Ristorante Maffei

Ristorante Maffei is a restaurant on Piazza delle Erbe, the market square at the heart of Verona's historic centre, in the Veneto region of Italy. Its position among the frescoed palaces, the Madonna Verona fountain and the market stalls is the main attraction, and the restaurant offers seasonal Veneto cooking with a modern Italian touch. Visitors who want to dine in the most photographed square of the city will find that tables with a view of the piazza are the most sought after, and those can be requested when booking. The kitchen works with the seasons and the produce of the province. Risotto, made with rice from the Veronese plain, is a staple of the menu and is varied through the year with vegetables, cheeses or wine. Other dishes draw on regional meats, freshwater fish and seasonal vegetables, presented in a contemporary style that sits between traditional trattoria cooking and fine dining. The dining room is polished and comfortable, with attentive service and a calm tone, while the outdoor tables add atmosphere in warm weather. Smart casual dress is typical. Noise levels depend on the seating, as the square itself is lively during the day and evening. The wine list favours the Veneto, including Valpolicella, Amarone, Soave and Prosecco, with other Italian regions represented. Prices are in the upper-middle range, higher than in the side lanes, since the setting adds a premium. Reservations are recommended, and visitors who want a table with a square view should ask in advance, especially in spring, summer and around the Christmas market in December, when demand is highest. Hours should be confirmed locally. The location places the restaurant beside the Torre dei Lamberti, Casa Giulietta and the Via Mazzini shopping street, so it suits a meal in the middle of a day of sightseeing in the old town.