Best ristoranti in Trento

[TuesdaySue]

There are quite a few nice spots to eat in Trento, but the undisputed stars are both in the piazza of Piedicastello, the small historic quarter on the west side of the river (cross Ponte San Lorenzo from the station and you're there).

The Libertino ristorante enologico has some traditional dishes as well as more unusal ones (the struzzo/ostrich is very good). They make their own bread and pasta - it's wonderful. The real pull of this place is it's cantina. Roberto, the maitre d' has always given us a wine we've loved. I don't think their desserts stand up to the high standard of their antipasti, primi and secondi. Instead, they can give you a great digestivo. The setting is lovely, with bar to the left and small restaurant to the right.

The Trattoria Piedicastello or RAP (they are proponents of the Reppublica Autonoma di Piedicastello!) has loads of character. You'll be struck by the artwork going in, but don't stop there, there's another room to the left. This place is very relaxed and a local favourite. Instead of having paper menus, they rely on lively waitresses to tell you tonight's options (the mushroom pasta is fabulous!). There's also a buffet option. The wine is limited to the house 3 -4, but the lively character makes up for it. Don't expect to eat quietly!

A meal at the Libertino costs about E25 a head, while at the RAP is about E15 a head.