Below are some of our favourite restaurants in the south of Le Marche. It is difficult to eat badly in Le Marche and the cooking uses robust flavours. Restaurants here are well known for adhering to ancient cooking traditions and recipes; fish is sparklingly fresh and meat is often from the Le Marche pastures and is full of flavour. Some of the best olive oil, olives and wine in Italy come from this beautiful region.
A lot of the coastal restaurants are closed between November and April, but the following restaurants should be open all year round.
Le Scuderie
This is reputed to be one of the finest restaurants in Ascoli. Be sure to book in advance.
Tel: +39 0736 263535
Casolare
8km from Ascoli in the village of Venarotta. NB: Limited opening hours so phone in advance.
Tel: +39 0736 362 162
La Liva
A cosy little place with an inspired menu of local fare that changes weekly. Here you can buy home-made products such as marmalade, biscuits, pasta etc.
Tel: +39 0736 259358
Tornasacco
Overlooking the beautiful Piazza del Popolo, they use traditional recipes to create an experience that is impressive yet unpretentious.
Tel: +39 0736 254151
Cantina dell'Arte
Charming interior and good atmosphere with delectable dishes and enthusiastic staff.
Tel: +39 0736 251135
Locanda del Palio
This is an excellent, traditional trattoria at around €25 per head.
Tel: +39 0734 229221
Brancadoro
A great pizzeria. Like Locanda del Palio, this is down a sidestreet off the main, beautiful, town square.
Tel: +39 0734 226723
L'Enoteca
For something even more special, right on the corner of the main square.
Tel: +39 348 903 5257
Papa Sisto
A restaurant in the old part of town with the most magnificent view across the bay and out to sea. A wide menu, including hand-made pizzas, pastas, fish, excellent steak. Highly recommended.
Tel: +39 0735 633362
GPS: 42°59'41.1"N 13°51'56.0"E
www.pizzeriapapasisto.it
Ristorante Chalet Baloo
A wonderful seafood restaurant right on the beach, at the extreme right end of the beach, if you were facing the sea. All the locals know it. The food is fantastic, and not expensive at around €25 per head for lunch, including wine.
Tel: +39 0735 633543
There is a second Chalet Baloo restaurant in the old port of San Benedetto. Right on the seafront and always busy with local Italians.
Via Amerigo Vespucci, 30 San Benedetto del Tronto.
Tel: +39 0735 593551
Stella Marina
A wonderful seafood restaurant, very famous, and right on the beach. Ask anyone for directions.
Tel: +39 0735 735873
Lo Scoglio
Excellent fish restaurant with seaside location. Let yourself be guided by the waiters!
Tel: +39 0735 582533
Osteria Cinque Colli
Traditional regional food in cosy restaurant with vaulted ceilings in Montefiore town centre.
Tel: +39 348 254 6181
www.osteria5colli.it
Pizzeria Parco dei Pini
Informal local pizzeria in Montefiore town centre.
Tel: +39 0734 938318
Ristorante Il Braciere
For lovers of great meat cooked on the open fire! Located in Montefiore town centre opposite the petrol station.
Tel: +39 0734 938156
www.facebook.com/ristoranteilbracieremontefiore
Dorinas Patisserie
Montefiore town centre caffe with amazing pastries and homemade ice creams. Also great for lunchtime or evening drinks (or anytime of day!). They will provide scrummy bite sized savouries with the drinks – a small meal in itself.
Tel: +39 0734 939161
http://www.pasticceriadorina.it/
Il Giardino dei Cedri
Large restaurant within 10 mins of Montefiore and good for larger groups. Good well priced regional food.
Tel: +39 0734 917028
GPS: 43°04'54.2"N 13°46'38.2"E
http://www.ristorantegiardinodeicedri.it/
Osteria Pepe Nero
A lovely experience. Small cosy restaurant run by Michele – a well known restaurateur who concocts amazing food. A set menu but expect six small courses that your taste buds will love – and all for under 30 euro, including wine!
Tel: +39 611 5534
GPS: 43°017' 20.8"N 13°51'24.6"E
www.tripadvisor.com
Cristal Beach, Cupra Marittima
Great good value local seafood, right on the beach.
Tel: +39 327 2471663
GPS: 43°01’52.7"N 13°51''33.3"E
www.cristalbeach.it
Chalet Alta Mare, Cupra Marittima
Another good seafood restaurant in nice setting on the beach.
Tel: +39 328 6691506
GPS: 43°01'56.6"N 13°51'33.5"E
www.residencecupra.it/chalet-alta-marea
Cantina del Picchio
Elegant ambience with well-prepared regional dishes and an extensive wine selection in the mediaeval heart of Offida.
Tel: +39 0736 880254
I Piceni
Situated in the old historical part of Ortezzano this restaurant has fabulous food and views. Great wine list and knowledgeable staff.
Tel: +39 0734 778000
Mama Rosa
Reputedly the best Pizzeria in the whole of Le Marche. It is a fabulous place, family run, not expensive. A firm favourite of all our staff, friends and family.
Tel: +39 0734 770194 (closed on Wednesdays)
Il Covo
Delightful fish restaurant in the old back streets of Pedaso. The best shellfish in the Adriatic.
Tel: +39 0734 933152 (closed Mondays)
Relais Del Colle
Serving organic food, mostly grown or reared by themselves, Patrizia and partner Luciano will give you the warmest welcome. The setting is unmissable, and in warm weather, request to eat outside; the views are fabulous.
Tel: +39 0735 987003
www.relaisdelcolle.it
Ristorante Re Squarchio
In the most beautiful setting, under the 3 arches at the entrance to Petritoli. Dine in the piazza under the stars in the summer months, or inside the cosy restaurant in the Winter. Fabulous food. Fixed price menu. The owner, Andrea, creates the most wonderful dishes.
Tel: +39 0734 658649 / +39 331 612 4177
GPS: 43°04'03.0"N 13°39'26.5"E
www.ristoranteresquarchio.eu
Events
The following websites give you a great deal of news about the region, what events are taking place, places to stay and eat in:
GreenItalian offers Italian language and culture courses together with eco-friendly activities (walking, cycling, cooking) specifically designed for foreigners in Le Marche.
Website:
www.greenitalian.it
Programme of activities
Programme of courses
Marche regional tourist information:
www.turismo.marche.it (click on the USA flag to see english text)
Le Marche general tourism websites:
www.le-marche.com
www.provincia.ap.it
Events and Museums - a calendar of events for the region can be found at:
www.marchevoyager.com
For a exhaustive listing of festivals throughout Italy, check out:
www.hostetler.net
Information about museums' collections, hours, costs and special exhibits can be found at this useful site:
www.museionline.it
Sibillini National Park:
www.sibillini.net
www.girovagandoisibillini.com
Italian Government Tourist Board:
www.enit.it (All the basics about traveling to Italy)
