La Vita Le March Restaurant List by City which is bolded

Abbadia di Fiastra (Urbisaglia)
La Baita:   3337844338                
Open 11.30am-2.00am Weather Permitting April-September
Contrada La Selva 12, Abbadia di Fiastra
Tucked away in a glade in the abbey woods is this fun place to enjoy eating al fresco
(weather permitting). The lively staff will bring on huge amounts of parma ham and melon
then classic pasta dishes like tagliatelle with ragu. The aroma of succulent alla brace meat
wafts around the woods and you won’t be disappointed with the large helpings.
Good value house wines. Snacks available all day- paninis, padinis etc

Da Rosa             
0733 203552            Closed Thursday  
This friendly family-run restaurant provides marchigiana farmhouse cooking in the
precincts of the Abbey itself. Generous helpings of good honest local fare are available
such as rustic antipasti and hand-made pasta dishes such as papperdelle with wild hare
and local grills. A good idea to book especially if you want a table in the portico. The
house wine is particularly good.

La Selva   0733 514010 Every day summer, weekends winter.
Good rustic food served in a converted cantina in an agriturismo in the grounds of the
Abbey fiastra. The ingredients are all local or from the abbey estate itself. There is a
concise menu of antipasto with an excellent selection of hams and salami, thin
Cannelloni filled bosciaola sauce or duck gnocchi and superbly cooked local lamb alla
brace or warm porcetta. Abbey produced wine to round off a really value lunch.

Amandola
La Rimessa  0736 847915                Closed Monday
P. Risorgimento,31. Open lunchtimes from May.
This fun, friendly place is great for families. The decor is old style rustic with beams &
antique agricultural tools.  Very good value and varied menu,from snacks to big salads
to a mouthwatering array of steaks from local herds. Delicious array of pizza straight
from the oven. Good selection of wines and beers.Seating in piazza in summer.

IL Casolare        0736 848755        Closed Thursday
Via A Biondi-1km out towards Monte Fortune
This charming old house has been recently restored to show off its wealth of beams and
tiles. There is a traditional selection of local antipasti and pasta - the ham and salami  
board is particularly good as is the Bucatini Amatracina. What really stands out is the
alla brace meat courses -the lamb is succulent, pork juicy and the beef outstandingly
delicious but simple. There is a panoramic terrace and loggia for summer. Rooms are
available.

Ancona
Osteria Teatro Strabacco                071 56748
V Oberdan 2, just off V Stamira. Closed Monday.
An eccentrically welcoming wood-panelled tavern tucked away in a side street just a
stone's throw from the port. The walls are covered with cartoons of celebrity guests.
There is a great range of delicious traditional  Ancona dishes using the freshest fish
straight from the Adriatic as well as meat and produce from local farms.Impressive
wine list, fun staff.

La Trattoria Moretta 1897                 0039 071202317          Closed Monday.
Piazza Plebiscito, 52    www.trattoriamoretta.com    
Set in the heart of Ancona, this lovely family-run trattoria has been a gastronomic
landmark for over a century . It specialises in local, traditional dishes as well as fish dishes
which changes daily with the catch. Locals have lapped up their  home-made tagliatelle
with Oyster sauce, Stockfish Stew, Brodetto and Sea Bass alla papaoute for generations
and keep coming back for more. Good local wine listcompliments the menu.
Eating outside in the piazza is a wonderful experience.

Ascoli Piceno
Trattoria Laliva        0734 810014        Closed Tues pm & Wed   
P. di Viola  just off P. Arringo  www.trattorialaliva.it
It is clear that chef Marinella is mad about the local cuisine. As well as classics like
Ascoli olives, she delights her guests with Sibille lasagne with parma ham, aromatic
mountain herbs and chilli, chickpea soup and salt cod Bacala . The puddings are
excellent, try the unique candied olives. Monthly degustazione menus. Great fun and
very friendly.

Caldarola
Il Picciolo di Rame                        348 3316588
Castello di Vestignano, 3kms from Caldarola. Booking Essential.
Cash only. Evenings only.C
A chance to step back in time to enjoy the fascinating and delicious dishes of Medieval
Le Marche. The mother and son team have resurrected ancient seasonal recipes and
delight diners with a set menu of up to 12 courses. There are intriguing dishes like 15
herb lentil soup,ravioli with truffle and marjoram and pork with cinnamon, saffron and
almonds. The setting is a wonderful medieval olive press in an ancient borgo. The staff
are justifiably enthusiastic and charming. Well worth the trek.

Civitanova
Gabbiano                 0733 70113         Closed Monday.                 
Via iv Novembre, Lungomare Nord  www.ristorantegabbiano.it    
Long established and overlooking the sea, Gabbiano is a fun family-run place.
It specialises in antipasto which changes daily with the catch; home-made tagliatelle
with classic sauces like Marinara , award-winning local Brodetto fish stew, Lobster, Crab
and other treasures of the deep. The wide Italian and international wine list compliments the menu. Well priced rooms available, too.


L'Oasi                0733 816396            Closed Monday  
Lungamare Sud, Viale Permanni 16  www.loasi.com
Set on its own section of beach is this friendly family-run restaurant specialising in fish
and seafood plucked fresh from the Adriatic, visible from the restaurants broad
windows.There are local dishes like brodetto,clams with spaghetti and wonderful fried
mixed seafood.A lovely way to enjoy the fruits of the sea and there are non fish dishes,
too. Sweet staff. Open all year.

Civitanova Alta
Trattoria Assunta        0733 892848        Closed Wednesday
Piazza xxv Luglio- off Piazza Libertà
This pretty, traditional, vaulted trattoria is located in a tiny piazza in this historic,
artistic hill-town. Very popular with the locals who love the regional dishes, huge steaks
and delicious fish, fresh from the sea 5kms away. The regional and fish set menus are
really good value. Delicious pizza available in the evenings. Outside seating in the piazza
during the warmer months.

