To say that we were excited about the food in Bergamo, Italy would be an understatement. We were ecstatic.
As we prepared for our trip, we envisioned copious amounts of pasta, followed by gluttonous portions of gelato. We were nearly frothing at the mouth by the time our plane landed.
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Of course, we were eager to tuck into some of our Italian favorites (because pizza just tastes better in-country) – but more interested in getting a taste of specialty Bergamo food.
We gleefully consumed savory comfort fare, typical Northern Italian dishes and utterly delightful desserts. Now, we’re sharing with you our top picks!
Must-Eat Bergamo Food
Eating is one of the Best Bergamo Activities; the food was a highlight of our trip! Based on our personal foodie experiences, we’ve rounded up the best things to eat in Bergamo.
Our list features unique regional specialties and the restaurants in Bergamo where we ate them.
#1 Polenta Taragna
Polenta is the most traditional food from Bergamo. Originating as a peasant’s dish in the Middle Ages, it’s hearty, versatile and, admittedly, not that visually appealing.
Bergamo’s version – Polenta Taragna – is unique in that the base is a mixture of cornmeal, buckwheat flour, local cheese and butter.
The concoction is then smothered in a meaty sauce or melted cheese – and it’s absolutely delicious.
Where To Eat Polenta in Bergamo: PolentOne
More of a kiosk than a restaurant, PolentOne is a small operation that serves satisfying portions of polenta on paper plates.
Situated in Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe at the Upper Station of the Citta Alta Funicular, they have a handful of outdoor tables and are consistently busy with both locals and tourists.
The menu is simple, too. Choose your polenta (either with or without cheese), then your topping. Better yet, order the Tris a Scelta – where you select three different sauces.
We tried the Ragu di Cinghiale (wild boar sauce), Taleggio (cheese) and Funghi Porcini (mushroom sauce). We would order any of them again – but the Rgau di Cinghiale was our favorite.
#2 Casoncelli alla Bergamasca
A Bergamo food tradition that evolved from the 1300s, casoncelli are little half-moon, meat-filled pasta pockets, similar to ravioli.
Created by the working class as a way to use up all the bits of leftovers, today the dish is a signature of Lombardy cuisine.
The filling for Bergamo Casoncelli is made with ground beef (or sausage), breadcrumbs, eggs, parmesan cheese and chef’s secret ingredients – like raisins, amaretti biscuits or garlic.
Typically, the pasta is served with a humble topping of melted butter, crispy pancetta and fresh sage. It’s a simple but divine combination!
Where To Eat It: Casoncelli Nonna Alda
Although the Casoncelli Nonna Alda restaurant in Citta Alta is relatively new, their recipes are not.
Since 1928, the family has been dedicated to making handmade, authentic Bergamo cuisine – and they still employ the same processes passed down by Grandma Alda.
The Upper Town location is designed to resemble a kitchen – and passersby can watch ‘grandma’ hand-making casoncelli through the window. Seating is limited, but they offer quick take-away, too.
Ordering is made easy with a 1-2-3 process. Select your portion size, choose meat-filled or vegetarian pasta and pick your sauce: Traditional, Crema Bergamasca or Semplice.
Eager to sample a little bit of everything, we opted for 3 small portions of meat pasta so that we could taste all 3 sauces. None disappointed, but the Traditional and Crema Bergamasca were our favorites!
For a proper dining experience with table service, try their sister restaurant – Taiocchino Taverna Bergamasca in the Lower Town.
#3 Bergamo Cheeses
Cheese is a firm (and oh-so-tasty) part of the Bergamo food culture. In fact, the province has such a deeply rooted cheese history that it’s been named the European Capital of Cheese.
We didn’t even know there was such a title…but we were fully on board with sampling the product!
Of the more then 30 varieties, 9 cheeses from Bergamo have been designated Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) by the European Union. (In Italy, they use the acronym DOP instead.)
Those 9 – Bitto, Formai de Mut, Gorgonzola, Grana Padano, Provolone Valpadana, Quartirolo Lombardo, Slava Cremasco, Strachitunt and Taleggio – are collectively called the Princes of Orobie.
Where To Eat Cheese in Bergamo: Ol Formager
We believe the best place to sample local cheese is at a dedicated shop – and our favorite spot is Ol Formager.
A corner store in the atmospheric Borgo Santa Catarina, Ol Formager is run by a cheese-mongering family that has been in the business since 1920.
They boast a selection of more than 130 Italian cheeses – and the powerful scent wafting from the door beckons you inside.
Of the many cheeses that we tried (and in the name of research, we tried a lot), a few stood out as must-try foods.
The Taleggio, which is similar to brie but more pungent, is exceptional for topping polenta and melting inside a sandwich.
