Lillo Tatini — Restaurant in Panicale

We had a wonderful dinner at Lillo Tatini, a restaurant located in the small medieval town of Panicale. We stayed in Panicale for a couple of nights, and this restaurant was definitely one of the highlights. It’s a family-owned, Michelin-listed gem. Since the weather was perfect, we got to sit outside. The owner and his daughter greeted us with big smiles. He was an excellent storyteller and kindly took the time to explain the menu in detail.

The name of the restaurant, Lillo Tatini, is the owner's nickname, given to him by his grandfather. His wife, who is also the chef, suggested naming the restaurant after it. How adorable is that?

We were tempted by the set menu, but the à la carte options were so intriguing that we had to try a variety of different dishes.

For starters, we had chicken liver served on top of delicious bread; two different kinds of liver, both incredibly flavorful. There was also a tripe special on the menu for the evening, and we couldn’t resist. It was so tender and tasty. I never knew tripe could be that soft and full of flavor.

For pasta, we had homemade ravioli stuffed with quail eggs, sautéed with Cinta Senese bacon and special sheep ricotta from Norcia. Holy, so painfully delicious. We also had Paccheri from Gragnano with sausage, mushrooms, and cream, which was equally excellent. Both pasta dishes were absolutely delicious like an amazing Italian mom had cooked them just for us.

For the main course, we had a whole pigeon “alla todina,” a traditional recipe with capers and olives, meant to be eaten with your hands. It was fun and incredibly tasty. We also tried baked Cinta Senese pork ribs with roasted potatoes. These French-influenced dishes were uniquely prepared and beautifully presented.

As if we weren’t already full, we finished with a chocolate shortbread tart topped with salted caramel, chocolate ganache, and mango. It was divine.

The dessert menu itself was printed using the same tools and techniques from the medieval era. So beautiful and fascinating.

To top it all off, the chef came outside to say hello and ask about our experience. She was absolutely lovely, and we fell in love with the entire family.

If you’re nearby, make time to visit Panicale and experience this incredible restaurant. You won’t regret it—I highly...

The people and the wine knowledge is definitely 5 stars! We arrived without a reservation and they gave us the private room in the lower ground, which was like a wine cellar. It was so atmospheric and charming. The wines were an amazing collection and the woman at the helm of their wine business (they have a shop also in town just 50 meters from the restaurant) and in house Sommelier, Bianca, was amazingly knowledgeable. And she bakes amazing bread to boot. We loved the whole experience. Bianca's mother is the chef. And as lovely as this family are and the restaurant is, the food just didn't stack up. My starter of the quenelle was lovely and light, but the salad they brought wasn't very exciting, a bit of romaine lettuce in a small bowl with lots of large beefsteak tomatoes. But what was disappointing was my pork. I had the stew, which I love and order when in this part of the world and mine here was overly salty and dry. I went the following night across the road and and had the same thing at Masolino, and theirs was divine. The pasta my friend had was excellent, home made large ravioli like hat shaped pasta with a cheese and truffle sauce. When the chef came out to ask why we didn't eat all of her food (it was very filling) my friend asked why she was so skinny! And the woman said, cause I never eat what I cook! I think maybe it might help if she did eat her food because it could have...

Unforgettable Dining Experience at Lillo Tatini

Dining at Lillo Tatini in Panicale is like stepping into the heart of an Umbrian home—one where exceptional food, wine, and warmth come together in perfect harmony. This Michelin-rated, family-run restaurant is a standout not only in Panicale but in the region.

Chef Patrizia creates magic in the kitchen, drawing inspiration from local, seasonal ingredients and turning them into elegant, flavour-packed dishes that celebrate Umbria’s culinary traditions. The gluten-free options are also outstanding—not an afterthought, but a thoughtful and delicious part of the menu. Every plate is beautifully balanced, fresh, and deeply satisfying.

Bianca, the sommelier, brings both knowledge and passion to the table with wine pairings that perfectly complement each dish. Her selections showcase the best of local wines, often with a personal story behind each bottle.

And then there’s the wonderful Vittorio—charming, attentive, and genuinely hospitable. His presence in the dining room adds to the intimate, welcoming atmosphere that makes dining here feel special and personal.

From start to finish, the experience is seamless, soulful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re visiting Panicale or anywhere nearby, Lillo Tatini is absolutely worth the journey. One of the best meals we’ve...