The best restaurants in Bergamo
With medieval lanes and striking views, the city is an ideal stop for genuine flavours between innovation and tradition
Bergamo is a fascinating city: Città Alta is one of the few Italian historic centres still encircled by Venetian walls, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, while the more modern Città Bassa retains historic corners and plenty of life. Today it is also a growing food destination with a diverse dining scene: traditional trattorias and osterie sit alongside Michelin-starred spots, creative bistros and modern rooftops. To help you choose, here is our selection of the best restaurants in Bergamo.
Taiocchino – Taverna Bergamasca
Via XXIV Maggio, 2
Taiocchino is a contemporary taverna that brings together conviviality and tradition in a lively setting. Created by Elisa Taiocchi and Ovidiu Barbieru, it stands out for reviving historic local recipes, such as anedrotto, a 17th-century stuffed duck that recalls noble banquets and the restaurant’s deep ties to local food history. The menu offers nostalgic recipes reworked with a modern touch, paired with regional wines, combining the warm feel of classic trattorias with colourful, well-chosen decor. A trip through time, flavour and memory, with a fresh perspective.
Osteria al Gigianca
Via Broseta, 113
Al Gigianca is one of the local favourites among traditional trattorias, endorsed by Slow Food, where Gigi Pesenti and Alessia Mazzola have championed regional cooking for more than a decade. Working with ingredients from small producers and Slow Food Presidia, the kitchen serves classics from casoncelli to rabbit with polenta, alongside bolder choices such as giant sheep with turnip tops and rye bread cream. The wine list is thorough and carefully curated, featuring over 200 labels from Italy, France and beyond, alongside craft beers and spirits. A modern osteria where heritage and culinary research sit side by side.
Al Carroponte
via Edmondo De Amicis, 4
Al Carroponte is a haven for wine lovers in Bergamo, marked by an industrial edge and a versatile concept created by Oscar Mazzoleni, maître sommelier and passionate wine storyteller. Wine shop, wine bar, bistro and restaurant come together naturally in an evocative space set inside a converted workshop, complete with an overhead crane above the bar. Guests can browse more than 1,600 labels, from iconic estates to boutique producers, paired with dishes ranging from seafood finger food to gourmet burgers, regional Bergamo classics and raw seafood selections. The leafy terrace and generous opening hours make it suitable for any moment, from aperitivo to late drinks.
Baretto San Vigilio
Via al Castello, 1
Baretto San Vigilio is an essential stop in Città Alta, well suited to every hour of the day thanks to its romantic atmosphere and panoramic terrace views right beside the historic funicular. It functions as a café in the morning, a bistro for lunch and dinner, and an inviting setting for an aperitivo with thoughtful plates. The cooking blends Bergamo traditions with creativity: from handmade Casoncelli with butter and Formai de Mut to contemporary creations like monkfish in cacciucco reduction with broccoli purée, candied lemon and polenta crackers. Bread and desserts are house-made, and the wine list is carefully chosen. It remains a spot with timeless appeal.
Osteria Tre Gobbi
Via Broseta, 20
Osteria Tre Gobbi is the oldest osteria in Bergamo, founded in 1855 and now a refined restaurant that brings together heritage and modern vision. In the heart of Città Bassa, chef Filippo Cammarata, who trained under Niko Romito and Massimo Bottura, leads a kitchen defined by technique, seasonality and a zero-waste ethos. Bergamo classics such as Polenta taragna and Casoncelli di mamma e papà share the menu with surprising modern dishes, including baked char with beurre blanc and vanilla-scented pappa al pomodoro. The offer features approachable tasting menus and inventive vegetarian options, backed by local wines and a pleasant summer terrace.
Lio Pellegrini
Via San Tomaso, 47
Lio Pellegrini is a true local institution, an elegant salon set next to the Accademia Carrara where Giuliano “Lio” Pellegrini, now joined by his son Lorenzo, has served refined Italian cooking with strong Mediterranean and Tuscan accents for over 40 years. Sourcing is rigorous, particularly for seafood, alongside hearty meat dishes such as beef ragù with fresh tagliatelle and ravioli. Highlights include spaghetti with wedge clams, clams and sweet grey mullet bottarga, as well as deboned Tuscan-style roast pigeon with giblet sauce. The intimate courtyard garden is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, ideal for a quiet romantic dinner surrounded by greenery.
Assassina Corner
Via Gombito 34/c
Assassina Corner brings an intriguing new flavour to Città Alta: Apulian cuisine makes its entrance within the historic walls with a cult classic of intense southern flavours, Spaghetti all’Assassina. Introduced locally by the team behind osteria Gatto Bianco, which has addresses in Bergamo Bassa, Bari and Milan, this outpost serves crispy, fiery and punchy spaghetti cooked strictly according to tradition in cast-iron pans. You can also enjoy on site or take away other Apulian staples, such as pucce, orecchiette with cime di rapa all’assassina and bombette.
Osteria al Donizetti
Via Gombito, 17
Donizetti is a landmark in Città Alta and among the most comprehensive wine bars in Italy, awarded Tre Bottiglie by Gambero Rosso. It brings together the charm of a historic setting, vaulted ceilings and a Renaissance portico with high-calibre cellar selections: over 1,500 wine labels and hundreds of spirits, with a focus on Champagne, Franciacorta, local bottles and rare vintages. The retro backdrop makes it ideal throughout the day, from aperitivo from 11am until midnight to relaxed dinners. The kitchen delivers classic Bergamo cooking like casoncelli, varied polenta dishes and veal cheek, alongside cured meat platters and refined mains. Its terrace in Città Alta makes it a welcoming gathering spot for wine enthusiasts, visitors and loyal regulars.
Ristorante Roof Garden
Piazza della Repubblica, 6
Set on the eighth floor of the Hotel Excelsior San Marco, Roof Garden Restaurant is undoubtedly one of the most scenic restaurants in Bergamo Bassa, offering sweeping views over Città Alta that become truly magical at sunset and nightfall. The setting is modern and refined, featuring a summer terrace made for romantic dinners or celebrations. The cooking pairs contemporary technique with Italian traditions, featuring meat and seafood dishes alongside a dedicated vegan menu. Highlights include egg tagliatelle with asparagus, Parmesan and black truffle, slow-cooked pork ribs with grilled leeks, crisps and barbecue sauce, as well as rich desserts. Lunch offers a streamlined format, while the evening turns the dining room into an exclusive destination.
