Bergamo Restaurants

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After a bit of sightseeing, we were cold (we'd been caught in a torrential downpour earlier)and hungry. Initially we'd planned to go back to our hotel to shower and change, but after perusing the menu, we decided to eat now.

We were shown into a dining room to the left of the doorway, but I think they decided that our party of 7 would have meant re-arranging the tables, and instead we were led along a narrow corridor to a back room. This restaurant was like a tardis - it was quite a bit bigger inside, than it had appeared from the exterior! Initially, I thought that we were being 'dumped in a room for tourists' but this room was quite comfortable, and through our stay, a mix of diners arrived. Groups, couples, families- some from overseas, others probably from Bergamo or nearby. Apparently Bergamo is a popular weekend destination for the Milanese.

First things first- Patsy organised a carafe of house red, and a beer for Heather, while we decided on our choice from the extensive menu. Many of the dishes feature local specialities, with locally sourced ingredients. I was keen to try polenta, as I hadn't tried it before. There were a variety of Polenta dishes on the menu. We all decided to order a couple of salads and fries to share, with our meals. I also ordered a bowl of herb and cheese flavoured polenta which we all tried. It was delicious! The salads were all fresh and crisp. I eventually chose a seafood pizza, which was nice and fresh, with tomato and oregano base, squid, octopus and prawn. The pizzas are all baked in a traditional wood burning ovenThe girls all enjoyed their meals. Patsy managed to finish her calzone, which looked like a small pillow! We were too full for desserts, but had coffee.

It was a nice meal in a relaxed atmosphere, with friendly efficient staff. I'd certainly eat here again.

Open Tuesday to Sunday 12.00 - 14.30 and 1900 - 22.30 (Pizzeria open til 2300)

English translation of webpage

Favorite Dish: I enjoyed my seafood pizza and also the chance to try polenta - a speciality of Bergamo. There is a recipe for the polenta dish on the restaurants website ( under Regional food)

Here's our bill -for the 7 of us

7 x Coperto - (cover charge/ bread) 17.50 euros
2 x 1 litre carafes of house red - 18.00
2 x Beers 8.00
3 x coffees 4.50
4 x cappucinos 12.00
1 x Contorno taragna (Side dish of Polento with cheese and sage) 6.00
2 x Insalate Mista (Mixed Salad) 9.00
2 x Patatine fritte (fries) 9.00
3 x Pizza Ai frutti di mare (seafood) 27.00
1 X Pizza Prosciutto e funghi (Ham and mushroom) 7.00
1 x Pizza Salmone (salmon) 8.50
1 x Calzone Farcita (Stuffed folded over Pizza filled with mozzarella, ham, artichokes, mushrooms) Farcita translates roughly as stuffed with everything 7.80
1 x Lasagne verdi bolognese (sage pasta sheets with bolognaise sauce 7.00

TOTAL BILL --- 141.30 euros

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I wish that you could capture aromas as easily as photographs, to remember and to share with people!
The smell (which I think was vanilla), wafted into the street. (Later that night, I walked past when the shop was closed, and could still enjoy the fragrance!)

Looking at the display of pastries in the window, I kept changing my mind, each looked equally delicious.
I was still deciding which to have, when I entered the shop.

On the counter was a selection of trays with different pizzas - OK, forget the pastries (for now), which Pizza to have? I selected one with a salami topping. This was popped into an oven for a few minutes, then handed to me, with paper napkins. (2 euros for a generous sized slab)

There are tables inside to stand at, which I did.
Vending machine inside sells hot drinks for 80 cents.

I returned the next morning for a breakfast of a pastry with vanilla cream (1 euro), which was delicious, as was the coffee! (80 cents)

While I was in the shop, there was a steady stream of locals buying bread and cakes, and tourists pointing to their selected treats.

In the window was a display of yellow cakes advertised as a speciality of Bergamo - made of polenta - Along the street, I spotted similar cakes of different sizes. (Please see my Local Customs tips for more info)

Favorite Dish: My pizza slice was delicious, hot and tasty!
The pastries and coffee were also delicious. I'll certainly come back here!

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During my first visit in October 2008, I ate at this bar twice, as I felt comfortable here, and the staff were friendly.
Although it was October, I chose to sit outside.
There is seating inside the small bar.
There are heaters outside, but they weren't needed. I did wrap up a bit warmer on my 2nd night though.
A great spot for people watching - I should imagine that it's quite lively in the summer months.
Wide selection of wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, juices, Hot beverages.
Salads, toasties, lasagne, ice creams, sorbets etc.
You can also purchase post cards and confectionery from the bar.
My second visit was in April 09, with 6 friends. We'd been caught in a sudden downpour, and decided that this would be a good place to get warm, and enjoy our first 'holiday drink' We all squeezed around 2 tables, and settled down to choose our drinks. I was pleased to recognise the lady serving us from my previous visit. I had to have my Aperol Spritz! This caused some curiosity among my friends, and they all had a sip. Bottles of wine and beer were accompanied by dishes of olives, crisps and other savoury snacks.
There was a lovely atmosphere, as locals popped in for a drink and a chat with the lady, with much laughing, hugging and kissing between them. I'm not sure if this lady is Flora, or if the younger lady, that was working there at my last visit (who I presumed was her daughter) is the person who the bar is named after. I couldn't ask, as I'm afraid my Italian is as limited as her English.
The rain stopped as we finished our drinks, so we hurried out to catch the views from the Bell tower, before it closed.