Mangia                 0733.890053                  
Via Pitignano, 50  www.mangiaagriturist.it
Closed Monday
In the hills outside Civitanova Alta, Paolo Mazzieri has created a temple to innovative yet traditional cooking with breath-taking results. His travels around the globe have inspired him to infuse dynamic new twists to classic Marchigiani dishes. The simple, familiar titles of the dishes
belie the extra magic that this exciting chef has added. Democratically, you can either dive in a la carte of just dip into the ever-changing starter tasting menu at €20 a head. Good wine list compliments some of the best cooking in the region.

Colmurano
AGRITURISMO AGRA MATER:   3393769357/3477656096
Open for Dinner Thursday-Sunday, Weekend for Lunch
Info @agramater.com
Contrada Monti, 3. Signposted from SS78
A great, light, bright place to enjoy delicious organic seasonal dishes. This converted cantina has big views out over the beautiful rolling countryside (book a table on the terrace, if you can). The dishes,created by Lara, are eye-catching and imaginative; served with home baked
onion bread and home produced organic olives and oil. The 5 dish degustazione antipasto contains such delights as radicchio soufflé with parmesan cream, polenta with sausage, lentils and local cheeses and salamis. Pasta dishes include creamy tagliatelle with walnuts, chickpea and pasta broth and mezza maniche with sausage, broccoli and saffron. The local organic meat is perfectly cooked so save room for lovely puddings like chocolate and chilli torte and semi freddo with vanilla. Ketty, the sommelier has skilfully produced a really good, well priced Marche wine list which compliment the dishes perfectly. Large quantities of good quality food at great prices.

Fabriano
Marchese del Grillo      0732 625690  Closed Tuesday
Loc. Rocchetta Bassa  3 kms from Fabriano
Set in the cellars of a stunning 18th century villa, this is foodie heaven. Emanuella della
Mora creates modern, seasonal dishes adhering to Slow Food Movement principles:
they are spectacular to look at and to eat. Chickpea Mousse, Quail & Pecorino Tortelli
and spicy Fabriano Lamb are particularly memorable. Wonderful handmade puddings.
The Degustazione Menu at E40 is excellent value. Very impressive wine list.


Falerone
Le Loggette                        0734 710143    Closed Monday
On the right before Falerone from Sant Angelo on SP45
Fabio and his family provide some the best pasta dishes in the area especially the filled
pasta- the vegetable sauces come straight from the garden and change almost weekly.
The antipasto and alla brace meats are delicious and very local, too. Traditional fish
dishes are available at the end of the week. Great mountain views from the balcony.
Well researched local wine list. A friendly family place with a playground in the garden. Good value set menu at €13 per head.

Bellavista         333 7858995         Closed Monday.                
Via Montopponese
Just on the outskirts on this pretty village perched on the side of a hill with fantastic views over the countryside is this excellent place to enjoy
delicious, thin-crust pizzas and juicy steaks cooked alla brace. They’ve got all your favourite cuts, cooked to just the way you love them. Pizza-wise,
you’ll be spoilt for choice- there are 40 on the menu! Also available are traditional pasta dishes like ragu and ravioli ai boscaolo. A good selection
of beers. Panoramic outdoor eating during the summer. Excellent value fixed price lunchtime menu at €12.

Loreto
Andreina   071 970124  Closed Tuesday  
V. Buffolareccia- just below old town, signposted. www.ristoranteandreina.it
One of the best restaurants in the region. Exciting modern and traditional dishes perfectly prepared and beautifully presented: artichokes fried in Verdicchio with pecorino tart; seared duck breast with passionfruit jus and some of the most fantastic puddings we have tasted. Degustazione menus are available including the best vegetarian dishes around. Excellent service and wine.

Loro Piceno
Girorrosto  0733 509119  Closed Wednesday
Centro storico. www. agritursibillini.it
Set in the vaulted cellars of an ancient Franciscan monastery, this warm friendly
restaurant serves high quality marchigiani food. Attention to detail in the kitchen is
evident in such delicious handmade pasta dishes as ravioli with lemon scented ricotta,
sage and butter and the twelve layer vincisgrassi. Full flavoured stews and rotary grilled
meats follow such as local lamb and guinea fowl.Enzo will give you a warm welcome and
offer excellent wine suggestions.

Seta Cruda at Casa Azzurra
0733 506908/3482268978                                
Cda Grazie Fiastra 67b- 2kms from SP78 on SP61. Bookings Advisable.
Closed Mondays               www.casaazzurra.it
Local chef Rodrigo Staffolani has created a unique organic Fish and Vegetarian restaurant here in an eco-friendly environment. The catch is fresh from the Adriatic each day so dishes change continuously although the biodynamicaly grown home-grown veg are totally seasonal. Dishes like wonderfully plump Moules Marieniere and grilled Sea Bream are outstanding in their simplicity and flavour. Vegetarian dishes such as Courgette and Hazelnut Soup and spicy Aubergine Fussili exude richness and subtlety, too. Puddings including Crème Brulee with Vanilla and prunes top off an excellent menu. The excellent house wines are from local star producer, Alvaro Saputi. Wonderful views stretching from the Sibillinis to Monte Conero.

1 Taverna x  Loro                0733 509789  
Largo Crescimbeni 3, Closed Mon& Tues. Evenings only except Sundays and holidays
Gianpaolo, Matteo and their young enthusiastic team have opened up a great set-menu
restaurant in the heart of medieval centro storico.Traditional seasonal dishes are given
a modern twist- 3 antipasto dishes such as fava bean souffle are followed by two light
delicious pastas and local meat like roast lamb and wild fennel. Save room for the
delicious homemade puddings. Excellent local wine list. Ask about the wine
degustazione evenings - popular and fun.

Macerata
Da Rosa  0733 260124                Closed Sunday            
Via Armaroli, 17
A very elegant trattoria in centro storico of Macerata specialising in modern
interpretations of local, seasonal rustic dishes such as Porcini Sformata with white
truffle sauce, Pumkin & truffle risotto, Guinea Fowl with chestnut & orange demi-glace
and Pistacchio creme brulee. Excellent wine list with local wines great & small.

