Where to eat in Trento, the best restaurants according to Gambero Rosso

The city boasts a vibrant culinary scene, which is a delightful fusion of South Tyrolean tradition and Italian cuisine. It relies on high-quality local ingredients and offers a wide range of traditional dishes, along with creative offerings that incorporate ingredients from beyond the borders, all accompanied by the renowned local wines.

Where to eat in Trento, the best restaurants

Augurio

Restaurant. The three brothers Luca, Mattia, and Samuele Augurio have created a nimble establishment with a constantly evolving culinary approach. Their lunch offerings are simpler but well-crafted, while the evening experience sees the complexity of the dishes and the overall dining experience increase (along with the price). Throughout it all, they never lose sight of their focus on the local region, as exemplified by their dishes featuring lake fish. The egg with Jerusalem artichoke, aged cheese, and summer truffle, as well as the ravioli with oxtail and lemon zest, have left excellent memories, just like the delightful beef diaphragm with a potato tart. The meal concludes sweetly with the verbena cake and apricot tart. When seated at the tables, you can observe the open kitchen, and in good weather, you can enjoy a meal in the small outdoor space while receiving professional service. The wine cellar, which also accommodates a table for special dinners, boasts various prestigious labels, expertise in local references, and fair markups.

via Dietro Le Mura B, 16 - 0461090443 - augurioristorante.it

Il Libertino

Wine bar. Located on the right bank of the Adige River in the historic working-class district of Piedicastello, this establishment has Maria Assunta Martignoni at the stove. Her cuisine features simple dishes with few variations, always in harmony with wine. That's why don't be surprised if Luca Maurina first asks you to choose the wine and then suggests food pairings. Among the offerings are freshwater fish in carpione, Tortèl di patate, or carne salada. In winter, there's baccalà, i.e. Dolomite-style cod, with potatoes or served with polenta. House-made pasta includes gnocchi, homemade tortelli, pure strangolapreti, or canederli, dressed according to the season. Second courses include rabbit, goulash, lamb, and pork. Equally typical desserts like strudel and traditional biscuits, zelten, and torta de fregoloti. There is a wide selection of wines, including options by the glass, always well presented and explained.

vico Piedicastello, 4/6 - 3284080907 - illibertino.it

Osteria a Le Due Spade

Restaurant. The sign bears the date 1545, the year of the opening of this historic restaurant in Trento, practically always open since the Council of the Counter-Reformation. The confirmation lies in the style of the interior, with a vaulted ceiling, restored using medieval techniques and beeswax stucco. The atmosphere is decidedly unique, even romantic, with only a few tables – others are placed outdoors during the summer, just a few meters from the cathedral – offering a cuisine that respects the finest gastronomic traditions, not limited to Trentino. Cultural influences blend for a mix where, for example, trout is paired with mango. Among the standout dishes are ricotta gnocchi with capers and dill greens, risotto with char, or numerous variations based on seafood. Trentino flavours come to the table with beef raised at higher altitudes or lamb from the Dolomite valleys. The desserts are delightful, with various cocoa-based creations and a range of berry mousses. The service is attentive and professional, with a wine selection that complements the restaurant's charm.

via don A. Rizzi, 11 - 0461234343 - leduespade.com

Villa Madruzzo

Restaurant. Battista Polonioli's dishes follow the seasonal rhythm, with a consistent presence of some Dolomite specialties such as tortel de patate (potato tortelli) or carne salada (air-dried beef). However, creativity is not lacking, as seen in the spaghetti with cacio e pepe, dried raspberries, and guanciale crumbs. The venison fillet with polenta or the pork with apples, a splash of sweet wine, and speck are consistently well-executed. Spring is a celebration of Zambana asparagus, while late autumn features many chestnut-based preparations. The meal concludes with a delightful homemade strudel. The wine list is excellent, with a focus on Trentino wines.

fraz. Cognola - via Ponte Alto, 26 - 0461986220 - villamadruzzo.com

Locanda Margon

Restaurant. The Lunelli family has made Locanda Margon one of the most prominent dining destinations in Trentino. This achievement is also due to the work of Edoardo Fumagalli in the kitchen and Alex Nikolaev, who manages the dining room. The Ferrari sparkling wine serves as the guiding theme for three tasting menus (ranging from 130 to 230 euros) that harmonize with the chef's creativity and precision while respecting the quality of ingredients and seasonality. The complex preparations, spanning land, sea, and freshwater, never lose sight of Trentino's terroir. The restaurant offers high-level, knowledgeable, and professional service and an extensive wine selection, with the house sparkling wine taking the lead. In the summer, diners can enjoy meals on the veranda overlooking the city of Trento and the lush vineyards of the hill. For a more casual and budget-friendly stop, there's an adjacent bistro with simpler yet equally well-crafted cuisine and a good selection of wines by the glass.

fraz. Ravina - via Margone, 15 - 0461349401 - locandamargon.it

Lo Scrigno del Duomo

Restaurant. The charm of Piazza Duomo is an integral part of the decor of this restaurant located in the building facing the Trento Cathedral. The outdoor pergola, steps away from the Neptune Fountain, adds to the ambiance. Alessandro Bettucchi oversees the restaurant and offers diversified options, including quick, informal, almost tavern-style stops. The menu features a wide range of dishes, including some classics: "smalzade" tagliatelle (with roast sauce) with mushrooms, trout with zucchini and raspberries, and pork carré with turnip and shallots. Desserts like strudel or "zelten" round out the meal. The restaurant also boasts a wide selection of wines available at reasonable prices.

p.zza Duomo, 29 - 0461220030 - scrignodelduomo.com