The hypogean mushroom that literally sends gourmets' palates into raptures is one of the most valuable resources of the entire region, and in the right season it attracts visitors here from all over Italy. Città di Castello, Gubbio and Norcia, all three in the province of Perugia, are part of the National Association of Truffle Cities, founded in Alba in 1990 with the main objective of enhancing the territories and guaranteeing consumers the quality of the product. So here are 9 addresses, an idea for a gourmet weekend that can be a cue to visit places of rare beauty.
Where to eat truffle in Umbria, the best restaurants
The best restaurants in Città di Castello where to eat truffle
The Florentine
Restaurant. In the heart of the town, an address to mark in your diary if you want to indulge in an "all-truffle" meal. The rustic-style surroundings, the outdoor area for the mild season, and the friendly service all contribute to a pleasant stop. The truffle, black and white, is the star on bruschetta, in fresh home-made pasta dishes, on filet. Alternatively, succulent Chianina Igp steaks and various cuts of meat (lamb, pork, beef, etc.) cooked to perfection on the grill. Umbrian and Tuscan labels on the wine list.
Il Fiorentino – via San Florido, 55 – 075 8559035 – ristoranteilfiorentino.it
Trattoria Lea
Trattoria. Brothers Cristiano and Marco Cuccarini are at the helm of this restaurant that their parents Antonio and Lea had taken over in 1986. Praiseworthy is the passion they put into taking care of every aspect, from the welcome to the quality and authenticity of the proposal, centered on Umbrian tradition, blackthorn mushrooms and prized truffles in primis, white and black, to which a section of the menu is dedicated. Truffle that goes to embellish bruschetta, eggs, homemade pasta, meats. Nice surprise is the wine list, full of interesting labels, with half-bottles, rare vintages and regional wineries in proper prominence. (Cover photo is taken from Trattoria Lea website)
Trattoria Lea – corso Cavour, 8F – 075 8521678 – trattorialeacdc.com
Le Logge
Overlooking Matteotti Square, right in the center, under the Bufalini Loggias, it is a place of understated elegance, quiet and comfortable, with a nice outdoor area. On the table parade dishes dictated by seasonality, including seafood, elaborated with a touch of creativity, but the territory is still very present, particularly in the mushroom dishes (porcini, ovoli and prugnoli, with lots of dedicated tasting routes) and fine black truffles. Home-made desserts and a wine list with unsuspected labels, including from beyond the Alps, complete the picture.
Le Logge – via Bufalini, 2/A – 075 8642304 – ristorantelelogge.com
The best restaurants in Gubbio where to eat truffle
All’Antico Frantoio
Trattoria. Very close to the Roman Theater parking lot, this is a cozy place with a covered garden, exposed stone arches and walls, wooden chairs and tables, and rustic-style furniture. To start, it's worth choosing the appetizer "il Piattone," a series of samples that include truffle bruschetta and scrambled eggs, also with truffles. Then tagliatelle or gnocchi with truffle or wild boar ragout, the traditional friccò (a kind of chicken stew in a pan). Homemade desserts, house wine and other interesting labels.
All’Antico Frantoio – via Cavour, 18/A – 075 9221780 – Facebook
Da Baffone
Trattoria. Ubaldo Casagrande, nicknamed Moustache because of his thick, long mustache, passed away many years ago, but the fame of the eatery he created has remained intact, and many people take the half-hour or so drive from the center to the small village to sample the many truffle delicacies. Depending on the time of year you will find white and black in various variations. Specialties include fresh homemade pasta dishes.
Da Baffone – frazione Santa Maria di Burano – 075 9242184 – dabaffone.net
Catignano
Restaurant. Just a few minutes from downtown, this is a popular hotel table whose strength lies in offering seasonal menus made with quality ingredients expertly enhanced, among which the local truffle could not be missing. We begin with tasty scrambled eggs with truffles (alternatively there are also with porcini mushrooms) and then continue with classic hand-pulled tagliatelle covered with truffle shavings and veal tenderloin with black truffle. Sweet closing with homemade desserts, cellar not very large but satisfying.
Catignano – via di Catignano, 34 – 334 7020500 – hotelcatignano.com
The best restaurants in Norcia where to eat truffle
Casale nel Parco dei Monti Sibillini
Agritourism. Just a handful of minutes from downtown, in the greenery and quiet, is a pleasant establishment with comfortable and tastefully furnished rooms, as well as an organic farm on its own property that produces many of the ingredients used in the kitchen of the cozy restaurant, which is also open to outside customers (best to make reservations). In the right season, here are the prized black truffles from the natural and cultivated truffle beds, which are found at the table in fragrant, flavorful dishes.
Casale nel Parco dei Monti Sibillini – località Fontevena, 8 – 0743 816481 – casalenelparco.com
Osteria del Vettore
Trattoria. Unspoiled landscapes, unique scenery in terms of colors and views-there is no doubt that the few kilometers separating Castelluccio from the center of Norcia are worth the journey. And if you work up an appetite after a nice walk, pay a visit to this place, from which there is a spectacular view of Carrier Mountain (hence the name). On the menu are typical cured meats and cheeses, fresh handmade pastas, excellent legume soups (remember that Castelluccio is famous for lentils and spelt), grilled meats but above all many dishes enriched by porcini mushrooms and truffles found in the area. Homemade desserts in closing. Cozy ambience, large dehors.
Osteria del Vettore – frazione Castelluccio – strada prov.le 477 km 10,400 – via del Pian Grande – 331 9830509 – castelluccioosteriadelvettore.it
Salsiccia Bar Bistrot
Bistrot. Behind this sign is the Bianconi family, a very well-known name in these parts, who have always been entrepreneurs in the world of hospitality and catering. The highlight is their Relais & Chateaux Palazzo Seneca with its restaurant Vespasia. The bistro is located downtown and is an excellent opportunity for an informal, low-key stop, whether for coffee and dessert, a quick snack or an actual meal. Aside from the ever-present sliced meats and cheeses, the prized black truffle is employed on bruschetta, topping tagliolini and on scrambled eggs.
Salsiccia Bar Bistrot – corso Sertorio, 24 – 0743 816513 – bianconi.com
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