Da Secondo         0733 260912                Closed Monday               
Via Pescheria Vecchia, Just off Piazza Della Liberta.
A Macerata favourite with opera buffs and Maceratese alike. Very high quality
Marchiagiani dishes and wines in a traditional setting. Wonderful service amid the
Opera memorabillia on the walls. Try the fried Tempura vegetables' the lemon scented
Ravioli with porcini and truffle cream and the Tagliatelli with prawns. Great grilled
local meat, Osso Bucco and Pigeon. Outside seating during summer.

Osteria dei Fiori   0733260142   Closed Sunday
Via Lauro Rossi, 61.  www.osteriadeifiori.it
This tiny family-run restaurant in the heart of the centro storico has been delighting diners with its honest, seasonal, local dishes for over 30 years. Classic dishes like panzanella, vincisgrassi, rabbit with fennel and pork fillet woth vin cotto are given a lively spin by chef Iginia. These are
complimented by the excellent locally sourced wine list. Try the Tasting Menu; seating outside

Osteria dei Pigliapochi               0733 264393  Closed Sat & Sun lunch   
Vicolo della Rota, 8. Just off Corso della Repubblica
A charming old style osteria nestled in a tiny alley in centro storico. The house style is
traditional marchiagiani and the diverse menu includes Local hams and cheeses,
Vincisgrassi and pork loin with wild fennel. The local wine list is well chosen.


Magliano di Tenna
Osteria dell'Arco   0734 631630  338 3631128  B*
www.osteriaarco.it
Closed Mon and Tues  Booking advisable.
Piazza Gramsci 27, centro storico.
The exciting modern dishes like ricotta and mushroom sformata and home-smoked
carpaccio with pecorino flakes as well as traditional classics like Ascoli Olives are
fantastic here. Oxtail ravioli with black truffles and risotto with leeks, pumpkin & smoked cheese are delicious. Excellent local meat follow straight from the wood-fired grill. Save room for wonderful homemade puddings like melt in the mouth like millefeuille with strawberries and cream. Owner/sommelier Tiziano has selected a great local wine list. Also a wine bar with bar snacks.


Mogliano
Da Marina al Teatro  0733 557399  Closed Monday
Piazza Garibaldi
Set in a pretty baroque piazza is this lovely restaurant, pizzeria and bar. It's an elegant
little place specialising in bright interpretations of local dishes like salamis & cheese,
the house special Gnocchi Teatro, Rocket pesto Ravioli with smoked cheese followed
by  rare sliced steak with truffle. Great homemade puddings and well chosen wine list.
Excellent pizza in the evening .Mingle with Marina's regulars with an aperitivo and
snacks at the end of the week.

La Perla     0733 559048         Closed Saturday             
Via iv Novembre
Just outside the pretty town of Mogliano on the way to Macerata is La Perla which specialises in traditional local dishes.There is a generous lunchtime antipasto table to begin with. Local pasta sauses like Mushrooms& Olive Oil and Wild Hare are really flavoursome.Traditional alla brace meats follow though the Saltimbocca Romana is particularly good. Straightforward and good value.

Montelparo
Hotel Leone                 0734 782041                 
Via Vittore Emanuelle II, 60  www.hotelleonemarche.com    
Open every day Lunch & Dinner
This charming new arrival in the pretty hilltop village of Montelparo is welcome indeed. Before enjoying some souped-up local favourites in the vaulted restaurant, take in the magnificent view from the terrace or art deco bar. The warm duck salad with mustard and honey dressing is a light, bright starter and the linguine with rocket pesto and walnut keeps the tastebuds bursting with fresh flavours. There are delicious dishes with fish straight from the Adriatic such as Penne with shrimps and courgettes and grilled Salmon with curried aubergine salsa. Succulent local meat dishes include garlic and rosemary lamb on cannellini beans. Save room for delightful puds like Pannacotta with blueberries and Lime Cheesecake. Excellent pizza piping hot from the wood burning oven are available from 7.00. Imaginative vegetarian dishes, too. Elegant,
understated professionalism from an enthusiastic British couple. Rooms available.


Montecarotto

Le Busche                073189172  Closed Sunday pm and Monday
Contr. Busche  www.lebusche.net  
Young chef Andera Angeletti creates exciting, modern dishes with an oriental twist like
sushi style seabass with porcetta and sausage. His seafood and oriental set menus are
served with perfectly matched wines.Enjoy these wonderfully presented dishes in the
cantina or covered verandah. Fantastic wine list.

Montecosaro
La Luma                0733 229701        Closed Monday  
Via G Bruscantini. www.laluma.it
An impressive, stylish, elegant & thoroughly professional restaurant:-one of the very
best in the region. Beautiful location with fabulous views over the Chienti Valley, set in centro storico of Montecosaro. Fabulous starters like homemade pate fois gras, swordfish carpaccio with ginger followed by perfect pink duck breast with apricot jus and deliciously delicate puddings like torrone semifreddo and hot chocolate souffle.Excellent well-priced wine list. A real treat: beautifully presented, perfect staff and surprisingly good value. Good wine shop & rooms available.

Monte Cosaro Scalo

Due Cigni                0733 865182   
V dell Annuziata, 19  Closed Sunday Evenings and Monday.
The renowned Rosaria Morganti produces what is widely acknowledged as the grandest
Vincisgrassi in Le Marche-'Princisgrassi'( you are given a commemerative plate with this dish). Her dishes are wonderfully rich with lavish use of foie gras and truffles. The five course antipasta is excellent and generous. Wonderful fresh fish from just down the road and local organic meat. Splendid wine list, a grand dining experience.

