Where to eat in L'Aquila: arrosticini, saffron and Abruzzo flavors
Guide to L'Aquila's flavors: from arrosticini to Aquilano saffron, the best rebuilt center trattorias, osterias and tips for Abruzzo's strong and gentle cuisine.
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L'Aquila: the rebirth you can eat
L'Aquila is a city rising from the 2009 earthquake, and its cuisine is part of this rebirth. Every trattoria that reopens in the historic center is an act of cultural resistance. Aquilana cuisine is from mountain Abruzzo: arrosticini, DOP saffron, sheep cheeses, chitarra pasta and convent sweets. It's a concrete and generous gastronomy like the people who prepare it.
Must-try dishes
- Arrosticini: hand-cut mutton skewers, cooked on the fornacella. Abruzzo's identity dish
- Chitarra pasta with lamb ragù: square-section pasta with sheep meat sauce
- L'Aquila DOP saffron: the world's most prized, used in risottos, desserts and liqueurs
- Scrippelle 'mbusse: thin crepes in broth, L'Aquila's festive soup
- Castel del Monte pecorino: cave-aged, intense and sharp
- Ferratelle: crispy wafers cooked in iron molds, filled with jam or cream
Best areas for eating
Rebuilt historic center
L'Aquila's heart is coming back to life. Trattorias that have reopened within the walls offer cooking that speaks of commitment and tradition. Corso Vittorio Emanuele and side piazzas are the dining hub.
Fontana delle 99 Cannelle area
The area around the Fountain, more secluded, has quiet osterias with few tables and authentic home cooking. Fewer tourists, more locals.
Hamlets and outskirts
Many historic trattorias are in hamlets around the city (Paganica, Roio, Coppito). Here mountain cuisine is authentic and prices very low. Car needed.
Types of eateries
Abruzzese trattorias
Mountain cuisine with shepherd-sized portions: unlimited arrosticini, abundant primi, garden sides. Average bill: €18-28 per person — L'Aquila is extremely affordable.
Arrosticinerie
Specialized venues where you order arrosticini by the dozen (€1-1.50 each) with beer and bruschette. The essential Abruzzo experience. Some have the fornacella in view.
Osterias and wine bars
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Cerasuolo and Trebbiano wines with boards of Abruzzese cured meats (ventricina, lonza, liver sausage). Dinner for €15-20.
Convent pastry shops
L'Aquila has a sweet tradition born in convents: Aquilano nougat, Sulmona confetti, ferratelle, mostaccioli. Center pastry shops keep these recipes alive.
Tips for saving money
- L'Aquila is one of Italy's cheapest cities for eating: a full lunch costs €15-20
- Arrosticini are ordered by the dozen and €10 fills you
- Hamlet trattorias offer fixed menus at €12-15
- Piazza Duomo market (Tuesday and Saturday) has local products for a picnic
- Bulk Montepulciano at osterias costs €3-4 per quarter liter
Unique food experiences
- Arrosticini under Gran Sasso: Campo Imperatore trattorias serve skewers with mountain views
- Saffron harvest: October-November, Navelli farms open for flower picking
- Dinner in rebuilt hamlets: every village that reopens a restaurant celebrates rebirth
- Cave pecorino tasting: Castel del Monte cheesemakers offer visits and tastings
- Gastronomic transhumance: in summer, Gran Sasso mountain dairies serve freshly made cheese
Discover more
Practical info
When should you go to L'Aquila?
The best months are May, June, July and September, when there are fewer people.
Are there a lot of people in L'Aquila?
L'Aquila is almost deserted compared to the more touristic destinations.
Where exactly is L'Aquila located?
L'Aquila sits in Abruzzo, Italy.
Part of the complete guide
How to get there
- 🚆 Nearest station: L'Aquila ~1 km as the crow flies
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Aeroporto internazionale d'Abruzzo Pasquale Liberi PSR ~65 km as the crow flies
Nearest points as the crow flies (source OpenStreetMap): actual times depend on the roads, often mountain ones.
