3 Days of WanderEating through Umbria, Italy’s underrated food destination

Eating my way around the “Green Heart of Italy”

On my first visit to Umbria a few years ago, I immediately realized this under-the-radar Italian region was worth exploring again. This time, armed with my own research and recommendations from friends in the food, wine and restaurant industries, I created a private food tour of my own.

The itinerary: two drastically different towns, two distinct styles of accommodations and five diverse restaurant experiences. There was a multi-generational, family-owned enoteca that has become internationally known; a “cultural restaurant” bringing global flavours to Perugia’s city centre; a casual-cool bistrot and proper hotel cocktail bar; a gourmet fusion restaurant led by a trailblazing female Michelin-starred chef; and a contemporary fine-dining destination on the outskirts of Perugia.

A New Generation of Dining in Umbria, Italy...

There is a genuine emphasis here on cultivation, local sourcing, seasonality and making the most of what the land provides. With meats that can rival neighbouring Tuscany, an exceptional tradition of charcuterie and a food culture deeply connected to agriculture, Umbria is one of Italy’s greenest destinations in more ways than one. From homemade olive oil and comforting family recipes to multi-generational enotecas housing extraordinary wine collections, Umbria’s traditions run deep.

But there’s another side to the region emerging.

Experimental tasting menus, internationally inspired cuisine, creative fusion, casual fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants are adding a new dimension to what it means to eat in Umbria.

Read my full article on WanderEater