Perugia

For most tourists, the center, or downtown, of Perugia will be the most rewarding place to eat either lunch or dinner. The main street 'walk' begins at the Piazza Duomo at the Fontana Maggiore and ends with a dramatic view that showcases the city's churches and the Umbrian countryside. There are many dining options along this street. The last hotel on the right hand side Hotel Brufani before reaching the viewpoint offers five star accommodation and regional dishes, specializing in legumes and fantastic olive oils. At the other end of Corso Vannucci, just to the right of the cathedral, is a charming pizzeria, La Mediterranea. It is comprised of two rooms, the first with a brick oven and a buffet where an expert pizzaiolo slides freshly topped pizzas onto the stone hearth. This restaurant is always crowded, and only open from 1-4 and 7-11. Arrive either right at opening or after the traditional Italian dinner hours if you don't want to wait outside. The prices range from 5-10 euro per pizza. The pizzas are also available for take-out without a cover charge. Step inside the door and give your order to one of the white-aproned gentlemen who will take your money and deliver you your pizza wait outside while it's being cooked.

Located on the historic Via Volte della Pace lies La Botte pizzeria. La Botte operates from 12-3 and 7-11 and offers a variety of local pizzas for in restaurant dining or take-out. At 3.50 Euro for a take-out pizza, La Botte offers one of the best deals in town for those on a budget.

You definitely have to go by Dal mi Cocco, a traditional Perugian restaurant. A fixed menu for 13 euro and a bottle of good wine for 5. Make sure to make a reservation though +39 0755732511. Open from 20.30, so real Italian dinner times. All the food is made fresh, a visit to Perugia is completed by eating here. Also perfect for groups. For dessert, the gelato at Gambrinus Centro, on Via Bonazzi just off the opposite side of the Piazza is delicious with a great many flavours. Or continue down the road past the pizza shop, and down the winding street. When you come to the end, turn left and walk down the road through the historic apartments until you see the ducal palace which is now the Universita' dei Stranieri di Perugia. On the right side of the street is a delightful chocolate shop which serves freshly made chocolates as well as an assortment of gelato--the chocolate flavours are fantastic.