
Did you know that Bergamo, with its charming medieval streets and breathtaking views, is a must-visit destination for those who love good food? Indeed, Bergamo’s gastronomy is a veritable journey through flavors, characterized by rustic dishes and fresh ingredients that reflect the region’s rural tradition.
The city offers a variety of options for all tastes and budgets, from starred restaurants to typical trattorias.
In this guide, we will take you on a discovery of the best places to eat in Bergamo, exploring Bergamo’s rich culinary tradition and its most iconic dishes.
Bergamo’s gastronomy: the typical dishes
Bergamo’s cuisine is a fascinating mix of robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, deeply rooted in Lombard peasant tradition.
Bergamo’s typical dishes reflect the history and geography of the area, combining Alpine and lowland influences.
Typical Bergamo dishes not to be missed are:
- Casoncelli alla bergamasca: stuffed pasta similar to ravioli, filled with meat, macaroons, raisins and spices.
- Polenta taragna: an enriched version of the classic polenta, made with buckwheat flour and cheese.
- Scarpinocc de Parre: stuffed pasta in the shape of a shoe, typical of the Seriana Valley.
- Brasato al Valcalepio: beef braised in local red wine.
- Foiade: wide noodles served with meat sauce or mushrooms.
And now that you know which dishes represent the essence of Bergamo cuisine, let’s see where you can enjoy them.
Where to eat in Bergamo: the best restaurants, trattorias and osterias
Villa Elena – Enrico Bartolini Restaurant (Michelin Guide 2024)
Let’s start with “the bang”: Villa Elena in Bergamo Alta is a Renaissance villa where chef Galtarossa transforms traditional flavors into sensational dishes. With the blessing of the Michelin Guide 2024. Enjoy revisiting Bergamo dishes surrounded by frescoes, next to a crackling fireplace or on a panoramic terrace. And then the park: a mini Versailles where you can relax with a good coffee. We recommend making reservations in good time.
📍Address: Via San Vigilio, 56 Bergamo.
📞Telephone: 035 260944.
Web site: https://www.enricobartolini.net/ristorante-villaelena-bergamo.
Roof Garden Restaurant
If you are looking for where to eat in Lower Bergamo with a breathtaking view, the Roof Garden is the perfect choice: in fact, we are on the eighth floor of the Hotel Excelsior San Marco. The view and elegance of the place compete with talented Chef Gianpietro Semperboni’s dishes to steal your heart. The beef carpaccio with truffle is an edible work of art-you must try it! And the tiramisu? It arrives at the table with a special effect worthy of Hollywood!
📍Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 6, Bergamo (at Excelsior San Marco).
📞Telephone: 035 366159.
Web site: http://www.roofgardenrestaurant.it/.
Trattoria Da Ornella
Trattoria da Ornella is that magical place where home cooking meets postcard atmosphere. Imagine sitting in an inner courtyard that looks like something out of a fairy tale, with trees, a wash house and period buildings serving as a backdrop. And all this in the beating heart of Bergamo Alta, two minutes from the funicular ! The menu boasts traditional dishes such as casoncelli, polenta taragna and rabbit, all carefully prepared and served in generous portions.
📍Address: Via Gombito, 15, Bergamo.
📞Telephone: 035 232736.
Trattoria Sant’Ambroeus
One of Bergamo Alta’s most authentic typical trattorias, Sant’Ambroeus will make you feel at home with its traditional dishes prepared with care and passion. On the menu you will find classic Northern Italian dishes and Bergamo specialties, revisited with a modern twist. The location is also fantastic: you can lunch or dine directly in the Piazza or in the original stone-walled tavern. Among the specialties not to be missed: the Risotto alla Milanese and the Millefoglie Stracciatella with Zabaione Freddo.
📍Address: Piazza Vecchia, 2, Bergamo.
📞Telephone: 035 237494.
Web site: https://www.trattoriasantambroeus.it/.
Il Sole Restaurant
At Ristorante Il Sole, Bergamo cuisine shines in its own light! Here, tradition blends with innovation, celebrating the flavors of the land. Don’t miss the Casoncelli alla Bergamasca with pancetta and sage. The Braised Valcalepio DOC with its polenta will make you want to hug the chef! And for pizza lovers, there’s a wood-fired oven that churns out delicious, fragrant and digestible ones.
📍Address: Via Bartolomeo Colleoni, 1, Bergamo.
📞Telephone: 035 218238.
Web site: http://www.ilsolebergamo.com/.
Antica Osteria del Vino Buono
We like the Antica Osteria del Vino Buono for its rustic, cozy ambiance that perfectly complements masterfully crafted traditional cuisine. The quality of the products and reasonable prices are two other strong points of this restaurant, whose specialties include Coniglio alla bergamasca with polenta taragna, “Strinu con polenta,” and, of course, Casoncelli alla Bergamasca. And to start your lunch or dinner in the best way, we recommend the antipasto of cold cuts and cheeses with local products. The wine cellar is well stocked and the menu includes gluten-free options, including a risotto for celiacs.
📍Address: Via Gaetano Donizetti, 25, Bergamo.
📞Telephone: 035 247993.
Trattoria Parietti
One of Bergamo’s most historic trattorias, Parietti captures the essence of traditional trattorias thanks to a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that transports visitors on a gastronomic journey into the past. Not to be missed are the Casoncelli and Ravioli alla Canesi, true gems of local cuisine. We recommend you do not miss the Tris di salumi di equino, cervo and cinghiale, to open your stomach properly, the Gnocchi al capriolo and the typical Brasato with polenta taragna. The portions are really large and the prices affordable, so mark it down if you’re in Bergamo!
📍Address: Via Costantino Beltrami, 52, Bergamo.
📞Telephone: +39 035 221072.
Web site: https://trattoriaparietti.it/.
Da Vittorio Restaurant
Ristorante Da Vittorio, part of Relais & Chateaux, is located ten minutes from Bergamo in an oasis of tranquility. The Cerea brothers’ culinary philosophy combines Lombard tradition and creativity, offering seasonal menus with high-quality ingredients. The restaurant caters to a variety of gastronomic preferences, from meat to fish, including vegetarian and wellness cuisine options. The wine cellar is another highlight: it boasts thousands of bottles, including “Rosso Faber.” Don’t miss the Tasting Menu and, a la carte, Paccheri Pasta Vittorio Style and Pancia di Maialino.
📍Address: Via Cantalupa, 17, Brusaporto BG.
📞Telephone: 035 681024.
Web site: https://www.davittorio.com/.
Osteria Tre Gobbi
Osteria Tre Gobbi, opened in 1855, is the oldest in Bergamo and even Donizetti was a fan! In 2020, this old lady had a makeover and Marco Carminati (more than 400 Michelin stars visited) and chef Filippo Cammarata (Bottura’s pupil) took over as patron, who renovated the menu with flair and respect for tradition. What should you try? Definitely the chef’s Tasting Path and, on the menu, some of Bergamo’s most typical dishes such as Mama and Papa’s Casoncelli, Frisona bergamasca, biete and cannellini and Riso alla pilota, tastatal, topinanbur and erbette. The location also deserves a note: the garden is a dream.
📍Address: Via Broseta, 20/C, Bergamo.
📞Telephone: +39 035 243405
Web site: https://www.tregobbi.it/.
We invite you to explore the streets of Bergamo, letting yourself be guided by the inviting aromas coming out of the kitchens of the restaurants and trattorias of the Orobic city. Each meal will be an opportunity to discover new flavors and to appreciate Bergamo’s hospitality.