Umbria's cuisine is delightfully rustic and simple, relying heavily on olive oil. Here are some of our favorite restaurants in the region. 

Citta di Castello

Bianconi Tartufi, S. Stefano del Piano, 21, (039 075) 8511591. Sells truffle oil and mushroom products.

Orvieto

Antica Trattoria dell'Orso, Via della Misericordia, 16/18, (039 0763) 341642. Has wonderfully creative and delicious soups, and exceptional pastas and second courses orchestrated by a marvelous English-speaking chef-owner versed in art and culture in Italy. You cannot go wrong here for lunch or dinner, but reserve well in advance for dinner. Regulars come all the way from Rome to savor his farro (made from spelt, an old form of wheat) soup. Our favorite restaurant in this jewel of a hill town.

Antico Bucchero, Via de’ Cartari, 4, (039 0763) 341725. This restaurant is highly recommended by Leon and Pat Thornton. Regional specialties and more contemporary cuisine are served in a lovely dining room, and the dark cellar yields many fine Umbrian wines.

Dell'Ancora, Via del Popolo, 7/9, (039 0763) 342766. Serves good food in pleasant surroundings.

Volpe e l'Uva, Via Ripa Corsica, ½, (039 0763) 341612. Very popular with the people of Orvieto, who appreciate excellent food, and a unique menu, at reasonable cost. Reservations may be needed even in winter.

Torgiano

Le Tre Vaselle, Via Garibaldi, 48, (039 075) 9880447. An outstanding, expensive restaurant run by the owners of the wine museum. Combine a visit to this interesting little museum with a delicious midday meal.

Umbertide

Locanda di Nonna Gelsa, Via Caduti di Penetola, 31, (039 075) 9410699.

Poggiomanente, S.S. 219, Uscita E45, (039 075) 9413085 Exit Gubbio/Umbertide off highway E45. Pizzeria/Ristorante.