In the heart of Umbria, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Assisi may be small, but it has plenty to offer any visiting food fan. Here are the top reasons foodies love Assisi:
1. Perfect pasticcerie
Those with a sweet tooth will be glad to hear that Assisi is blessed with many tempting pasticcerie. A must-try local delicacy is castagnole, made from fragrant, enriched dough mixed with apples and liqueurs, then fried to create small pastries.
Also look out for rocciate, rolls of sweet pastry packed with nuts, dried fruit and cinnamon; and fave dei morti, almond biscuits traditionally made for All Saints’ Day.
2. Tantalising truffles
Truffles can be found a few miles away near the town of Norcia and are widely used in Assisi’s favourite dishes. Try them shaved over pasta, as a spread for bruschetta, sliced raw with carpaccio, or the Assisi winter speciality, black truffle omelette.
3. Astonishing agriturismi
The area around Assisi has plenty of unique holiday opportunities in the form of agriturismi. These traditional farmhouses are situated just outside Assisi and allow you to relax away from the bustle of the town. For a list of local farm stays, visit www.agriturismo.it.
4. Wonderful wines
The Assisi area has DOC status for its wine, so make sure you try a glass or two of Rosso di Assisi DOC or Bianco di Assisi DOC.
One of the region’s best vineyards, the Sportoletti vineyard, just outside Assisi, is open for guided tours and tastings.
5. Fantastic flatbread
When you fancy a break from exploring the sights of Assisi, make sure you stop off for a torta al testo – Assisi’s special flatbread – which is split open and filled with a combination of flavours, such as prosciutto and cheese, or spinach and sausage.
For more Assisi travel inspiration, read the blog: 48 hours in Assisi
Originally written for Italia! #217 (October/November 2025)