Montefortino
Fonte della Valle    0736 859026
www.fontedellavalle.com       
Loc Tenna 9A next to petrol station below village.  Closed Wednesday.
As well as doing delicious pizzas, Beatrice, Stefano and their team specialize in regional dishes which change seasonally. As you’d expect from its location just below the Sibillinis, there are plenty of dishes brimming with the flavour of the mountains like tagliatini with porcini mushrooms
and lamb cacciatore. The wine list is well priced, the staff friendly and the set menu good value.

Montemonaco

La Cittadella     0736 856361  Booking essential   
www.cittadelladeisibillini.it
A beautifully situated agriturismo below Montemonaco in the Sibilillini National
Park.The  dining room faces the mountains with stunning views and offers simple,
authentic cuisine based on traditional dishes found in the region: it's part of the Slow
Food movement. The menu is set and stretches over 7 courses and changes weekly. It's
very popular with a lively, fun atmosphere. The cellar has a wide carefully selected
range of regional wines.

Il Tiglio   0736 856168                
Weekends only. Booking Essential
63048 Isola San Biagio
www.iltiglioagriturismo.it
Although a little off the beaten track, this thoroughly professional and excellent value restaurant is well worth the detour. After complimentary prosecco and amuses bouches, you will be treated to four exciting courses of delicious, modern, seasonal food. Dishes might include pork spring roll with wasabi dressing; farfalle with duck and pumpkin cream and beef slow-roasted with blackberries and juniper. Very good puddings, too and probably the best cheeseboard in the region. Huge, well priced wine list. Smart but not stuffy- children welcome. €32 per head set menu.
Rooms available.

Monte San Martino
Vecchio Moro          0736 847575                
Lago San Ruffino- Between Monte S Martino & Amandola
There’s lots of space to stretch out at this trattoria/pizzeria near Lake San Ruffino with plenty of seating under the loggia and in the gardens. The young team specialise in hearty local dishes and produce with generous helpings. As well as classic antipasto and pasta dishes, there are really good things on the meat side like venison cacciatore and milk-roasted pork . Friendly, easy going and inexpensive. Delicious pizzas from the wood burning oven in the evenings.

Agriturismo San Martino 0733 660515
On SP239(SS210) at Molino Nr Monte San Martino
www.agriturismosanmartino.com
Farmhouse marchiagiani cuisine with a touch of Sardinia, too The antipasta is simple but well selected. The pasta dishes are especially good, the choices more unusual and the ingredients sophisticated. The  house pasta is cassareccia with a saffron and porcini sauce,delicious. All pasta is home made. A meat is local and perfectly cooked, excellent lamb alla brace. Home made puddings to round off a memorable dinner. The wine is local and carefully chosen or house and red are good. Ring for details of wine tasting evenings.

Osteria del Lago       Lago San Ruffino   0733 660477  Closed Monday         
Halfway between Monte San Martino and Amandola. Signposted off SP239.
Set on the shores of Lago San Ruffino,this pretty restored stone farmhouse serves local
traditional dishes inside during winter and outside on the terrace during summer for lakeside views.There is a delicious variety of antipasto including a number of vegetarian dishes. The ricotta-filled raviolini is the highlight of the handmade pastas but ask Marco or Luciana for the daily specials. Lots of space outside for families to roam around the lake. Barbeques on the lakeside during the summer.

Da Priori   0733 660209  Closed Wednesday  
Set in the main square of this beautiful hill top town, Da Priori offers traditional
Marchigianian dishes in a tranquil atmosphere with local artists work on the walls.
Lovely , simple antipasto dishes of hams, cheese and salamis all produced in and around
the village. This is followed by their hand made tagliatellini classic sauces like ragu di
Angelica followed by delicately grilled local meat. A wide selction of Italian wines. Try
the tiramisu. Organic local meat .

Le Querce    0733 660207  Closed Tuesday  
This relaxed place beneath Monte San Martino serves a large amount of traditional, old
style, local antipasto as well as other Marchigiani dishes. You can expect buckwheat
soup, chick peas in porcini broth, potato frittata as well as crostini with cheeses, truffle
paste and sausage plus delicious local ham and salamis. The handmade pasta is very
good with generous helpings full of the flavour of the mountains. Mixed grill cooked on
a traditional fire is excellent . A fun, vibrant family restaurant with very good pizza in
the evening.

Numana
La Torre                 0719330747         Closed Monday.        
Via del Colombo  www.latorrenumana.it    
With its panoramic seaviews from Restaurant, Steakhouse and Terrace, La Torre has been the envy of many a coastal restaurant for over 40 years. It’s charming and elegant as are its food and staff. The chefs create wonderful fish and seafood dishes as well as delighting meat-eaters,
vegetarians and celiacs. Straight from the port below comes seafood a-plenty as well as such gems as Ravioli of sea Bass with Clam Sauce and Turbot with Steamed Veg and Salsa Verde. All this and a choice of Sushi and delicious puddings, it’s no surprise that this is regarded as one of the best restaurants on the coast.

Ortezzano
I Piceni        0734 778000        Closed Tuesday                    
Piazza M Savani. www.locandaipiceni.it
Exciting food in the quiet centro storico of Ortezzano. Modern interpretations of
traditional rural and coastal dishes like Laurel-smoked Beef with Pecorino shavings,
Leek Risotto, and Salmon poached in Falerio wine. Fantastic truffle dishes when
available. The knowlegable and helpful staff will rightly recommend the puddings.
Great views over the Aso Valley and outside seating during the summer.Capital city
quality at marchigiani prices.

Passo Sant Angelo in Pontano
Lago Verde          0733 663294           
Contrada Passo S Angelo, 14                Closed Monday
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to wander into a working Italian farmhouse and tuck into authentic local grub, this is the place slotted beneath the farm.The team will russle up traditional antipasto followed by light handmade pasta with such enticing porcini mushrooms, ragu and seafood from time to time. Safe room for hearty local alla brace meat. Good house wine and homemade mistral with your coffee. Great fun and very good value.