Piccante Provolone Valpadana, which is pleasantly sharp and spicy, and Formai de Mut, a rich and fragrant cheese, both pair perfectly with regional wine.
For topping on pastas and salads, we liked crumbled Quartirolo Lombardo, which is like feta but made with cow’s milk and is more delicate.
#4 Stracciatella Gelato
Perhaps the most famous Bergamo food, Stracciatella Gelato was ‘born’ here in 1961. The concoction was created by pouring melted chocolate into the cream during the churning process.
The chocolate solidified as it was still being stirred, thus breaking it into pieces and mixing it throughout the gelato.
Reminiscent of the process used to make Roman-style Stracciatella Soup (where the egg curdles as it’s mixed into boiling broth), the inventor recycled the name – and the rest, as they say, is history.
Now known (and reproduced) the world over, it is still a city of Bergamo must-eat!
Where To Eat Stracciatella: La Marianna
There is no doubt that the best place for a scoop of the legendary Stracciatella Gelato is straight from the original source.
You can get a cone, cup or the extravagant ‘Experience’ at the very La Marianna shop where it was conceived. (And, by the way, it pairs great with a scoop of dark chocolate!)
If the line is too long at La Marianna (which it often is), you can try the exact same gelato at Babilonia near Piazza Vecchia.
Of course, stracciatella isn’t the only flavor in Bergamo – and La Marianna isn’t the only shop. A staple of Italian cuisine, there are dozens of places to get your gelato fix.
We loved the creative flavor combinations at Gelateria La Romana dal 1947 (try the Biscotto della Nonna) and relished the melted chocolate they poured into the bottom of the cone!
Carmen is another incredibly popular gelato shop – and for good reason. The trio of salted pistachio, salted caramel and dark chocolate was pure heaven!
#5 Polenta e Osei
This Bergamo dessert comes with a slightly off-putting name – Polenta and Birds. To be honest, we were a little hesitant about trying it – so we waited until one of our last days.
Now that we’ve tasted the Bergamo delicacy, we are kicking ourselves for not eating it sooner – because it’s incredible.
First of all, not a single grain of polenta – or piece of bird meat – is used to make this much-loved confection. So why the name?
Over time, polenta became accepted in the upper classes – especially with the added touches of cheese, quail and finches.
In 1910, a local baker aimed to honor the iconic Bergamo dish by creating a sweet cake that resembled the savory meal.
The carefully crafted dessert – which is made of a cream-filled sponge cake, yellow marzipan, crystal sugar and a candy bird – mimics a dome of cheesy polenta.
Where To Eat Polenta e Osei: Nessi
Most bakeries in Bergamo Upper City proudly display Polenta e Osei in their windows – but we were steered in the direction of Nessi.
Known for their authentic take on the culinary tradition, the polenta cakes here come in varying sizes. We shared a medium-sized one, and although quite sugary, it was surprisingly good.
Nessi is also known for their range of pistachio-filled pastries – and we couldn’t resist trying one of those, too!
Pistachios, while not a specific food to try in Bergamo, are popular throughout Italy. They grow in abundance in Sicily (and the most prized are the ones from Bronte).
#6 Piada
Part of the regional cuisine of Northern Italy, piada (or piadina) is a flatbread that is commonly used to make on-the-go sandwiches.
The piada bread itself originated in the 14th century in the Emilia-Romagna region (which is situated between Lombardy and Tuscany).
It was invented by the poor, using basic ingredients and then cooked in a terracotta dish.
Today, the bread is typically baked on a griddle and then made into a sandwich with meat, cheese and sauce. It’s a classic Italian street food and must-sample in Bergamo.
Best Place for Piada Sandwiches: La Piadella
Hands down, La Piadella makes the best piada sandwiches in Bergamo. The bread is crisped perfectly and the ingredients are fresh.
For a small shop, the offerings are extensive with more than 20 combinations (the English menu is printed on the window). Plus, the service is quick and always with a friendly smile.
Our two favorite sandwiches are the Brilla (featuring porchetta and a beer cream sauce that was unexpectedly sensational) and Bergamasca (with salami and local Taleggio DOP cheese).
#7 Bergamo Pizza
We were told over and over that pizza is not traditional food in Bergamo. And, it’s true; pizza hails from the south…Naples, to be exact.
That said, it is a staple of Italian food – and based on our experience, we can confirm that pizza is a popular food in Bergamo, too.
Best Pizza Restaurants in Bergamo
We ate several pizzas during our trip – but none were better than L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele.
An outpost of Naples’ master of pizza, the Lower City restaurant uses traditional woodburning stoves to create excellent Neapolitan pizzas.
Kindness Pizzeria is nestled in the atmospheric Pignolo district – and for a quick, take-away pizza, it was mind-boggling good. We loved the thin crust, ample toppings and enthusiastic staff.
