Calabria is the rugged toe of Italy's boot, a region of dramatic contrasts where the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas frame ancient Greek ruins, Norman castles, and one of Italy's most untouched wildernesses. Its clifftop resorts, crystalline waters, fiery cuisine, and layered history from Magna Graecia through Byzantine and Norman rule make it a rewarding destination for adventurous travellers seeking authentic southern Italy without the crowds.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Ristorante La Cantinella
Popular Calabrian seafood restaurant in Calabria.
Known for: Fresh Tyrrhenian seafood with panoramic views of Tropea coast
Via Nazionale 143, 89861 Tropea VV
Osteria del Castello
Popular Calabrian traditional restaurant in Calabria.
Known for: Strait of Messina fish including swordfish and sea urchin
Via Cristoforo Colombo 4, 89058 Scilla RC
Ristorante Il Bergamotto
Popular Calabrian creative restaurant in Calabria.
Known for: Creative Calabrian cuisine featuring bergamot citrus in savoury and sweet dishes
Via Fata Morgana 7, 89121 Reggio Calabria RC
La Tavernetta da Enzo
Popular Calabrian restaurant in Calabria.
Known for: Traditional Cosenza dishes rarely found outside local homes
Via Misasi 52, 87100 Cosenza CS
Ristorante Pizzo del Diavolo
Popular Calabrian seafood restaurant in Calabria.
Known for: Pizzo's famous tartufo ice cream and fresh seafood pasta
Piazza della Repubblica 22, 89812 Pizzo VV
Trattoria da Filippo
Popular Calabrian swordfish restaurant in Calabria.
Known for: Bagnara Calabra is the swordfish capital of Calabria — harpooned the traditional way
Via Scinà 9, 89011 Bagnara Calabra RC
Gelateria Tonino
Popular Gelato and pastry restaurant in Calabria.
Known for: Birthplace of the tartufo — Pizzo's famous ice cream ball
Piazza della Repubblica 6, 89812 Pizzo VV
Osteria dell'Enoteca
Popular Calabrian with wine pairing restaurant in Calabria.
Known for: Cirò DOC wine paired with local meats and cheeses
Via Margherita 14, 88811 Cirò Marina KR
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
Calabrian Traditional
Calabrian
Sila Mountain Cuisine
Calabrian Antipasti And Wine
Calabrian Casual
Calabrian Creative
Calabrian Mountain
Calabrian Pastry And Coffee
Calabrian Pizza And Pasta
Calabrian Spicy
Calabrian Swordfish
Calabrian With Wine Pairing
Coffee
Gelato And Pastry
Swordfish Speciality
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |