The best restaurants Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Timetable

Italians eat a little later than northern Europeans. At lunchtime, the kitchen usually opens at 1pm, and at dinner, at 7pm. However, restaurants in tourist areas have adapted to a foreign clientele that is mostly Austrian and German: on the coast and in the mountains, they are open from 12 noon and in the evening from 6 pm. Most establishments have at least one day a week when they are closed, which varies greatly but is often Monday. On Sundays, they may be open at noon and closed in the evening. It is best to reserve a table in advance; in Trieste, this is strongly recommended, as the establishments regularly have to refuse customers who arrive unexpectedly.

Budget & Tips

In Friuli Venezia Giulia, you can eat very well and locally for a democratic price. In a typical trattoria, a pasta dish will cost you 10 €. The traditional frico, musetto con brovada and gnocchi will cost you between 8 and 10 €. In restaurants, an à la carte meal with a first course, a second course and a dessert will cost between 30 and 40 €, a little more if it is a gastronomic establishment.

On the coast and in Trieste, seafood is on the menu of most restaurants. It is possible to eat fresh fish at good prices, although prices are a little higher in the seaside resorts of Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro. If you want to order the fish of the day, note that the price on the menu is all'etto, that is to say, per 100 g. Make sure you know the weight of your fish and the amount you will have to pay before ordering to avoid surprises when you pay the bill.

What costs extra

In Italy, you pay between €1.50 and €4.00 for the table. Some establishments also charge for service, about 10% of the total bill. Tipping is always appreciated.

The local way

Use your only fork to eat your pasta (and this is true for all of Italy). In Trieste, fill a small hunger with a panino with Prague ham con cren e senape (with horseradish and mustard) bought in a buffet in town. Drink your espresso (or nero in Trieste) at the bar and indulge in a pastry, preferably a piece of gubana or putizza. Ataperitivo time, accompany your glass of wine, beer or cocktail (the spritz has become trendy everywhere) with an assortment of appetizers.

To be avoided

There is no shortage of good places to eat or snack. Avoid the American and international fast food chains and choose the local ones.

Kids

Children are welcome everywhere in Italy and restaurants are no exception. They should remember, of course, that a pizzeria is not a playground...

Smokers

No smoking in restaurants.

Tourist traps

Avoid restaurants that offer a "tourist menu.

When a restaurant displays faded photos of its dishes - not exactly appetizing, by the way - it is rarely a good sign.