A Hotel Lover’s Guide to Italy: Regions Defined by Food
Top Picks
Italy is a country where every bite tells a story, where recipes are woven into the fabric of family life, and where each region offers a unique culinary identity waiting to be discovered. Holding a deeply emotional place in our hearts, to eat well in Italy is not a luxury; it is a way of life.
Across the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany and along the rugged coasts of Sicily, Italian gastronomy is as diverse as it is unforgettable — a journey of flavours, aromas, and traditions passed down through generations. From nonnas stirring sauces in family kitchens to chefs reimagining tradition with a lighter, modern touch, every region carries its own edible identity — one shaped by landscape, seasonality and local pride.
In this guide, we invite you to explore Italy through the lens of its most inspiring hotels — places where design, hospitality, and cuisine converge. Each property not only offers a place to stay but a stage on which the region’s food and wine come alive, letting you taste, sip, and savour your way through Italy, one unforgettable meal at a time.
Susafa
Imagine wandering through fragrant Sicilian gardens, herbs brushing your fingertips, before settling down to a meal that’s been crafted from the land you just explored. That’s the rhythm of life at Susafa. This historic stone farmhouse, tended by the Saeli-Rizzuto family for five generations, turns food into memory. At Il Granaio, wild fennel, garden greens, and sun-ripened vegetables are paired with the estate’s own olive oil, while tastings in the palmento reveal a collection of traditional Sicilian wines and liqueurs, from Passito to Marsala. Meals often begin with a stroll through the gardens with the chef and end beside a fire beneath vaulted ceilings — intimate, instinctive, and utterly Sicilian. Here, every dish tells a story of family, land, and tradition.
Post Hotel Tradition & Lifestyle
Step into the refined warmth of the Dolomites at Post Hotel Tradition & Lifestyle, where alpine charm meets culinary creativity. This adults-only boutique, run by the Wachtler family for nearly a century, invites guests to savour the region through every bite. Chef Elios Begiqi transforms locally sourced ingredients into innovative dishes, from handmade pastas to alpine cheeses, each paired with wines from the surrounding valleys. Afternoons might be spent wandering the village or enjoying the mountain air, but evenings centre around the P-Lounge or the dining room, where cocktails and conviviality meet understated elegance. Here, the culinary offering is an immersive journey: intimate, inventive, and deeply rooted in South Tyrolean heritage. Every meal, like the surrounding landscape, feels timeless, precise, and quietly breathtaking.
Villa La Madonna
Set amidst the sun-drenched vineyards of Piedmont’s Bormida Valley, Villa La Madonna is a haven for those who savour life at the pace of the countryside. Guests are invited to dine beneath vine-covered pergolas or in the charming stone-walled dining room, where menus celebrate seasonal local produce and traditional Piedmontese flavours with a contemporary touch. Wines from the estate’s cellar—from Barbera to Nebbiolo—perfectly accompany each dish, offering a true taste of the region. Between meals, stroll through the rolling vineyards, cycle along quiet country roads, or simply soak in the serenity of the landscape. Here, every detail—from the rhythm of the land to the thoughtful cuisine and world-class wines—invites a slow, immersive, and unforgettable Italian escape.
Hotel de Russie
Amid the energy of Rome, Hotel de Russie is a serene sanctuary where history, elegance, and gastronomy entwine. At Le Jardin, Chef Fulvio Pierangelini crafts a menu that celebrates the city’s heritage through bold, seasonal flavours—think fresh pasta infused with Mediterranean aromas, or sea bass seasoned with delicate regional touches. Guests can pair each dish with wines selected from Italy’s finest vineyards, elevating every bite. The hotel’s gardens and terraces provide serene spots to sip a cocktail, read, or simply watch the city pulse gently around you. Inside, luxe furnishings, soft light, and the whispers of history create a backdrop of understated glamour. Here, dining is not just a meal—it’s a gateway into Roman culture, where taste, atmosphere, and tradition converge for an unforgettable experience.
Ca’ Apollonio Heritage
Romano d'Ezzelino, Venetian Prealps
At Ca’ Apollonio Heritage, the rolling foothills of the Venetian Prealps set the stage for a feast of history, nature, and flavour. In this lovingly restored 15th-century villa, every meal is a story — from fresh, organic ingredients harvested from the estate to Michelin-starred interpretations by Chef Alessio Longhini. Guests can linger over casual lunches at the Bistrot or indulge in fine dining at the Gourmet restaurant, each dish paired with wines sourced from local vineyards. Between tasting sessions, wander the sun-dappled grounds or admire views of the UNESCO-listed Grappa Massif. Here, food and place entwine seamlessly: each bite connects you to the rhythms of the land, every sip a note in the melody of the Venetian countryside. Ca’ Apollonio is more than a hotel — it’s a culinary pilgrimage.