Passo Ripe San Ginesio
L'Antico L'Approdo     0733 506886         Closed Monday
Passo Ripe San Ginesio  Behind Bar on SS78, opposite large clock/thermometer.
Home to some of the best pizza and friendliest staff in the area. A great selection of delicious red and white pizza straight from the wood burning oven. Equally good are the huge T bone steaks expertly grilled over wood embers and carved at the table. A traditional list of excellent pasta dishes, too. Great value set lunch menu and discounted children's menu. Fun and friendly.

Penna San Giovanni
Vecchi Sapori                        0733 669319   Closed Monday  
Vl Beato Giovanni, 11
Opposite La Porta Marina just below the centro storico, this restaurant/pizzeria is tucked down an alleyway below Bar Porta Marina. An ideal place to get together for a group pizza and sample from the wide variety on offer. The home made tomato sauce for the red ones is especially delicious. Also available are a selection of good old favourite pasta dishes like penne quattro formaggio and spaghetti carbonara. Good honest house wines. Low key, low priced and good fun. Special fixed menu is extremely good value.


Petriolo
Mangiafuoco       0733 550273   Closed Tuesday    
V Matteotti,26A diverse and interesting menu awaits at this classy, cheerful and busy restaurant tucked away in the centro Storico of pretty little Petriolo. A party of 40 celebrating a 60th wedding anniversary tucked in to an all day fish buffet. Antipasta of endless types of shellfish was followed by risotto,tagiatelle and ravioli all fish based and looking spectacular. The main course hadn't happened before we left 2 hours later. We were really impressed by the pasta dishes we choose following a selection of home produced proscuitto  salami and pecorino cheeses for anti pasto. I devoured a whole, large bowl of ravioli filled with lemon flavoured ricotta, nicely al dente, served with a creamy lemon and speck sauce. It was one of those dishes you have to finish even though you know you should leave a few for appearances sake. The secondi we choose  was a generous, well seasoned, perfectly grilled selection of meats including lamb chops, pork steak, sausages and spare ribs. The meat is either home reared or locally sourced. The tagliata , overly generous ( our dogs could not believe their luck when they witnessed the contents of the doggy tray we brought home) seared on the grill to perfection, reddy pink as ordered and served with a rich and syrupy balsamic dressing. Another gold star went to the vegetable buffet on offer for 2,50 euros  a plateful. Lots of healthy choices of undressed salads and grilled vegetables along with my favourite stir fried beta with a bit of chili and lemon juice. We enjoyed a substantial Rosso Piceno from the wide and carefully selected wine cellar for a mere 7.00 euros. Too replete to indulge in the dolce course we settled for a good, strong espresso each. Going on appearances though the deserts looked very elegant and the pannacottas served with a summer fruit or caramel dressing wobbled beautifully. A professional, friendly, well run restaurant serving interesting, well executed, delicious food at a very reasonable price. 75 euros for 3 courses and wine.

Locanda del Cavaliere    0733 550776  Closed Monday        
Via M Martello
Just by an ancient gate in the old walled town of Petriolo is the down to earth Locanda
del Cavaliere. The setting and cuisine are traditional- with vaulted ceilings and
generous portions. Rich, filling pasta like papperdelle with seasonal vegetables and
handmade spinch and ricotta ravioli could be shared. Alla brace meats follow. Fixed
Menu at lunch; wood-oven pizza available in evenings.

Piane di Montegiorgio
Oscar & Amorina                0734 967351                Closed  Monday  
Opposite the Eiffel Tower on SS210 near the 26km milepost
www.oscareamorina.it This opulent temple of fine dining is a popular place amongst well-heeled locals. This long established, family-run restaurant is a Mecca for gourmands and bonviveurs.
Handmade pasta includes Tagliolini with mushrooms and other sauces inspired by the local hills and woods. Excellent alla brace and rotisserie meat.Delicious puddings and excellently chosen and priced wine list from the well stocked cellars. A memorable, enjoyable, well-priced place.

Pintura (Between Sassotetto and Bolognola)

Rifugio La Capanna                0737 520134 fax 0733 201611  
Closed Thursday. Open all year. Almost 1400m above sea level, La Capanna is set amongst breathtaking and majestic scenery. The local wildlife feature heavily in the menu with plenty of dishes with wild boar, venison, hare, mushrooms and truffles. Excellent handmade pasta and polenta. Fish is available on request. 8 rooms available. A fantastic location in the very heart of
the Sibillinis; spectacular at any time of the year.

Portonovo
Il Molo        071801040.
Closed October-April. Closed Tuesday except High Summer
www.ilmolo.it
Situated right on thepebbles overlooking the aquamarine sea is a seafood trattoria making the most of the delicious ingredients literary on its doorstep. The mega fish antipasto is a must. Then depending on your girth, go for a pasta dish like the renowned Portonovo Mussels &
Spaghetti  or rich Seafood Risotto and other classic coastal dishes. Alternatively, head for the excellent mains like  Sole with herbs of the Conero and cherry tomatoes. Slowly digest a delightful dolce and watch the world go by from your cool perch. Sensibly chosen and priced wine list. Good Value, easy going. Pizzas, snacks and Childrens’ menu available. Concession.

Da Emilia                071801109.
Closed October-April. Closed Monday except August
www.ristoranteemilia.it
Something of a local legend, this lovely family-run restaurant, situated right on the beach overlooking the aquamarine sea is a seafood trattoria making the most of the delicious ingredients literary on its doorstep for over 80 years. The mega fish antipasto is a must. Then depending on your girth, go for a pasta dish like Portovo Mussels & Spaghetti or Steamed Mussels or Mussels au Gratin as well as other classic coastal dishes. Alternatively, head for the excellent mains like Sole with herbs of the Conero and cherry tomatoes. Slowly digest a delightful dolce and watch the world go by from your cool perch. Sensibly chosen and priced wine list. Friendly, relaxed, but stylish.

