Rules to spot Local & Traditional Italian restaurants

In Italy, you'll find an abundance of dining spots, hundreds of thousands. With so many choices, it can be a bit overwhelming to pick the right place to eat. That's where I come in – I'm here to help you being able to discover the best gems among the bunch.

There are what I would call "restaurant rules" that are valide whether you're wandering through the streets of Florence, cruising the canals of Venice, exploring the historical sites of Rome wandering in the middle of the curtryside or in a small village.

One.

Steer clear of all the places where there's someone outside telling you to come in. This approach often signifies a more tourist-focused spot, rather than an authentic local gem. In Italy, many genuine local places rely on their reputation and word-of-mouth recommendations rather than employing aggressive tactics to attract customers.

Two.

Avoid restaurants that feature pictures on their menus. While these images might seem appealing, they can be indicative of establishments that cater primarily to tourists. Genuine local places present their menus with a straightforward list of dishes, perhaps accompanied by brief descriptions. This minimalist approach is a hallmark of authenticity, reflecting the restaurant's confidence in the taste and authenticity of their creations. Also, locals don't rely on visual aids like pictures, therefore local restaurants would not have them.

Three.

A big no also for all the ones where you find people eating at 16:00 in the afternoon. Italian dining customs often include lunch around 13:00 to 15:00 PM and dinner starting around 20:00 to 21:00 PM. These are the times when you're more likely to find locals enjoying their meals. For this reason the local place tends to be close from 16:00 to 19:00, so a restaurant offering meals at non-traditional hours can potentially be targeting a tourist clientele, compromising on the authenticity of their offerings.

Four.

Finally stay away from all the restaurants that are on the main square, near a tourist attraction or a landmark. While these spots might seem convenient and alluring, they usually tend not to provide the authentic local experience you're seeking. Authentic local eateries tend to be tucked away on quieter streets, a bit off the beaten path. They rely on word-of-mouth recommendations and their reputation within the community to attract patrons.

Connected guides

If you want to have more specific local foodie information about Rome check also this guide about ALL the classic Roman Street food: 

Margherita Bianchini

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Rome MUST street food & places where to have them

To all the foodies out there, this guide is for you! Here, you will find a list of all the MUST-TRY street foods in Rome and the best places to enjoy them. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: I believe it is only fair that you know this guide features carefully selected places, many of which may not be the most famous, Instagrammable, or viral spots. However, what truly makes them extraordinary is the tastiness and high quality of the products, but most importantly, the passion and traditions that the owners put into them. I have personally tried all them, both alone and with some of my clients during tours, and I must say that every taste has left everyone amazed. Furthermore, the most delightful aspect is that standing in line beside you, you will find locals, true Romans from Rome, who come here to relish in the authentic Roman culinary tradition.

Foodie • People & Culture • Coffee • Wine

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Any questions?

In case you needed any other information or you have some questions, don't hesitate to contact me via email at meggybianchini@gmail.com