their famous panettone too. Not only the best panettone I’ve ever had but a reason itself to look forward to Christmas!
If you need a mental break from the hustle and bustle of Bolzano or Merano and their surroundings, what about lunch or dinner at Castel Sallegg Vineria? Located among the vineyards of Caldaro or Kaltern - as locals call it – it is the perfect place for easy-going meals, catch-up with friends or even solo dining with a glass of wine! To start with, order a glass of Leopoldine Pinot Blanc and enjoy the views. Just don’t leave this place without ordering dessert – most of their desserts are deliciously addictive!
If you are bored of the usual South Tyrolian dishes and you need a more exotic touch, book a table at L’Orangerie. Combining traditional elements with more ethnic vibes, it is an alternative lunch or dinner option. Just think of white truffle tagliolini and roasted ‘canederli’ but also papaya salad and the most balanced fish curry I’ve ever had – at least in a European restaurant!
For an elegant and impeccably balanced family lunch or dinner for two, there is no better restaurant in South Tyrol than Miil. Housed in a converted mill, it combines rustic countryside charm with elegant dining. Most importantly, no matter how many times you go back - I keep going - food is never boring. Quite the opposite; it is utterly intriguing and satisfying, especially when it comes to starters. Wine options are equally exciting!
For a farm-to-table kind of experience in a beautiful outdoor setting and the scent of lavender, visit Vineria & Osteria Paradeis. Located in Margreid, a tiny South Tyrolian village, the Osteria is run by Alois Lageder winery, and it mainly serves organic vegetables and meat from the owner’s farm. If you are vegetarian or you simply want to dine inside one of the cutest courtyards of South Tyrol, pay a visit.
For authentic South Tyrolian food with strong Austro-Hungarian influence, go to Krone restaurant. Krone is not just about the food – which by the way is super yummy. It’s about the entire dining experience. Somehow lunch at Krone always feels intimate and elegant in its own way. Just make sure you’ll book a table in the old ‘stube’
For a Michellin-stared dinner at ‘ease’ book a spot at In Viaggio. This is where Claudio Melis, the chef, takes you on a culinary journey through his unique creations. The most interesting part? A dinner at In Viaggio doesn’t mean trying too hard. It doesn’t mean using the usual Michelin-starred restaurant ‘show-off’ ingredients. It means using earth’s most humble yet most delightful ingredients.
