Are you seeking the best restaurants in Ancona, Italy?
While Ancona is primarily renowned as a modern port rather than a popular tourist spot, it boasts a captivating ancient town nestled on a hill. Within the historic district, one can explore a wealth of ancient architectural treasures, notably the imposing Ancona Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century and provides visitors with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the sea. Moreover, the Pinacoteca Comunale, an art gallery housed in a historic palazzo, proudly exhibits masterpieces by renowned artists like Titian.
Often overlooked by tourists, Ancona and its surrounding areas in Le Marche are deserving of a visit, offering an enchanting blend of history, natural beauty, and delectable cuisine.
If you are traveling to this part of Italy soon, we have compiled a list of the best restaurants in Ancona to try the city’s gastronomic offerings. Keep scrolling to embark on an extraordinary culinary journey.
10 Best Restaurants in Ancona, Italy
Listed below are the best restaurants in Ancona, Italy, that you should consider adding to your itinerary.
1. Ristorante Giardino
Via Fabio Filzi, 2/c, 60123 Ancona AN, Italy
Indulge in a refined dining experience at Ristorante Giardino, located in a 1700s palazzo, where white tablecloths set the scene for an exquisite meal focused on seafood. The ambiance is fantastic, and outdoor seating is available.
Their menu features a variety of delectable options, including starters, first courses, main courses, desserts, and tasting menus. Each dish is prepared and presented with love, showcasing excellent quality and attention to detail.
The service and atmosphere are of high quality, creating a memorable dining experience. In addition, the prices are fair considering the exceptional quality of the food. If you’re in the mood for pizza, sushi, steaks, or risotto, they have something to satisfy your cravings.
Notable dishes include the tuna tartare and the prawn and squid with beans soup as appetizers. Enhance your meal with a delightful local white Verdicchio wine. Conclude your dining experience with a complementary trio of limoncello, pistachio, and licorice liqueurs, adding a touch of sweetness to the finale.
Reservations are needed. Please contact the restaurant directly at +39 071 2074660.
2. AMA Officina della Pizza
Via Giacomo Matteotti, 165, 60121 Ancona AN, Italy
If you’re in search of an exceptional pizza experience that goes beyond the ordinary when in Ancona, look no further than AMA Officina della Pizza!
This family-operated pizzeria may be small in size but boasts unparalleled quality. With limited seating, they offer an exclusive and inviting environment that prioritizes safety, ensuring a delightful dining experience for their customers. Every aspect of this restaurant exudes attention to detail, from the exceptional dishes they serve to the charming interior decor.
Prepare to be amazed by their extraordinary and superb offerings, particularly their pizza, which stands out with its unique combination of ingredients not found elsewhere. Each bite reveals a special and intriguing flavor profile. Complementing the culinary wonders is a selection of fine craft beers, adding to the overall enjoyment of the meal.
AMA Officina della Pizza uses raw flour, resulting in a pizza that is not just incredibly tasty but also easy to digest. The unique flavor and texture achieved through this flour choice cannot be duplicated using regular white flour. Additionally, the ingredients they use are of the highest quality and meticulously presented, leaving no room for improvement.
3. La Vecchia Osteria
Via Cesare Battisti, 10/C, 60123 Ancona AN, Italy
Experience a culinary delight at an unassuming maritime-themed eatery in Ancona, where you can indulge in mouthwatering mussels, grilled fish, scampi, and seafood pasta. La Vecchia Osteria offers an extensive menu, making it the perfect place to savor the most delectable seafood meal in town.
The restaurant boasts a warm and welcoming family atmosphere, together with friendly service. Indulge in their delicious pasta and seafood, and be pleasantly surprised by the flavors of their signature risotto. Don’t miss the brodetto all’anconetana, a superb soup featuring a delightful blend of 13 different types of fish, served with toasted bread. This hearty dish is substantial enough for two and is a must-try.
Operating as a small, family-run establishment, La Vecchia Osteria impresses its diners with its delectable cuisine and excellent service. What’s particularly noteworthy is their provision of a QR code that conveniently links to their menu on their website, where you can effortlessly access all the information about the food in English.
La Vecchia Osteria is one of the best restaurants in Ancona, gaining popularity for its impeccable presentation and elegant decorations adorning each dish.
4. Ginevra Restaurant
Via Rupi di Via XXIX Settembre, 12, 60122 Ancona AN, Italy
Indulge in a captivating culinary journey at this restaurant located in the port of Ancona. Ginevra Restaurant offers a truly emotional gastronomic experience, set against the picturesque backdrop of Ancona’s historic port. Its expansive glass façades provide diners with a stunning view of the sea, adorned with splendid yachts and ships.
At Ginevra, dining is elevated to an art form. Here, every dish is meticulously crafted with expertise and passion, combining tradition and innovation in an original manner. It has an open kitchen and boasts impeccable service and top-notch ambiance, guaranteeing a remarkable dining experience. The menu features enticing offerings of meat, fish, and vegetarian options. You can also opt for the tasting menu and embark on a six-course culinary journey centered around exquisite seafood offerings.
The wine list at Ginevra is quite intriguing, showcasing a selection of labels, particularly emphasizing Tuscan reds, as well as representing the entire Marche region.
5. Mazzini 62 Rosticceria e Pita da Rahel
Corso Giuseppe Mazzini, 62, 60121 Ancona AN, Italy
Experience the wonders of a small yet extraordinary restaurant in Ancona, where you can feast on scrumptious Greek cuisine. This hidden gem is known for serving the best Greek delicacies in the area, earning praise and compliments from locals and visitors alike. Prepare to indulge in the ultimate Greek pita gyros, considered the finest in all of Italy!
