What Food To Try in Perugia and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Perugia for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Perugia cafes and restaurants
$14.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $4.91
$54.6
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $43.67
$8.7
Combo Meal
Starting from $7.53
What to Try in Perugia
Must-try Dishes
Fried Bread - Pizza al Taglio (heavy flatbread) - This crispy, thick flatbread is topped with various savory ingredients like tomatoes and cheese. Perfect for breakfast, locals often grab a slice on the go while starting their day.Porchetta Sandwich - Porchetta (roast pork) - Slow-roasted, herbed pork is served in a crusty roll, often with a bit of crunchy skin. You’ll find it at street markets or local eateries, especially during midday when locals are enjoying a quick lunch.
Umbria’s Ragù - Ragù Umbro (rich meat sauce) - A hearty mix of stewed meats like beef and pork, simmered with tomatoes and herbs, served over thick pasta. It’s often a choice for Sunday family dinners and savored with a glass of local red wine.
Truffle Pasta - Tagliatelle al Tartufo (luxurious pasta) - Fresh tagliatelle dressed with a rich sauce made from local black truffles and cream, creating an indulgent, aromatic dish. Treated as a specialty, it’s best enjoyed during the truffle season, particularly in autumn.
Chickpea Soup - Zuppa di Ceci (hearty soup) - Made with pureed chickpeas, garlic, and herbs, this thick soup packs a comforting punch. It’s a staple during colder months, with locals often enjoying it for a cozy dinner.
Fried Olives - Olive Ascolane (stuffed olives) - These large green olives are stuffed with seasoned meat, battered, and deep-fried to a crispy finish. Commonly found at aperitivo time, be sure to savor them slowly with good company.
Spinach Pie - Torta al Testo (savory pie) - A traditional flatbread pie filled with fresh spinach, cheese, and herbs, baked to perfection. Enjoyed as a light dinner or a substantial snack, it's a local favorite that embodies seasonal flavors.
Seasonal Mushroom Risotto - Risotto ai Funghi (creamy rice dish) - Creamy Arborio rice cooked with local wild mushrooms, providing a rich and earthy flavor. Best enjoyed in fall when mushrooms are at their peak, it's a dish best shared at family gatherings, reflecting a deep-rooted culinary tradition.
Desserts & Drinks
Caffè Americano - (Italian coffee drink) - A strong brew made by diluting espresso with hot water for a smooth finish. Locals usually sip it at the bar in the morning with a pastry; it's a daily ritual and the perfect pick-me-up. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - (local red wine) - This rich red wine is crafted from Sangiovese grapes, aged to perfection in oak barrels. You'll often see locals enjoying it during dinner, particularly with hearty pasta dishes; it's a go-to throughout the week but savored more on weekends.
Caffè Freddo - (iced coffee) - A deliciously strong espresso chilled down with ice, sometimes sweetened with sugar syrup. It's a refreshing choice in the hot summer months, typically enjoyed mid-afternoon as a pick-me-up while chatting with friends in the piazza.
Torcolo - (traditional sweet bread) - A soft, fragrant brioche-like bread made with candied fruits, nuts, and a touch of anise. Locals often indulge in it during festivals, especially at Christmas, where you might spot families sharing it after festive lunches.
Gelato al Cioccolato Fondente - (dark chocolate gelato) - A rich, velvety gelato crafted from high-quality dark chocolate, often served in a cone or cup. Perfect for warm evenings, this treat is best experienced while wandering the cobbled streets, savoring the flavor with every delightful spoonful.
Food and Groceries in Perugia
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.36 |
| Bananas | $1.64 |
| Oranges | $1.68 |
| Potatoes | $1.24 |
| Apples | $1.67 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.72 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.69 |
| Imported Beer | $1.26 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $5.46 |
| Milk 1L | $0.89 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $18.42 |
| Chicken | $8.83 |
| Cigarettes | $6.06 |
| Rice | $2.19 |
| Local Cheese | $14.92 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In Perugia, mealtime rhythms are fascinating, especially how locals typically eat dinner around 8:30-9 PM. It's a stark contrast to many places where dinner is earlier, and you won’t find anyone rushing through their meal. This leisurely pace reflects the deep appreciation locals have for food and dining experiences. Occasionally, if you're wandering around Centro Storico at 7 PM, the streets may feel quieter as everyone settles in for a long evening of food and conversation, making for a lovely, atmospheric stroll.
