The Ultimate Italy Food Tour: 5 sustainable restaurants
Each establishment on this Italy food tour represents Italy's commitment to preserving culinary traditions while embracing environmental responsibility.
When planning your Italy food tour, consider supporting sustainable restaurants. This will help the planet and guarantee authentic, high-quality ingredients that showcase Italy's culinary heritage.
Italy boasts approximately 190,000 restaurants according to the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT). Of which only 12-15% are actively pursuing sustainable practices and certifications, based on data from Slow Food International and the Italian Ministry of Agricultural Policies.
Italy food tour: made by your own
1.- Osteria di Passignano, Tuscany
This restaurant's menu is prepared to the rhythm of the seasons. Each dish is inspired by the seasonal flavors of Tuscany.
Osteria di Passignano is located in a 1,000-year-old abbey, in the heart of Chianti Classico. Nestled between prestigious vineyards in an area celebrated for fine wine and Tuscan culinary traditions. It offers an unforgettable Italy food tour experience combining history, sustainability, and exceptional cuisine.
“The main source of inspiration in the kitchen comes from the vegetable garden, from Tuscan traditions that are sourced from the earth and become fundamental in expressing the rural richness of Chianti Classico..." - Chef Matteo Lorenzini.
The specialty is Modern Tuscan cuisine with biodynamic wines. The must-try dish is Chianina beef with organic vegetables and Chianti reduction.
The average price per person is between €180 and € 220.
- Open days: Tuesday-Sunday, 12:30-14:30 & 19:30-22:00.
- Payment: Credit cards, cash accepted.
- Vegan options: Available upon request.
The restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star in 2024. You can reserve your table on the restaurant's official website.
The address: Via Passignano 33. Loc. Badia a Passignano 50028 Tavarnelle Val di Pesa (FI).
2.- Il Convivio Troiani, Rome
This restaurant sources 80% of ingredients within a 50 km radius, supporting local organic farmers while preserving traditional Roman flavors essential to any authentic Italy food tour.
It received its first Michelin Star in 1993—three years after its opening—and has been awarded several times since then, most recently in 2025.
The specialty is Roman cuisine with certified organic ingredients. The must-try dish is Carbonara with organic Pecorino Romano and free-range eggs.
The average price is between €120 and € 150 per person.
- Open days: Monday-Saturday, 19:30-23:00. Sunday is closed.
- Payment method: All major cards and cash.
- Vegan: seasonal vegan menu available.
The restaurant offers a 7- or 9-course tasting menu. It also provides a wine menu and a private room for reservations of more than six people at no additional cost. You can find more reservation details on their website.
The address: Vicolo dei soldati, 3100186 – Roma.
3.- Antiche Carampane - Venice
It's an ideal restaurant for those who love immersing themselves in local life from every corner of the world. Getting here isn't easy, as it's tucked away among the streets and squares near the Rialto fish market and Campo San Polo. As they say it:
Non si arriva per caso. - Antiche Carampe.
This family-run osteria works directly with certified sustainable fishermen, ensuring responsible seafood sourcing while maintaining centuries-old Venetian recipes.
The specialty is sustainable seafood from the Adriatic Sea. The must-try dish is Risotto with Adriatic scallops and sustainable catch of the day.
The average price is between €80 and € 100 per person.
- Open days: Tuesday-Saturday, 12:30-14:30 & 19:30-22:30. Closed Sunday and Monday.
- Payment method: Cash only.
- Vegan: limited, focused on seafood.
Antiche Carampane opened its doors in 1983 and has remained true to its principles ever since: traditional flavors, fresh catch of the day, and seasonal ingredients.
The address: Rio Terà de le Carampane, 1911, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.
4.- Locanda Margon, Trentino-Alto Adige
Set in the Ferrari winery, this restaurant champions local Alpine producers and maintains organic certification for all ingredients, offering breathtaking views alongside exceptional cuisine.
Locanda Margon defines its cuisine as:
Light, balanced, and with clear flavors, based on three pillars: knowledge of raw materials, technique, and freedom of execution.
Bistrot serves the same food as the main restaurant, but is Locanda Margon's choice for informal lunches and dinners. It overlooks the Casa Ferrari garden and the peaks surrounding the city of Trento.
The specialty Alpine cuisine with certified organic and biodynamic ingredients. The must-try dish is Venison with mountain herbs and organic polenta.
The average price is between €90 and € 120 per person.
- Open Days: Thursday-Monday, 19:30-22:00.
- Payment methods: Credit cards, cash.
- Vegan: Seasonal plant-based menu.
Three menus tell the story of Edoardo Fumagalli. The first, chromatic and flavorful, blends with the house's Trentodoc. The second highlights the excellence of Trentino in a fresh and modern way. The third is dedicated to the importance and variety of nature.
You can make your reservation on their website.
5.- Piperno - Rome
This historic restaurant maintains sustainable practices through local sourcing and traditional preparation methods, preserving cultural heritage while supporting environmental responsibility.
What began as a classic tavern with benches and tables became the oldest renowned restaurant in the ghetto. During the 20th century, it was known as the one and only Kingdom of artichokes alla Giudia. Today, you can still enjoy this classic Roman-style dish.
The specialty is Traditional Roman-Jewish cuisine, family recipes since 1860. The must-try dish: Carciofi alla Giudia with organic artichokes.
The average price is between €60 and € 80 per person.
- Open days: Tuesday-Saturday, 12:45-14:30 & 19:45-23:00, Sunday lunch only. Monday is closed.
- Payment methods: Cash preferred, cards accepted.
- Vegan: Many traditional dishes are naturally vegan.
The decor tells the story of the restaurant from its beginnings. The dining rooms adapt to the needs of diners, and during the summer, Piperno offers a terrace where you can enjoy the weather and traditional flavors.
You can make your reservation on their website, but it is not necessary.
FAQS
Are food tours worth it in Italy?
Absolutely. Italy's diverse regional cuisines require guided exploration to truly appreciate their complexity. Professional food tours provide access to hidden gems, explain cultural contexts, and ensure authentic experiences beyond tourist traps.
On the other hand, you can also put together your own Italy food tour.
What is the best place in Italy to visit for food?
While every region offers unique specialties, Emilia-Romagna (particularly Bologna and Modena) is considered Italy's gastronomic capital, home to Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and traditional balsamic vinegar.
What is a must-try food in Italy?
- Fresh pasta with regional sauces (varies by location)
- Authentic Neapolitan pizza from certified pizzerias.
- Gelato from artisanal gelaterias (they don't need to be ostentatious and flashy. True gelatos are hidden away in the display cases).
- Regional cheese and wine pairings.
- Traditional coffee culture (espresso, cappuccino). Remember that cappuccino is traditionally drunk in the morning and NEVER after 1:00 p.m.
Pamela Herrera
