For such a tiny town, it has a ton of great food! Here are few of the best restaurants in Bergamo.
Everything here is my own opinion and I received no compensation for this post. It also contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you have any questions about this, just click here! All content copyright Where’s Emma Now 2012-2024.
Bergamo is one of northern Italy’s gems. Sitting only an hour outside Milan and accessible by train, it’s easy to get to. It’s also home to one of Milan’s major airports, making the excuse to spend a day or overnight here a no-brainer.
I’ve already shared how to see the best of the city in a day, so here are a few of the best restaurants in Bergamo to you started!
Typical Dishes in Bergamo
Polenta e Osei – This is a unique Bergamo dessert made of marzipan and polenta, topped with little chocolate birds. You’ll see them in every pastry shop window; they’re iconic!
Casoncelli Bergamaschi – A filled pasta that’s similar in shape to ravioli but more rolled. Typically, casoncelli has a meat filling served in a sage butter sauce. It’s delicious and a must-order!
Taleggio – Taleggio is one of my very favorite Italian cheeses. It’s creamy and soft, but packed with way more flavor than the average young cheese.
Polenta – Very popular in this whole region! Especially under a delicious slow-cooked meat or sausage.
Loanghina – Speaking of sausage, this is one of the local specialties. This is the dialect name for it, and it’s usually long and skinny, then pinned in a roll with toothpicks. You’re equally likely to find it with polenta or on a sandwich.
Stracciatella gelato – I have to mention it because it was invented here! Stracciatella is the Italian take on chocolate chip. It’s popular all over Italy of course, but it was created in Bergamo at one gelateria in particular. See where below!
The Best Restaurants in Bergamo
Antica Osteria del Vino Buono
If you only have one meal in Bergamo, eat at Antica Osteria del Vino Buono. They hit that sweet spot of great food, a menu full of local dishes, a solid wine list, and reasonable prices.
Make sure to check out their specials – these are almost always local favorites in season! Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from the staff, they’ll steer you to something delicious. I had a risotto with strachintunt (a local creamy cheese) and moscato di scanzo (a regional wine) off the specials list and I practically licked the plate. My husband got the tris (trio) of classic pastas, and they were all amazing!
Ristorante da Franco
Ristorante da Franco is another winner in the Citta Alta. The menu is packed with local specialties like local salami or casoncelli all Bergamasca. There are also plenty of more internationally popular dishes (carbonara or lasagne) if you’re traveling with someone who wants something more familiar.
Pizzeria Da Michele
First, let’s acknowledge that this isn’t Lombardy traditional food. But if you’re craving pizza you can’t do better than traditional Napoletana, and Da Michele is the OG of Neapolitan pizza. Literally: it’s the oldest (there’s a debate here, but I’ve been to both who claim it and Da Michele has the better pizza). While the original location is in Naples, da Michele has opened a few locations in other cities, including one in Bergamo!
Their menu branches out more than the Naples location, but it’s the same high-quality ingredients making some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted. If you’re in the mood for pizza, eat here.
Gelato at La Marianna
You have to stop for gelato at La Marianna! They’re famous for inventing the stracciatella flavor, Italy’s version of chocolate chip.
Naturally, that’s what I ordered, but they have a ton of other flavors to suit anyone! They also have a ton of baked goods if you want something else. It’s also in a part of the Citta Alta along the edge of the city, perfect for a relaxed passaggiata with a view and a gelato!
These highlights are best if you’re only here for a day or overnight. If you’re looking for more recommendations, snag my Bergamo masterlist! It has more than a dozen restaurants ranging from homestyle to Michelin. It also has everything on my Bergamo day trip guide in one interactive app, making it easy to use on the go.