La Guardia
At La Guardia, the sea is the seasoning. Set atop a granite cliff on Giglio Island, the retreat blends barefoot luxury with the freshness of Mediterranean cuisine. Meals here are a voyage: ingredients sourced from surrounding islands inspire a menu that celebrates simplicity and purity, while the wine list boasts rare bottles from Giglio, Capri, Pantelleria, and more. Dinners on the terrace are scented with salt and citrus, as candlelight dances on the waves. The design-focused interiors invite slow moments between courses, and every sensory detail—from the texture of local linens to the sound of the surf—enhances the pleasure of eating well. Here, gastronomy is inseparable from place: a feast that lingers long after the last bite.
Hôtellerie de Mascognaz
Champoluc, Aosta Valley
Nestled at 1,800 metres beneath the Monte Rosa massif, Hôtellerie de Mascognaz is a culinary refuge in the heart of the Alps. Here, mountain flavours meet contemporary creativity: handmade pastas, local cheeses, and wild game are elevated by Chef Veronica Forchielli’s vision. Wines from the valley’s finest producers complement each dish, while the intimate dining room and fireside ambiance offer warmth against the crisp Alpine air. The hotel’s pace is dictated by nature—meals arrive with thoughtful timing, allowing guests to savour each flavour alongside breathtaking views of forests, peaks, and streams. Every dish is rooted in local tradition, every ingredient is seasonal and sourced from the land. Hôtellerie de Mascognaz is more than a stay—it’s a sensory Alpine journey, where food, wine, and mountain spirit entwine effortlessly.
Quellenhof Luxury Resort Lazise
On Lake Garda’s serene shores, Quellenhof Luxury Resort Lazise combines modern elegance with Italian culinary artistry. The Panorama Restaurant is a feast for the senses, with al fresco dining that captures sunsets over the water. Menus highlight Mediterranean ingredients and local produce, paired expertly with wines from Italy’s finest vineyards. From freshly caught fish drizzled with regional olive oil to intricate seasonal desserts, each course is a narrative of place and tradition. The retractable glass roof brings the outside in, letting the evening sky illuminate your experience. Here, gastronomy and landscape intertwine: the lake, the mountains, and the cuisine become inseparable, offering a sensory journey that lingers long after the last sip of wine or bite of handmade pasta.
Palazzo Tiglio
Palazzo Tiglio is a Tuscan escape that honours the region’s history and its famed cuisine. In the Valdambra Valley, rolling vineyards and olive groves form a natural dining table where ingredients are celebrated in their purest form. Chef Mattia Parlanti’s menu embraces seasonality, pairing fresh produce with carefully curated Tuscan wines from Sommelier Danilo Salvi. The restored 17th-century palazzo offers an intimate setting: dining is a leisurely affair, punctuated by views of sun-kissed hills, stone courtyards, and the soft glow of candlelight. Whether enjoying a long lunch under a pergola or a quiet dinner by the fireplace, every bite tells a story of Tuscany’s landscapes and traditions. Palazzo Tiglio invites guests to slow down, savour, and discover the poetry of Tuscan cuisine amidst historic elegance.
Hotel Savoy
At the heart of Florence, Hotel Savoy transforms a city stay into a culinary odyssey. Irene, the in-house restaurant, turns seasonal Tuscan produce into dishes that feel both timeless and inventive. Guests can delight in handmade pastas, Florentine-style veal, and fresh seafood, paired with a curated selection of Super Tuscans and regional wines. The interiors—Loro Piana fabrics, Venetian chandeliers, and marble accents—frame each meal, giving it a sense of occasion. From candlelit dinners on the terrace overlooking Piazza della Repubblica to leisurely brunches, the hotel captures the spirit of Florentine life. Food here is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of culture, place, and passion, inviting every guest to linger, connect, and taste the essence of Tuscany in every bite.
La Sosta di Ottone III
Hidden among vineyards and olive groves near the Ligurian coast, La Sosta di Ottone III is a small retreat that makes every day feel unhurried. Its six rooms open onto quiet corners of the countryside, but it’s the food that truly captivates. The Michelin-recommended restaurant champions local producers, crafting dishes from ingredients sourced within the region. Wine, selected by a knowledgeable sommelière, complements every bite. Whether you’ve returned from a morning hike along the Cinque Terre trails or simply wish to linger in the sun-soaked courtyard, meals here are designed to be savoured slowly, with a sense of place in every flavour. La Sosta transforms a simple lunch or dinner into a celebration of the Ligurian terroir.
Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa
Step into the sunlit streets of Ostuni and you’ll discover Paragon 700, where the elegance of an 18th-century palace meets the soul of Puglia’s culinary heritage. Here, dining is a celebration: the 700 Restaurant weaves seasonal local ingredients into contemporary dishes, while the sommelier guides you through regional wines, from robust Primitivo to delicate Susumaniello. The palace’s original olive millstone and terraced gardens create intimate settings for al fresco meals or evening aperitifs, offering a sensory journey as vibrant as the city itself. Beyond the plate, the hotel exudes charm—whitewashed walls, elegant courtyards, and sun-drenched terraces invite slow afternoons. Every detail, from flavours to light and texture, evokes Puglia’s warmth, history, and joie de vivre, making Paragon 700 a feast for both body and soul.