Porto Recanati
Bagni Fiore        3403495039           
Via Lepanto  www.ristorantepizzeriafiore.it    
On the beachfront with its own concession, loungers, umbrellas and kids’ garden, Bagni Fiore is a great, relaxed place to spend the day with the family. Snacks, salads, pasta and antipasta are available all day as well as a wide array of fish dishes fresh from the Adriatic. The calamari are
particularly good. Delicious pizzas straight from the woodburning oven are served at night. Open all year long.

Ripe San Ginesio
Osteria Leonina  0733 506010   Closed Wednesday  
Via Giacomo Leopardi
Down a tiny alley in the centro storico is this charming osteria situated in some ancient cellars. Here traditional dishes are presented in a modern style by the talented young chef. Classic marchigiani antipasto is followed by full flavoured pasta like tagliatelle with wild boar and
porcini and giant ravioli with sage and lime butter. Excellent puddings and a good wine list. Traditional flavours in a contemporary setting.

Sant' Angelo in Pontano
(Passo Sant Angelo)
Lago Verde          0733 663294             
Contrada Passo S Angelo, 14        Closed Monday
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to wander into a working Italian farmhouse and tuck into authentic local grub, this is the place slotted beneath the farm.The team will russle up traditional antipasto followed by light handmade pasta with such enticing porcini mushrooms, ragu,
tagliatelle alla papera and seafood from time to time. Safe room for hearty local alla brace meat. Good house wine and homemade mistral with your coffee. Great fun and very good value.

Il Melograno        0733 661521       
www.ilmelogranoagriturismo.it
Open Friday eves, Sat & Sun lunch and dinner
Just outside village, sign posted by petrol station.
Set in a commanding position looking towards the mountains, Melograno specialises in
the heartier dishes of the area and is justifiably popular with the locals. There is a
relaxed atmosphere of conviviality. Traditional salamis are served with seasonal
farmhouse antipasti like fennel, tomato and cheese tart and farro salad. Gnocchi and
papardelle come with big mushroom sauces and the house speciality ragu. Mixed grill
and farmyard chicken cacciatore are served with home grown greens. The homemade
puddings include hazelnut semifreddo and tiramisu. Impossible to rush.


Duilia                0733 661288    Closed Wednesday (open throughout Aug)
In centro storico next to bell tower. Cash only. Booking recommended. Set near the top of the centro storico, Duilia commands wonderful views from its terrace across the region towards the sea. The cooking is traditional hearty marchigiana farmhouse style. After antipasti there is a selection of homemade pasta including possibly the area's best tagliatini alla papera -duck and juniper sauce.Delicious local alla brace lamb. Big helpings, sweet staff and well chosen wine list
by Roberto.

Pippo & Gabriella                0733 661120    Closed Monday
On SP45  2kms between Passo and village.
Something of a local legend . For years, Pippo and Gabriella have provided excellent farmhouse cooking in a fun and relaxed atmosphere which has endeared them to generations. The friendly, helpful, english speaking staff have always got time for a laugh. There is a wide selection of goodies from the antipasto table. The handmade pasta and crepes melt in the mouth.The traditional log burning grill cooks the meat courses which are hearty and mouth-watering. A real taste of Marchigiana food and hospitality.

La Torre                0733 661277    Closed Monday
Tucked  away in the centro storico is La Torre, where you can find deceptively
delicious local food with plenty of truffles and porcinis to go around. The pasta is
homemade, incredibly light and served with mouthwatering sauces. To follow there are
steaks and escallopes with lemon, porcini and green pepper sauces and excellent local
alla brace lamb. Very good value and friendly staff. Rooms available.

Sant Elpidio a Mare

Il Melograno                0734 858088    Closed Tuesday
via Gheredini, 9  www.ristoranteilmelograno.it
A stylish and cool place to enjoy modern interpretations of traditional dishes. The beautiful setting is reflected in the skillful and imaginative menu and its presentation. The menu is highly seasonal :asparagus in spring, chestnuts in autumn and changes almost daily. There are far-reaching views of the Chienti Valley which breathtaking: the sea one way, the Sibillinis the other. The terrace is open during the summer. Very good regional and national wine list.

Osteria dei Ponti Oscuri                0734 810014        Closed Monday   
Vicolo Ponti Oscuri  - sign posted. Open throughout July & August.
www.osteriadeipontioscuro.it
Tucked away down an alley just by a medieval gate in the centro storico is this
charming osteria, the only fish restaurant in town. Fish fresh from the port and regional
ingredients create an exciting menu with wonderful Neopolitan and local flavours.
Excellent antipasti include rice balls filled with mozzarella and bacon and seasonal
vegetable tart. Seafood pasta dishes are great as are the fish and meat courses. Local
and campania wine list. Seating outside in summer.


San Ginesio

Il Borgo                  0039 0733 653135  Closed Monday             
Piazza A Gentili
www.albergocentralesanginesio.com
Since its recent refurbishment, this restaurant on the ground floor of the Albergo Centrale, has introduced a bit of chic to the stylish Piazza Gentili. Not just with its elegant little dining room (which opens out onto the piazza during summer) but with the chef’s deft touch with traditional maceratese dishes. The house antipasto is a wonderful selection of mini dishes like Spinach Sformata with balsamic reduction, Mini Wild Boar Stew on Pureed Potatoes and Aubergine Ratatouille. Traditional dishes like Tagliatelle with Porcinis & Wild Asparagus and Raviolini
with Sundried Tomatoes & Olives are given a modern twist. Really impressive fresh fish from the coast include a mega Tempura Catch of the Day. Lovely local meat dishes and refreshing puddings. Intelligent and well priced wine list. Refined without being fussy, a really nice find.


