One of the questions we hear most often is, “Do you have recommendations for Umbria?”
The answer is always yes.
Over the years, we’ve spent countless days exploring the hill towns, restaurants, markets, wineries, and hidden corners of Umbria. Much of that time has been spent in Spello, the place that has truly captured our hearts and become our second home.
Friends, family, and guests are always asking for our favorite places to eat, stay, and explore in Umbria, so we created this blog to share a few of our discoveries with you. Consider these some of our favorite Umbria travel tips, local recommendations, and inspiration for experiencing the authentic beauty, food, and culture of Italy’s green heart.
Of course, we can’t give away all our secrets—that’s part of the magic of traveling with us in person.
We hope you’ll find something helpful here, share our stories with fellow Italy lovers, and perhaps even join us on a future Le Bon Chaperon journey through Umbria.
Our Favorite Restaurants in Spello
Spello is filled with wonderful restaurants—you honestly can’t go wrong with any of them. But over the years, a few have become our personal favorites, places we return to again and again.
Vino Sofia
One of our absolute favorites. The owners are warm and welcoming, and both the food and wine are outstanding. Graziano will even ship wine and olive oil to the U.S., which makes it extra special. His wife, Brenda, an American, creates beautiful handmade pottery featured in the space and available to purchase and bring home. Brenda is also our translator during our cooking class on our Le Bon Chaperon Umbria trip. She’s lovely.
Il Pinturicchio
A longtime favorite for its delicious and simple Umbrian dishes. We especially love the zucchini soufflé, and the pasta with pistachios and bacon is one we order each visit.
La Cantina
A reliable favorite with great food and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.
Il Molino
Consistently excellent. Their carbonara ravioli is unforgettable and perfect for sharing.
A Day Trip to Montefalco
The drive to Montefalco is one of the most beautiful in Umbria, winding through olive groves and vineyards. The area is known for its wineries, and it’s well worth spending time tasting local wines and exploring the countryside.
Assisi Travel Guide – History, Views & Churches
La Terrazze di Properzio
One of our favorite dining spots in Assisi, with stunning views over the valley. We always recommend sitting outside if you can—the setting is just as memorable as the food.
Shopping in Assisi
Assisi also has wonderful shopping. One of our favorite stops is a boutique featuring beautiful jewelry inspired by the stained glass windows of the Basilica.
Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
The most important place to visit in Assisi is the Basilica of St. Francis. The experience of walking through the basilica and seeing the frescoes is unforgettable and gives such a powerful sense of the history and spiritual significance of the town.
Shopping in Spello
If you’re in Spello, don’t miss Paola’s boutique, known for her linen and cashmere pieces. Many of the wraps are actually made locally in Spello, and she also shares her work beautifully on Instagram.
Another favorite is Oro di Spello, a beautiful local shop creating perfumes, skincare, and lotions made with olive oil from the region. Their scents and products are such a lovely way to bring a bit of Umbria home with you.
A Cultural Gem in Spello
One of the most important stops in Spello is Santa Maria Maggiore. There is a small entrance fee (around €3), but it is absolutely worth it to see the frescoes by Pinturicchio—one of the great masters of the Renaissance. It’s a quiet but powerful experience and a reminder of how much history is tucked into this small town.