In the Upper City, uber popular Il Fornaio (now part of the Minuscoli family of bakers) has long been known for displaying their tantalizing focaccia pizzas in the window of the shop.
The thick-but-pillowy focaccia is piled high with appetizing toppings – including generous mounds of burrata. The slices are cut with scissors and sold by weight (so one piece can get quite costly).
We snagged a few slices between lunch and dinner, so they were out of our first choices. In the end, we felt they were prettier than they were tasty, but still pretty good!
#8 Aperitivo in Bergamo
A quintessential part of Bergamo gastronomy, aperitivo is the early evening Italian ritual of meeting friends for drinks – which are then accompanied with gratis snacks.
Bars, cafes and some restaurants partake in the tradition. The snacks can range from a bowl of chips or peanuts to small-portion pastas and local cheeses.
Some establishments have even taken the social event to the next level by laying out buffet tables full of hot appetizers (and the drinks are priced accordingly).
Where To Enjoy Aperitivo
In our opinion, Piazza Vecchia is the best place to enjoy the supreme atmosphere of the medieval Upper City. Naturally, it’s a fantastic location for al fresco aperitivo, too!
Although the snacks will likely be small nibbles and the drinks a bit on the expensive side, sipping an Aperol spritz on the main square is iconic. Bar della Bottega is a good option, as there’s stellar views in all directions.
When seeking a local experience, we headed to Via Borgo Santa Catarina, where bars – like Biceri – serve upgraded appetizers.
Map of Bergamo Restaurants
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Bergamo restaurant map below.
Bergamo Foodie Tips
Now that you know what to eat in Bergamo, Italy, we have some honest advice about dining and food experiences.
Opening Hours
In Bergamo, many restaurants adhere to the tradition of riposo – a midday break, where they close their doors for a few hours between lunch and dinner.
Before making plans to eat at a specific eatery, be sure to check current working hours. If they take reservations, it’s usually a good idea to book ahead.
Seating Charge
Some restaurants, pizzerias and trattorias will charge a per-person seating fee, called a coperto. This supplemental charge covers the cost of using the establishment’s cutlery, glassware, plates and tables.
The fee is typically between 1 to 5 euros per person. It should be stated on the menu if they charge a coperto. If not, you may want to ask, because we heard of a few places charging quite a bit more.
Tipping
Tipping in Bergamo – and Italy – is fairly relaxed. Patrons often just round up the bill to the next euro. For exceptional service, it’s adequate to leave a 10% tip.
The higher gratuity rates that have become customary in the US are not expected or even appreciated here.
That said, some restaurants add a servizio charge to the bill, which is a mandatory gratuity. The fee should be on the menu – and it’s not optional. If it appears, however, no extra tip is required.
Bathrooms
During our food adventures in Bergamo, we dined at a number of smaller eateries and cafes – and were a bit surprised to find that not all places had restrooms for clients.
However, there are ample pay toilets (and a few free ones if you’re lucky) located throughout the city.
Bergamo Food Tour
A fun way to sample an array of Bergamo specialty foods is on a guided tour! This highly-rated option navigates the sights in Citta Alta while making snack stops along the route.
Alternatively, you can easily create your own food tour with some of the suggested restaurants on our list – especially if you are traveling in a small group.
For example, in Citta Alta, start your food journey at Polentone (and order the three-sauce option if you are sharing). Just around the corner, you will find Nessi, where you can try the Polenta Cake.
Next, each order a small traditional casoncelli from Nonna Alda. Then, try a piada at La Piadella. Finally, grab a scoop of stracciatella from La Marianna.
You can find all of these eateries (in this order) on our Free, Self-Guided Bergamo Walking Tour!
Prepared Foods and Picnics
If you are staying in Bergamo for a few days and have access to a kitchen, check out one of the deli-style shops that offer prepared foods for take away.
On Via Borgo Santa Catarina, L’assaggio (tagged as Ravasio Giuseppe) is run by a lovely couple who whip up some of the top foods to eat in Bergamo (and they are so incredibly nice!).
Polleria Macelleria – the local butcher on the same street – creates a small assortment of take-and-reheat items, too. The meatballs and stuffed peppers are both fantastic!
Nearby, there are a number of places that make planning a picnic effortless. Stop by Ol Formager for cheese, Forno Fassi San Tomaso for baked goods and Al Cavallino for fresh produce.
Craft Beer
If you follow our blog, then you know we have a penchant for seeking out local craft beer. Not an easy task in Italy, we struggled to find a venue that served the hoppy beers we love.
That said, Bierria di Citta Alta and Pozzo Bianco are two good spots to try in Citta Alta. In Citta Bassa, check out what’s on tap at Pivo or Beer Garage in Santa Catarina. Cin Cin!
Start planning your trip to Italy! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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