Agriturismo Antinori
Piane di Pieca, San Ginesio
condrada ficcardo, 20b
tel: 338 8981596    Sunday Lunch only-Booking advisable
Set amongst the unappealing industrial zone, is this haven of good old honest farmhouse cooking. Despite it's modern exterior, the heart of the kitchen here is very much in the deep in rural Le Marche. The antipasto comprises of home cured ham and salamis as well as homegrown olives and a range of cheeses from the nextdoor farm served with homemade fig chutney. Hearty home made pasta like large Ravioli parcels and rich Porcini Ragu with Chittari pasta strands are delicious. A bit of a pause is recommended before the huge helpings of alla brace sausages, chops, kebabs, veal and beef steaks as well as succulent lamb. The puddings will finish you off, the wine inexpensive and the staff chirpy and happy in the bustling place.

San Fabiano         0733 656832  Open daily.                 
Contrada Necciano, 22  www.sanginesio.info
Follow Sarnano signposts from Porta Vecchia for 3kms
Set in the middle of the countryside below San Ginesio is an authentic piece of Marchigiana rusticity. This converted farmhouse serves wonderfully genuine local dishes such as traditional farmhouse antipasti, Vincisgrassi, ravioli with Porcinis, local alla Brace Meats, Wild Boar and
rabbit with Wild Fennel. This good honest food comes at good honest prices. Seating outside with views across beautiful rural landscape.


La Querchia dellaMemoria        0733 694431  3484768272      Closed Mon
Open Fri eves, Sat & Sun lunch and dinner. Other days bookings only.
Between S Ginesio and Sarnano, sign posted from SS78
www.querciadellamemoria.it
It's not just the organic home produce and the delicious farmhouse cooking that makes La Quercia such a great place to eat; it's like going back in time to before the arrival of GM foods etc.The menu is unsurprisingly highly seasonal and varied with such goodies as organic pea polenta, fresh wild salad, home baked bread and grissini, porcini and bean soup, roast pork with chestnuts and pannacotta with sapa. A great experience. Veggies catered for, mention when booking. Educational talks available.

Terra Nostra                0733 656957    Closed Monday
Piazza Gentili  www.terranostrasanginesio.it
A friendly place set in the historic main square, popular with families. There is a
concise, delicious list of local favorites like tagliatelli with porcini mushrooms as well as
argentine pastries. The taste of the mountains is evident in the wonderful wild boar
stew. Great pizza available in the evening. Eat out under the stars in the piazza during
the summer. Good value and friendly English speaking staff and menus.

San Lorenzo al Lago (Lake Fiastra)
Osteria del Lago                0737 52669
Just by the beach. Booking advisable off season. info@sibillinitour.it
A taste of the mountains and lake under one roof. Delicious light hand made pasta with
classic local sauces like porcini and truffle; the vincisgrassi is good, too. Alla brace meat
or freshly caught lake trout stuffed and grilled, excellent. Eat out under the awning
during the summer. Friendly, family run and relaxed. Rooms available, best to email
when booking.

Il Gatto e La Volpe                0737 52105  Closed Tuesday  
Next to the Church.
With its delicious rustic mountain dishes, this is an excellent place to enjoy lunch when
up in the mountains. Local flavours like truffles, mushrooms and sausages are here as
well as local river trout and other fish at the weekend. Favourites include truffle ravioli
and simple yet delicious alla brace.Wood oven pizza available at night. Shaded outside
area in the summer.


San Severino
Osteria Ninetta 0733 634962 ;Closed Tuesday
del Teatro, 1
www.osterininetta.com
Just off the Piazza del Popolo, Ninetta may not look presupposing- appearing charming and understated- but the food is breath-taking. Chef Alberto has used oriental influences to add zing to the flavours and presentation of his exciting dishes. They're not just eye-catching with
their bright colours- they're delicious and bursting with bright flavours: Cod with Foie Gras, Pigeon with Fava Puree and Rare Steak with Rocket and Parmessan Shard. The pace does not slacken with pudding- you'll be blown away by the likes of Coconut Cream with Liquorice
and Mint.  Impressive wine list and all sensibly priced. A wonderful series of works of Art that you will never forget.


San Vittoria in Matenano
Farfense                0734 780171    Closed Wednesday
www.hotelfarfense.it
Justly popular for miles around, Giampiero's restaurant is atmospheric, fun and a great place to enjoy some classic local dishes: It's a charming place with ancient vaulted ceilings, excellent food and a wonderful wine list. Great pizza straight from the woodburning oven. Try and book the snug in the cantina.

Taverna Vittoria    0734 780318                
Vialle della Vittoria, 34        Closed Tuesday
A fun place to enjoy well priced local and national classics. Lovely local hams and delicious crostinis and bruscetta are followed by a wide range of pasta dishes like ravioli with sage and butter, tortellini boscaiola and spaghetti carbonara. There’s grilled alla brace meat as well as favorites like veal pizzaiola. Lovely sitting outside in the summer and cosy in the winter. A wide range of delicious, wee pizzas available in the evenings.

Sarnano
Ai Cerchi         0733 657942  Open daily.                 
Via Gasperi  www.hotelaicerchi.com    hotelaicerchi@tiscali.it
Perched on the hill overlooking the old town is the first authentic USA Steakhouse in Italy. Its award-winning chef also creates rich hearty dishes with strong emphasis on game. Traditional antipasto is followed by an array of award-winning dishes like ricotta filled pasta parcels with pancetta and radicchio cream sauce and papperdelle steamed with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. There is a wide selection of juicy steaks like New York Strip, Porterhouse and Ribeye all from IGP certified herds of Chianina and Marchigiana herds. There is an excellent fish set menu which differs daily with the catch at €25per head. Delicious and huge 40cm wood burning oven pizzas available from 6.30 pm. Generous helpings enjoyed with beautiful views over Sarnano and the mountains- really good quality and value that certainly won’t break the bank.

