Where to eat Amarone Risotto in Verona: The 9 best restaurants chosen by Gambero Rosso

The main characteristic of this risotto is that it is prepared with three ingredients that best represent the territory: Vialone Nano IGP rice from the Lower Veronese, the prestigious Amarone DOCG wine from Valpolicella, an excellence in Italian viticulture known worldwide, and Monte Veronese DOP cheese produced in the Lessinia and Monte Baldo area, north of Verona. Here are the 9 best restaurants

Where to eat Amarone Risotto in Verona

Alcova del Frate

Trattoria. Located near the river and the Ponte di Pietra, it is a valid place for both Veronese cuisine and dishes featuring delicacies from around the world (oysters, Patanegra, foie gras) or seafood. The local tradition is still the strong point: grilled polenta with gorgonzola and Veronese pears, handmade tortellini with cotechino and Parmigiano Reggiano, the typical Amarone risotto, and a spectacular Veronese chicken with potatoes. A very extensive wine list, with international breadth and a rich selection by the glass.

Alcova del Frate – via Ponte Pietra, 19/A – 045 8000653 – www.alcovadelfrate.it

Antica Bottega Vini

Restaurant. A centuries-old establishment with a varied and high-level proposal. In the cellar, many Italian labels, with a significant presence of the local territory, although there are also forays into France and Spain. Starting strong with shredded horse meat and sweet and sour chicken salad, the excellent Amarone risotto continues, along with plenty of fresh pasta, filled and unfilled. Among the mains, shin, osso buco, and soft beef cheek, but also seafood options. Tempting desserts, such as the Bottega's tiramisu or chocolate cake with passion fruit.

Antica Bottega Vini – vicolo Scudo di Francia, 3 – 045 8004535 – www.bottegavini.it

Al Bersagliere

Trattoria. Just steps from the Arena, this comfortable and well-furnished typical table is adorned with a beautiful internal garden. The cuisine is typical Veronese, based on careful selection of raw materials, especially cured meats and cheeses: salt cod salad, polenta and soppressa, Amarone risotto, bigoli with duck, pastissada de caval, mixed boiled meat with pearà, traditional diplomat, and English soup. The wine list is beautiful and interesting, with a particular focus on Valpolicella and spirits.

Al Bersagliere – via Dietro Pallone, 1 – 045 8004824 – www.trattoriaalbersagliere.it 

Locanda Ristori

Trattoria. A contemporary interpretation of tradition is the guiding principle of this charming modern tavern, close to the eponymous theater. The menu, not extensive to guarantee seasonality and freshness, offers captivating and convincing proposals. Fried polenta, mountain cheese fondue, culatello and mushroom powder; Amarone risotto and Monte Veronese cheese cream; bigoli with sardines, raisins, pine nuts, and fennel bread; mixed boiled meat with its sauces; cod in olive oil cooking with pumpkin puree and Jerusalem artichoke chips. The wine list is not vast but in line with the offering.

Locanda Ristori – vicolo Valle, 1 – 331 4663865 – www.locandaristori.it

Osteria Macafame

Trattoria. Near Piazza dei Signori, in a pedestrian area, a cozy and welcoming place, furnished with simplicity and care. Tradition takes center stage at the table, with concrete and flavorful dishes that reveal genuine ingredients and a skilled hand. Typical cheeses and cured meats precede lamb white ragu tagliatelle, Amarone risotto, braised pork cheek, pastissada de caval with polenta. To finish, a mix of homemade desserts, sbrisolona, tiramisu, and Macafame semifreddo. Craft beers, house wine, and Venetian labels to drink.

Osteria Macafame – via delle Fogge, 6 – 347 8730150 – www.osteriamacafame.it

I Masenini

Trattoria. A stone's throw from Castel Vecchio, the establishment presents itself with a classic and tasteful environment, lots of wood, and bottles on the walls. The kitchen is visible, and a magnificent spit dominates inside. The proposal is traditional, with great attention to raw materials. For starters, cold cuts with homemade pickles, then an unusual version of Amarone risotto with pumpkin and foie gras. It continues with veal tongue ravioli, braised beef cheek, and, in the end, the house tiramisu. The wine list is well-thought-out and rich in interesting references.

I Masenini – via Roma, 34 – 045 8065169 – www.trattoriaimasenini.it

Signorvino

Wine Bar. Between wine corners and structured locations, Signorvino signs abound, a pop and cultured format, the brainchild of a successful group in a completely different sector. The menu offers many tempting options for a stopover in simplicity but always with a high level of satisfaction. Boards of various-sized cold cuts and cheeses, focaccias, salads, and, among dishes inspired by tradition, a valid version of Amarone risotto whipped with butter and Parmesan, served with robiola sauce. A wide choice of labels, which can also be purchased. Two more addresses in the city.

Signorvino – corso Porta Nuova, 2 – 045 8009031 – www.signorvino.com

La Taverna di Via Stella

Trattoria. A lively and authentic atmosphere is felt in this beautiful "tavern" a stone's throw from Juliet's house. At the entrance, there is the bar counter, where you can stop for a glass chosen from various proposals in a wine list compiled with intelligence and a special eye for this vocative territory. The menu focuses on the purest tradition: saor sardines to start, then gnocchi with pastissada de caval, bigoli with knife-cut duck ragu, Amarone risotto, cod with polenta, Veronese rabbit, and, to finish, good homemade desserts.

La Taverna di via Stella – via Stella, 5/C – 045 8008008 – www.tavernadiviastella.com

Trattoria Pane e Vino

Trattoria. Near the Cathedral, an establishment that has been offering warm hospitality and quality at fair prices for over 40 years. In the cellar, an imposing selection starting from the local area and extending to the rest of the Peninsula, with the welcome addition of a substantial choice by the glass. The menu is dominated by Veronese tradition. Examples: cotechino with pearà and sweet and sour onion, the amusing Amarone-filled rice arancini with Monte Veronese cheese, freshly sliced cold cuts with the mythical Berkel, Amarone risotto with dehydrated onion and Monte Veronese fondue, pastissada de caval, and Venetian cod in three versions.

Trattoria Pane e Vino – via G. Garibaldi, 16/A – 045 8008261 – www.trattoriapanevino.it