Where to eat in Castelluccio di Norcia: lentils, truffle and Umbrian flavours
Guide on where to eat in Castelluccio di Norcia: IGP lentils, black truffle, strangozzi, traditional norcineria and the few restaurants on the plateau.
Where to eat in Castelluccio di Norcia
Eating in Castelluccio di Norcia is an essential and authentic experience, like the landscape surrounding the village. The choice is limited in number but extraordinary in quality: here you eat the famous IGP lentils, Sibillini black truffle, Norcia cured meats and traditional Umbrian peasant dishes.
Must-try dishes
Castelluccio IGP lentils
Small, flavourful, thin-skinned: Castelluccio lentils need no soaking and cook in 20 minutes. They are eaten in soup with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, as a side to Norcia sausages, or in the famous summer "lenticchiate". Every family in the village has its own recipe passed down through generations.
Sibillini black truffle
The summer black truffle (scorzone) and the prized Norcia black truffle (winter) are the stars of local cuisine. They are enjoyed grated over strangozzi, in omelettes, on bruschette or in pasta sauces.
Strangozzi and handmade pasta
Strangozzi are the quintessential Umbrian pasta: long, rough, eggless, perfect for soaking up robust sauces made with truffle, tomato and sausage. You also find ciriole and wild boar pappardelle.
Norcineria
Norcineria is the art of pork butchery typical of this area. Prosciutto di Norcia IGP, capocollo, corallina: each cut tells centuries of peasant wisdom.
Where to eat
Village restaurants
Castelluccio has very few restaurants, some still in temporary structures after the 2016 earthquake. The food is simple and genuine: set menus with lentil soup, truffle strangozzi, mixed roast and homemade desserts. Prices are reasonable (20-30 euros for a full meal with wine).
Food stalls on the plateau
During the bloom season (June-July), some stands and temporary refreshment points serve porchetta sandwiches, lentils in bowls and Umbrian craft beers. Perfect for a quick lunch with views over the Pian Grande.
Norcia
30 minutes by car, Norcia offers a broader food scene: trattorias, restaurants, food shops and delicatessens selling truffle, lentils, cured meats and cheeses. Corso Sertorio is lined with historic norcinerie.
Products to take home
- Castelluccio IGP lentils (direct from producers on the plateau)
- Preserved black truffle (in oil, as paste, whole)
- Norcia prosciutto and cured meats
- Sibillini emmer wheat
- Mountain honey
Budget tips
- Packed lunch on the plateau: buy supplies in Norcia and eat with a view
- Set menu in village restaurants: the value for money is excellent
- Lentils cost less when bought directly from growers
- Bring water: there are no fountains on the plateau