AGRITURISMO LE QUERCE:   0733 658211   
Info @lequerceagriturismo.com
Contrada Biscio, 2kms from Sarnano towards Sassotetto
May-Sept  Open Every Day  
Set in a broad valley beneath the Sibillini Mountains, is this rustic agriturismo. With shaded eating areas outside, it's a wonderful place to enjoy some farmhouse cooking, take in the breathtaking views and watch the horses trot by. There are traditional dishes like salamis, tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms and ravioli with sage and butter. The juicy alla brace meats is local and alot of the produce is from their garden. Straightforward and easygoing- a lovely place to spend the afternoon with the family. Delicious pizzas at night. Rooms and riding lessons
available.

Marchigiana                0733 657211    Closed Friday
1km outside Sarnano on SS78 towards Macerata.
A deservedly popular restaurant where locals and visitors flock to enjoy big helpings of
delicious marchigiana food and hospitality. The antipasto is huge and includes tempura
fried corguettes. The pasta is equally hearty with big local sauces like truffle and mushroom and bosciaola. A great alla brace fire dominates the back room and the aroma of delicious local meat sizzling is impossible to resist as is the wild boar stew. Friendly, English speaking staff.

Le Clarisse                           0733 658225
Monday-Wednesday Bookings Only.
Open Thursday-Sunday
Via Mazzini, 240          www.osterialeclarisse.it
In the heart of the centro storico is this pretty restaurant/wine bar. Very atmospheric with vaulted ceilings and old world charm. The young English speaking staff are keen to help and are skilled at recommending from the comprehensive list of wines available by the glas, carafe and bottle.Local mountain flavours abound with hams and cheeses;tagliatelle with porcinis and truffles(the house dish) and excellent succulent lam, beef and pork. Foccaccia style pizza available. The great value lunchtime set menu at E13.50 is hard to beat.

Il Colle:       0733 657257   Closed Wednesday.      
Off SS 78 towards Sarnano   turn right at Gabella Nuova
Cosy in winter with log fire and long tables, in summer eat al fresco with views of the Sibillinis. A good old fashioned restaurant and pizzeria (wood burning oven so evenings only). Well priced traditional local dishes like Bresaola with Parmesan shavings and Crostinis, pasta dishes with
an emphesis on mushrooms and great steaks and scaloppini (if you’ve still got room).Easy going and very pleasant whatever the season.


Servigliano
Il Re Leone                0734 750959    Closed Tuesday
Just outside  the old town.This tastefully refurbished is popular with everyone as its menu is always spot on. The homemade pasta dishes are served with traditional and modern sauces and the meat courses are imaginative and perfectly cooked. The beef comes from the famed herds of the Sibillini Mountains. The big salads are justly popular as are the puddings. Great
pizza is available in the evening, piping hot from the wood burning oven. Covered seating outside in the summer.

Ribecco                0734 759863  
Via Manfredi, 30        Closed….Monday & Tuesday
This is a suitably stylish restaurant/wine bar with vaulted ceilings and plenty of atmosphere in this pretty baroque village. There is evident attention to detail- the antipasti like Carpaccio, local cheese & salamis and selection of tartlets (excellent with an aperitivo) are well executed. The
pasta dishes are traditional but given a modern twist by the chef. As well as classics like duck a l’orange, there is an irresistible selection of steaks- juicy fillet au poivre and chargrilled slices with dipping sauces. Delicious puddings and a well-chosen and well-priced wine list. Quality
dining in charming surroundings.


Sirolo
Merlin Cocai      071 9330592   
Via Monteconero, 26.  www.hotelmonteconero.it
This elegant restaurant has the finest views of Le Marche and the coast. Set in an old abbey perched 500m above the sea, it's not just the setting that is lovely. The fish and meat dishes are local, light, fresh and delicate: prawn panzanella, aromatic brasaola, sea bream with almond crust, turkey with herbs and carpaccio of sea bass. The wine list is excellent and surprisingly well-priced; the staff charming and the whole ambience enchanting. All this and a view to kill for.


Smerillo
Le Logge                0734 79129    Closed Thursday  
www.ristorantelelogge.it
Delicious farmhouse cooking in generous proportions await at this elegant restaurant
set in the walls of this ancient village. The mixed antipasti is a must: half a dozen dishes
including poached quails eggs with pancetta and bean and porcini soup. Handmade
pasta like little ravolini are served with seasonal sauces like asparagus and truffles are
scrumptious. Try to save room for the local alla brace meats and homemade puds. The
staff at this delightfully elegant farmhouse restaurant are friendly and relaxed.


Tolentino
Osteria San Nicola                                0733 967448 Closed Tuesday
Via Flaminia, 6. On Corner of Corso Garibaldi and Via Oberdan.
www.osteriasannicola.it Set in the centro storico just a few yards from the famous Basilica. This charming terracotta and beams inn has a wide range of  varied dishes. As well as local specialities, the chef offers such interesting starters as fennel omlette and pecorino and pears. The second courses include prawn and saffron risotto followed by filled of pork with vin cotto. There are also a selection of big salads as well as a gluten free menu and specials for
children. Delicious pizzas are available at lunch as well as dinner. Well chosen wine list and wide selection of beers.


Urbino
Angolo Divino                        0722 327559
Via S Andrea 14, 2 mins from Piazza Repubblica. Closed Monday & Sunday Night.
Family run inn located in cellars of an ancient house in the centro storico.Local traditional dishes made using local organic produce from the local hills:-truffles, mushrooms, game as well as a wide selection of fresh fish. Unique historic dishes such as oven cooked salame matte, roast rabbit with wild fennel and excellent puddings. Delicious Degustazione fish menu available. Well chosen wine list.

Urbisaglia
Locanda Le Logge  0733 506788  Closed Wednesday
Corso Giannelli, 34                        www.locandalelogge.it
This smart, sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant in centro storico is famous for its
modern and exciting interpretations of traditional dishes. The degustazione menu is fantastic and is incredibly good value. There are five interestingly varied antipasto dishes served and these might include treats like tomino cheese with prosciutto,pepper and vanilla oil, followed by cannelloni di Logge, red wine risotto and roast leg of lamb with rosemary and marjoram. The pudding selection is truly mouth watering. Superb wine list and excellent staff.