Vespasia Restaurant, Umbria

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Vespasia is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the heart of Norcia. Vincenzo and Federico Bianconi opened Vespasia as part of their luxurious Palazzo Seneca property. The food, wine, and service is impeccable, and the family has created a place to experience the local Umbrian cuisine in a refined way.

 

 

Chef Valentino Palmisano recently took over the Vespasia kitchen. A native of Naples, he came to Norcia after working at the Ritz-Carlton in Kyoto, Japan. His amazing dishes showcase the local gastronomic offerings with a modern twist. We not only loved the food, but the atmosphere is refined yet cozy with large leather armchairs and candlelight.

 

 

Our tasting menu included artichokes with Pecorino and sweetbreads, pasta with tomato essence, oxtail tortelli with 30-month old Pecorino broth, and local fish presented beautifully with asparagus. Chef Palmisano incorporated the famous Melanosporum (black winter) truffles into Acquerello risotto and into gelato for dessert.

Thoughtful wine pairings complemented each dish perfectly, and the service is appropriately attentive without being overbearing. We enjoyed dinner with new friends we met in Norcia, and had the best time staying up late chatting over delicious food and amazing wine. We suggest making a reservation and planning to spend the entire evening at Vespasia; like most good restaurants in Italy, the service is not rushed and dinner is a 2-3 hour event.

Thank you to Vespasia for sponsoring this article.