Dining in Italy’s Historic Palaces and Villas

Imagine enjoying a meal surrounded by 17th-century frescoes, in halls that once hosted noble balls or gatherings of artists and writers. In Italy, the pleasure of food is closely tied to beauty, and some of the country’s most enchanting restaurants are located inside ancient villas, noble palaces, and historic residences. Here, dining is not just about great food - it’s about experiencing the spirit of the place, savoring its history, and discovering its essence through dishes inspired by local traditions and territory. From Tuscany to Sicily, through Piedmont, Umbria, Lombardy, and Calabria, we have selected some of Italy’s most captivating culinary experiences: restaurants set within historic buildings, where every detail - from the menu to the design - guides guests on a true cultural journey.
 

I Pupi – Bagheria (PA) 
The historic Michelin-starred restaurant I Pupi, led by chef Tony Lo Coco, recently moved to the old stables of Villa Palagonia, a baroque gem famous for its frescoes and 18th-century atmosphere. The interior redesign by Palermo-based Luigi Smecca Architects highlights the space with a sophisticated design that creates a visual dialogue between art and food. The restaurant spans four rooms over several levels and seats 45 guests. A special feature is the custom-made chef’s table in brass and wood, overlooking the kitchen, where the chef personally prepares his 16-course tasting menu. The cuisine blends Sicilian tradition—drawing from the familiar flavors and rich culinary heritage of Palermo and Bagheria—with a modern touch. Outside, a small private terrace lounge offers a magical view of Villa Palagonia.

I Pupi Restaurant
 

Villa Crespi – Orta San Giulio (NO) 
Villa Crespi, located in Orta San Giulio (a town in the province of Novara and one of Italy’s most beautiful villages), is a historic Moorish-style villa built in 1879 by textile entrepreneur Cristoforo Benigno Crespi. Today, it hosts the three-Michelin-star restaurant of chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo. The villa, with its arabesque stuccos, courtyards, and gardens, is a perfect stage for a Mediterranean cuisine reinterpreted with elegance and innovation. Cannavacciuolo’s cooking here balances memory and innovation: every dish highlights authentic Mediterranean ingredients, reimagined with modern techniques and a refined aesthetic that turns dining into a multisensory experience.

Restaurant Villa Crespi 
 

Qafiz – Santa Cristina d’Aspromonte (RC) 
In the wild heart of the Aspromonte mountains, surrounded by deep gorges and ancient olive groves, Qafiz tells a new story of Calabria beyond stereotypes. Housed in an 18th-century villa once used as an olive mill, now transformed into an elegant space with just 16 seats and a refined chef’s table, Qafiz is the creative lab of visionary chef Nino Rossi, who chose to stay in his land to enhance it. Here, cooking is a cultural redemption: every dish comes from a deep connection with the surrounding environment, using foraged herbs, pure waters, and ancient inspirations. It is an intimate and intense experience where Aspromonte’s landscape meets the plate and Calabrian biodiversity is celebrated with skill, sensitivity, and a contemporary spirit.

Qafiz Restaurant 
 

Andrea Aprea - Fondazione Luigi Rovati (Mi) 
Hidden in the heart of Milan, the Fondazione Luigi Rovati hosts the Andrea Aprea restaurant on its top floor, a place where art, history, and contemporary gastronomy come together elegantly. Located in a historic 19th-century building downtown, it preserves its historic identity while offering a sophisticated, modern design. Chef Andrea Aprea presents a culinary experience that blends Italian tradition with innovative touches, in constant dialogue with the foundation’s artistic spirit. Dining here means immersing in a story highlighted by interiors carefully designed to maximize detail and natural light, thanks also to large panoramic windows.

Andrea Aprea Restaurant
 

Vespasia – Palazzo Seneca, Norcia (Umbria)
Located in the historic heart of Norcia, inside Palazzo Seneca—a Renaissance residence dating back to the 16th century—Vespasia is a key spot for contemporary Umbrian cuisine. Chefs Fumiko Sakai and Fabio Cappiello offer a refined gastronomic experience that celebrates local excellence such as extra virgin olive oil, black truffle, and Castelluccio lentils. The restaurant combines period atmosphere with a sober, elegant design, creating a space where tradition and innovation meet in a harmonious dialogue between history, flavor, and local culture.

Ristorante Vespasia 
 

La Bottega del 30 - Toscana
La Bottega del 30 is located in Villa a Sesta, a small medieval village in the heart of Chianti, surrounded by beautiful vineyards. This restaurant offers an authentic and high-quality culinary experience, highlighting local products and Tuscan traditions in a cozy and charming setting—perfect for those who love good food immersed in history and nature. The care for ingredients and attention to detail are reflected in every dish, making each visit a special moment.

La Bottega del 30 Ristorante 
 

Dattilo – Strongoli (KR)
In the heart of Calabria, in Strongoli, province of Crotone, chef Caterina Ceraudo leads Dattilo, a Michelin-starred restaurant located in a 17th-century farmhouse surrounded by ancient olive trees. The cuisine is a true expression of local biodiversity and sustainability, highlighting ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, artisanal jams, and home-grown vegetables to create refined and creative dishes. The rustic yet elegant setting welcomes guests with two tasting menus or an à la carte selection for a gastronomic experience deeply rooted in Calabrian tradition but reinterpreted with great style.

Dattilo Ristorante
 

Dolce Stil Novo – Venaria Reale (TO) 
On the top floor of the Royal Palace of Venaria Reale, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a gem of Piedmontese Baroque, Dolce Stil Novo is the only restaurant located inside a royal palace in Italy. With views over the Honor Court, gardens, and the Deer Fountain, it offers a dining experience in beautifully restored historic spaces. Chef Alfredo Russo, awarded one Michelin star, serves refined and essential cuisine that reinterprets Piedmontese tradition with contemporary style. The dishes are served in perfectly restored rooms featuring stuccoes, frescoes, and natural light streaming through large windows.

Dolce Stil Novo Ristorante