Favorite Dish: Since first trying an Aperol Spritz in Venice, this is one of my favourite 'holiday drinks'
On previous visits to the Veneto region of Italy, I'd often seen locals enjoying a glass of this cheery orange coloured spirit, in the early evening.

So, my first evening in Bergamo, I enjoyed my Spritz (4 euros), sitting people watching in the Piazza Vecchia and Via B. Colleoni.

I ordered a salad - the menu was in Italian, so I took pot-luck and selected one of the 3 choices, without being 100% confident of what I'd ordered!. Green leaf salad, with sweetcorn (maize), apple and shrimps (7 euros)- Mmmm! along with toasted bread, olive oil and Balsamic Vinegar - I Was Happy! With a glass of water my bill was 13 euros

I returned here the following evening. After eating pizza and pastries during the day, I was ready for another salad. This time, I selected a green salad with cheese and walnuts (7 euros) and a Spritz (12 euros total)

I returned later for a night cap glass of beer, timed to co-incide with the 10 'o' clock bells ringing from the Bell Tower. A magic moment!

A lovely place to be while drinking a beer or an aperitive before going to dinner.
If you stay long enough they suddenly come with a plate full of food to go with your drinks.
And believe me, we had problems to have dinner afterwards.

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I was passing by this bar for the umpteenth time, as it was opposite the Funicular station.
It was early evening, my feet were hurting, I was thirsty. I was planning to go back to my hostel for a shower and change of clothes before venturing out for the night.

However, a few people were sat outside this cafe enjoying their drinks.
I'd spotted a couple enjoying an Aperol spritz- one of my recent 'favourite drinks'

So, I flopped down at a table and ordered my drink- this came with a slice of orange and ice (4.50 euros)

I was enjoying my first sip, when the waitress reappeared with a plate of 'nibbles'
a square of pizza, a small bowl of crisps, another of roasted peanuts, and yet another of plump green olives! (pic 3 ) I devoured the lot! Mmmmmmmm!

(I think I've read somewhere that in Bergamo There is a 'Happy Hour' when you receive free snacks with your drinks)

A great place for people watching too!

There was a menu of varied dishes to eat inside or out.

Favorite Dish: Well, I just ordered an Aperol Spritz, which was delicious, but the unexpected nibbles were a bonus! They filled me up enough, but not too much, so I could enjoy my meal later on.

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Bergamo is a University town. At lunchtime, the streets were full of groups of lively students - many appeared to be going for the world record of 'How many students can you cram into a bakery'? Well, the usual advise for travelers is to 'Eat where the locals eat' and knowing that students tend to find the cheaper places to eat, this looked like a good place to try

I joined the orderly queue, (hoping that I wouldn't faint from hunger or the heat from the ovens before I could be served).

The 2 women serving, efficiently processed the orders.
After selecting your choice (I chose one with an olive topping),one of the assistants guesses at the size of portion, you then indicate more or less.
The pizza is then weighed and a receipt is issued.
My portion cost 2.40 euros.
This was placed in an oven to warm through. Then it was slipped onto a cardboard tray, and cut into smaller squares, which could easily be eaten with the fork provided.
You hand over your receipt with your money.

Mmmm! delicious Pizza! There wasn't anywhere to sit outside, so I wandered down the street until I found a bollard to sit on.

It was a pleasant surprise to see very little litter on the streets, despite so many people eating on the street. There are plenty of bins around.

Favorite Dish: Freshly baked pizza-Mmmmm! A cheap lunch for me, eaten al fresco!

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This cafe is worth visiting for its ambiance, food and views!
During my short visit it wasn't always open. I seem to remember seeing it open on the Saturday afternoon/early evening, but it was closed later, and all day Sunday.
Monday morning, I was pleased to see it open as I hadn't had breakfast.

I chose a seat on the open air terrace, then went to the bar counter to order a coffee. There was a tempting selection of pastries, tarts etc. I selected a tart, which I think was made of polenta- a local delicacy.

When the waiter brought it to my table, he was pleased to see my reaction- a lovely presented slice of tart, with drizzles of jam, and a strawberry and apple decoration, all dusted lightly with icing sugar. Bueno? he said - Bueno I replied!

While I tucked into this delicious fodder, the sun came out, illuminating the town below.
It was interesting to see the funicular carriages winding up and down the slope in front of me.

Favorite Dish: The coffee (1.50 euros) and tart (4 euros)were delicious - hopefully I'll return one day and enjoy a full meal.

Well presented, tasty food, in an attractive cafe with a nice atmosphere, friendly staff, and great views.

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We do love Italian wine,but Italian beer is too tastless.So when we were coming down from Citta alta squere,and going to funicular(at citta alta end),we walked by Irish pub-so we had to pop in for a one Guinness,wich we"fell in love"in Dublin.At Finland Guinness is quite expensive,so this was even cheap for us.It was under 5euros,and real pint-size,not 5dl as in Finland mostly.We just paid 4,50e for glass of it in Finland!