A lunch break at Mazzini 62 Rosticceria e Pita da Rahel guarantees a delightful experience, with a menu filled with delicious Greek dishes crafted from fresh ingredients. The warm and welcoming host adds to the overall charm of the place, making your visit all the more enjoyable.
The quality of the food is exceptional, and the prices offer excellent value for money. The cleanliness observed in the whole establishment is impeccable and so is the organization of the kitchen. The staff will also impress you with their kindness and attentiveness.
The owner takes pride in creating homemade sauces that elevate the flavors to new heights. From meat dishes to vegetarian options and the sensational falafel, every item on the menu is prepared with fresh ingredients and bursts with delectable flavors. The pita bread itself is a delight, and the meat is cooked to perfection.
Indulging in a meal at Mazzini 62 Rosticceria e Pita da Rahel is like taking a journey to Greece, even while staying in Ancona. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor these authentic Greek flavors in a charming setting.
6. La DegOsteria
Via Ciriaco Pizzecolli, 3, 60121 Ancona AN, Italy
Situated in the vibrant heart of Ancona, amidst one of the city’s most charming and captivating neighborhoods, you’ll find a welcoming and modern restaurant that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Here, the flavors are expertly balanced and the use of fresh ingredients is evident, resulting in a truly satisfying culinary experience.
La DegOsteria offers not only great food but also a warm and attentive staff who are more than willing to assist in English. The interior boasts a delightful decor, creating a pleasant ambiance. While the outdoor area may be slightly less remarkable, it still offers a satisfactory dining experience. What sets this place apart is its ability to strike the perfect balance between price and quality — indeed, a rare find.
The menu cleverly combines traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients alongside original creations. Be sure to pair your meal with a fine Marche wine, and consider treating yourself to an exquisite cocktail after dinner.
Regarded as one of the best restaurants in Ancona, La DegOsteria is undoubtedly a must-visit destination. The carefully prepared dishes – both seafood and non-seafood options – are sure to delight your palate.
7. Il Clandestino Susci Bar
Località Portonovo, 60020 Ancona AN, Italy
Nestled in Portonovo’s bay, Il Clandestino Susci Bar is a hidden gem amidst Conero Park’s unspoiled beauty. Surrounded by lavender hills and turquoise waters, it captivates with Mediterranean aromas. Since 2000, it tells a culinary tale, blending evolving flavors and showcasing the Adriatic coast.
The talented chef at Il Clandestino surprises guests annually with themed menus, intertwining history, literature, and mythical tales with tradition, passion, scents, and colors. Beyond gastronomy, the restaurant’s story embraces friendship and a remarkable culinary adventure. Their innovative “susci” (sushi) exceeds wordplay, fusing creativity and professionalism, earning widespread acclaim.
Il Clandestino is simply breathtaking, with a staff that are incredibly attentive and food that is delightful. The prices are reasonable, especially considering the exceptional quality and picturesque location. The ambiance is even more stunning during the day, thanks to the mesmerizing view of the sea. It offers one of the most remarkable vistas you’ll ever experience.
Make sure to indulge in the octopus and tuna dishes, and don’t miss out on the cappuccino mousse — it’s heavenly! If you find yourself in Ancona, visiting Il Clandestino Susci Bar is an absolute must.
8. Vino e Cucina Miscia
Via Guglielmo Marconi, 4, 60100 Ancona AN, Italy
Ancona is renowned for its outstanding restaurants, and Vino e Cucina Miscia is a standout when it comes to local Italian cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients of exceptional quality, expertly prepared to showcase the passion and professionalism of the owner and staff.
While the location may not be particularly captivating, the service is swift and the staff are friendly. Although the bill may not be inexpensive, it is a fair reflection of the high-quality experience you receive. With a diverse menu that changes daily, it’s advisable to wait for the server to inform you of the day’s specialties, as the written boards may not be up to date.
Vino e Cucina Miscia is situated in a historic location near the train station. It is well-maintained, and the friendly staff, including the owner, offer expert recommendations based on the catch of the season. Each dish is carefully prepared and skillfully presented. When it comes to fish, Vino e Cucina Miscia is undoubtedly one of the top choices in Ancona!
9. Gnaoo Gatti Bistrot
Via Beccheria, 3, 60121 Ancona AN, Italy
Although the initial impression may suggest the place a bit pricey, once you taste Gnaoo Gatti Bistrot’s food and drinks, you’ll realize it’s worth every penny. The carbonara, fish carpaccio, and tiramisu are unparalleled. The drinks are exceptional, and the aperitivo platter is a guaranteed delight.
The atmosphere at Gnaoo Gatti Bistrot is cool and relaxed. The starters are already delicious, but the main dishes that follow are simply heaven! And to top it off, their homemade desserts provide the perfect conclusion to the dining experience.
Situated on a quiet side street free from traffic, it’s an ideal spot for enjoying an alfresco dining experience. From the food to the cocktails, homemade desserts, atmosphere, and service — everything is impeccable at Gnaoo Gatti Bistrot.
10. Zucchero a Velò
Via Mario Torresi, 18, 60127 Ancona AN, Italy
Discover a delightful oasis for vegans, vegetarians, and halal food enthusiasts at Zucchero a Velò. This hidden gem in Ancona surprises visitors with its wide variety of high-quality choices, all at reasonable prices.
This charming and immaculate café not only serves exceptional coffee but also offers a delectable array of dishes suitable for all dietary preferences. The friendly staff create a warm and inviting atmosphere both indoors and outdoors.
The menu boasts an extensive selection of vegan options, including mouthwatering tacos, salads, and roasted potatoes. However, the true standout is the Millefoglie, which leaves diners raving about its sensational taste, complemented by the remarkable almond pesto. Save some space for the delectable pastries and puddings that await you!
Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for exceptional food, Zucchero a Velò comes highly recommended for anyone seeking an unforgettable culinary journey in Ancona.