Ristorante Il Turista – owned by the Vento Family!

Tucked away in the mountains of Gubbio, Italy is a gem that many are not aware exists. Il Turista is a charming and beautiful restaurant just minutes away from a 12th-century castle hotel with views that will leave you breathless.

Owned by Cosimo and Maria Vento, Il Turista is a family ristorante that makes one feel welcome the moment they walk through the door. Cosimo, a charming and handsome Italian greets his guests with a warm smile, a hearty laugh, and a story about his writing and poetry.

The walls are covered in old paintings, family photos, and autographed 8 x 10’s of celebrities who have eaten there. This makes Cosimo immensely proud.

His lovely wife Maria cooks every meal and creates each dish with a loving hand that only an Italian mother could do. Their handsome son Gaudio comes to each table and tells you in a delightful Italian accent that each dish is made fresh to order and Mama is proud to do so.

The food is worth the wait. Not only can you taste the fresh Italian ingredients, but you can also taste the atmosphere of the surrounding mountains, and you can taste the love that each dish contains.

The pasta is light, delicious, not overwhelming, and the portions are just right. The Crescia which is a traditional “sandwich” of Umbria is one pearl on the menu, and dishes such as pasta with arrabbiata sauce and pasta con funghi, grilled vegetables stuffed with breadcrumbs, and grilled meats bring your dining experience to life. The food is fresh and served with delicious flatbread from Urbino. Top it off with wine, espresso, and dessert to create a wonderful dining experience.

Speaking of dessert, the chocolate pie is unlike anything you have ever eaten. Light, flaky, buttery crust bursting at the seams with the most delectable chocolate filling. To say it is heaven would be an understatement.

There is also a comfy couch off to the side of the dining room that Cosimo will offer to you so you can rest after eating. His sincerity is endearing.

You will be enthralled by his stories of his family, his son Gaudio who works at the restaurant, his other son Roberto who lives in Texas, and his daughters, Helen in Rome, and Rossella who lives in nearby Gualdo Tadino. His love and pride for his children is evident as he tells you stories of their lives and adventures.

After dining, he may serenade you with a song or recite to you a poem he has written. You will fall in love with Cosimo and his charming family.

Outside you will find ample parking and don’t be surprised if you find yourself in awe of the view. In the distance are mountains that in the winter are snow-capped and the medieval town of Gubbio is only minutes away with quaint shops and more Italian exquisiteness.

If you are in Italy and looking for a restaurant that is off the beaten path and not your average fast-food chain, you will be pleasantly surprised by Il Turista. With delicious food, warm hospitality, and love from a charming Italian family, at Il Turista, you are family, and you are welcome.

Average prices: $8 – $21

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean, Barbecue

Restaurant features: Highchairs Available, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine, and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wi-Fi

Received the Award of Excellence!

About Gubbio: Gubbio is in Umbria, Italy, 40 km NE of Perugia and about 65 km S of Urbino in the neighboring region of Le Marche, Italy. The town is beautifully located on the lower slopes of Mt. Ingino. Gubbio is an extremely ancient town mentioned in the famous Eugubine Tablets and was in the past the capital of Umbria.

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