When it comes to dining areas, you’ll find bustling spots like the Via dei Priori packed with cozy trattorias and enotecas. Prices for a simple pasta dish can range from €8 to €15, depending on the restaurant's location. If you stroll over to the more tourist-centric parts of the city, you might end up paying €20 or more for similar fare. I’ve often paid around €12 for a delicious dish of pici cacio e pepe along Via Pinturicchio.
Payment customs in Perugia are also quite particular. Most establishments prefer cash, particularly the smaller, family-run places, although you'll find card machines in larger restaurants (where you might also encounter a service charge of around 10%). It's always better to check first and carry enough cash, especially if you plan to explore the narrow streets where many charming eateries are tucked away. I've learned to keep a small amount of cash on hand for those charming little stops.
As for tipping, it’s not mandatory, but leaving some small change or rounding up the bill is always appreciated. A common mistake for tourists is thinking they should tip like they would in North America—it's much more casual here.
One standout local habit is the tradition of “aperitivo,” which usually kicks off around 6 PM. You may find locals congregating in bars and cafés to sip on a spritz while nibbling on small bites. It’s like a social hour and quite the prelude to dinner.
If you’re looking to grab a seat at the popular spots, it's best to make a reservation for dinner, especially on weekends. The rush periods tend to start filling up around 8 PM, and it’s tough to find a table without prior booking.
As seasons change, so do the offerings and prices. For example, winter brings lovely truffle dishes and hearty stews that can be a tad pricier, whereas summer often features lighter fare at more reasonable prices, fostering a vibrant outdoor dining scene. Keep an eye out for daily fresh markets, especially on Saturdays—local produce and pantry staples can often be found at amazing prices, further entrenching the community’s seasonal reliance on local ingredients.
Connecting these dining practices to the essence of Perugia, you’ll notice a genuine embrace of food as a communal experience, favoring quality over quantity. It paints a vivid picture of a city that savors both its culinary offerings and social interactions, a trait that truly defines its vibrant culture.
When it comes to dining areas, you’ll find bustling spots like the Via dei Priori packed with cozy trattorias and enotecas. Prices for a simple pasta dish can range from €8 to €15, depending on the restaurant's location. If you stroll over to the more tourist-centric parts of the city, you might end up paying €20 or more for similar fare. I’ve often paid around €12 for a delicious dish of pici cacio e pepe along Via Pinturicchio.
Payment customs in Perugia are also quite particular. Most establishments prefer cash, particularly the smaller, family-run places, although you'll find card machines in larger restaurants (where you might also encounter a service charge of around 10%). It's always better to check first and carry enough cash, especially if you plan to explore the narrow streets where many charming eateries are tucked away. I've learned to keep a small amount of cash on hand for those charming little stops.
As for tipping, it’s not mandatory, but leaving some small change or rounding up the bill is always appreciated. A common mistake for tourists is thinking they should tip like they would in North America—it's much more casual here.
One standout local habit is the tradition of “aperitivo,” which usually kicks off around 6 PM. You may find locals congregating in bars and cafés to sip on a spritz while nibbling on small bites. It’s like a social hour and quite the prelude to dinner.
If you’re looking to grab a seat at the popular spots, it's best to make a reservation for dinner, especially on weekends. The rush periods tend to start filling up around 8 PM, and it’s tough to find a table without prior booking.
As seasons change, so do the offerings and prices. For example, winter brings lovely truffle dishes and hearty stews that can be a tad pricier, whereas summer often features lighter fare at more reasonable prices, fostering a vibrant outdoor dining scene. Keep an eye out for daily fresh markets, especially on Saturdays—local produce and pantry staples can often be found at amazing prices, further entrenching the community’s seasonal reliance on local ingredients.
Connecting these dining practices to the essence of Perugia, you’ll notice a genuine embrace of food as a communal experience, favoring quality over quantity. It paints a vivid picture of a city that savors both its culinary offerings and social interactions, a trait that truly defines its vibrant culture.