Where to eat traditional food in South Tyrol
If you love discovering a territory also through the palate, South Tyrol will win you over. Here good cuisine is not just a matter of taste, but a true expression of local culture. Whether you choose an elegant restaurant in the historic center of Bolzano, a traditional Gasthof in a hidden valley, a farmhouse surrounded by apple orchards or a cabin among alpine pastures, you will always find a common thread: genuine ingredients, traditional recipes and warm hospitality.
A mix between North and South
South Tyrolean cuisine is the result of a happy meeting between Tyrolean culture and Mediterranean flavors. Canederli, speck, goulash and strudel coexist with dishes based on fresh pasta, seasonal vegetables and desserts inspired by Italian tradition. The result is a varied and surprising menu, which changes with the seasons and enhances local products.
Where to experience an authentic experience
Gasthof and typical restaurants
In cities such as Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone or Brunico you will find many traditional restaurants, known as Gasthof, where you can taste iconic dishes such as:
- Canederli (Knödel) with speck or cheese
- Green Spätzle with cream and speck
- Tyrolean goulash
- Schlutzkrapfen (herb ravioli)
- Pork shank and polenta
Some suggestions: If you want to savor the taste of tradition, don't miss restaurants like Wirtshaus Vögele, Batzen Häusl or Forsterbräu in the center of Bolzano.
Farmhouses and homesteads
For zero-kilometer cuisine, choose a farmhouse. Here only ingredients grown or produced locally are often used: vegetables from the garden, farm cheeses, artisanal cured meats, homemade bread and natural juices. Often, farmhouses also offer direct experiences with animals or with product processing.
Mountain huts and refuges
During summer excursions or days on the ski slopes in winter, a stop at an alpine cabin is a must. Here simple and substantial dishes are served, ideal for recharging your energy:
- Kaiserschmarren (sweet shredded omelet with blueberry compote)
- Tirtlan (fritters filled with spinach and ricotta)
- Barley soups
- Hot soups and grandma's desserts
Often, in the huts you will also find live music and typical events such as Törggelen, an autumn tradition during which new wine, roasted chestnuts and rustic dishes are tasted.
Interesting fact: The "Gallo Rosso" brand
Many South Tyrolean farmhouses adhere to the Gallo Rosso brand, which guarantees authenticity, quality and rural hospitality. You can consult visit the official Gallo Rosso website to find farmhouses open to the public and offering dining.
Sit down, relax and enjoy the essence of South Tyrol... one bite at a time. Enjoy your meal!