How to spend a weekend in Umbria…
In the green heart of Italy there really is something for everyone. The list of local hotspots to explore will be hard pressed to fit into a week, let alone a weekend. Here we outline some of the best places to visit when spending time in Umbria, featuring our top restaurants and shops to pop into on a weekend trip.
So, if you like shopping and eating well, we hope to see you in Umbria very soon…
Dining in Umbria
Discover Umbria’s fine truffles, olives and chocolate first hand at these traditional restaurants.
Trattoria da Bianconi, in Foligno, is known for its traditional Umbrian cuisine, especially its hearty pasta dishes and grilled meats. For a cosy atmosphere and delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including truffles and olive oil, Osteria del Teatro in Spello is the restaurant for you.
In Montefalco, Le Delizie del Borgo is famous for its panoramic views and excellent wine selection, complemented by dishes like wild boar and homemade pasta. But if fine dining is more your style, head towards Il Tempio del Gusto in Perugia, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative interpretations of Umbrian cuisine in a charming dining setting.
After a morning golf lesson at Antognolla’s 18-hole Championship course, make the most of the clubhouse restaurant, La Boiola, serving the very best of local produce. The restaurant marries traditional and contemporary Italian recipes and attracts diners from across the region to indulge in the cleverly put together dishes. La Boiola’s chef, Filippo Amenduni, graduate from Perugia’s coined ‘University of Flavours’ has made his mark on the menu with his fusion of tradition and culinary elements of surprise. For residents of Antognolla, benefit from eating in with the quality of eating out!
In one of our previous articles, we celebrate the incredible fresh produce that our land grows, unique to the region of Umbria - look back to find out top tips on where to go truffle hunting!
Shopping excursions
In Perugia, head to Bottega dei Sapori to indulge in a gourmet weekend food shop. Here you’ll find a wide range of local delicacies such as truffles, cheeses, and olive oils.
Falconeri, also in Perugia, specialises in luxurious cashmere products made in Umbria, known as the ‘Cashmere Valley’, including scarves, sweaters, and blankets. Cashmere is a fine material from the region which is a luxury in many parts of the world.
Selling traditionally historic Umbrian products, try Antica Drogheria Mencarelli in Spello, known for its spices, wines, and artisanal pasta.
When approaching the ceramic factory of Ubaldo Grazia in Deruta, make sure you bring a sturdy suitcase to carry home a selection of beautifully handcrafted ceramics and delicately designed pottery pieces, from plates to vases. If you are lucky enough, you can ask for a tour of the factory and workshops to learn why these ceramics are so special to the region and the care and attention to detail which goes into each piece. Rumour has it, several Hollywood stars order their dinner service crockery straight from the factory to their homes in Italy…