Fine Dining in Bergamo: Baretto di San Vigilio  

For the best fine dining in Bergamo, head to the Citta Alta where Baretto di San Vigilio’s outdoor veranda is a memorable setting for local cuisine.

Fine Dining in Bergamo: Baretto di San Vigilio

When a restaurant is also a local landmark, there is something special to be discovered.  In Bergamo, Baretto di San Vigilio earned its reputation as the prime dining experience.

Best Restaurant in Bergamo: Location

Positioned on San Vigilio hill in the Citta Alta, it is steps from where the cable car reaches the highest part of this historic district.

Before you head to dinner, snap a photo from a viewing platform where a panorama of the region spreads out before you.

While the interiors to the restaurant are stylish and sophisticated – think mahogany wood details contrasting with white linen draped tables – you’ll be in for an experience dining outdoors too.

I had first visited Baretto di San Vigilio while on a press tour and wrote this post: Local Dishes and Desserts: What to Eat in Bergamo.

This time I was returning in better weather.

Summertime dining tables, set in rows by the pedestrian lanes under the shade of a canopy, welcomed us.  A characteristic northern Italian bell tower loomed above.  Everything was a combination of scenic and romantic.

Fine Dining in Bergamo: Baretto di San Vigilio Menu

Owner Beppe Acquaroli’s beautiful local take on local dishes is the rest of the experience.

Bergamo is known for stuffed pasta called casoncelli, polenta dishes and regional wines.  Here, you can opt from dishes like Bergamo style homemade bread ravioli or seafood options like creamed cod fish polenta with truffles.

The menu features antipasti, primi and secondi (appetizer, first and second courses) options as well as desserts and desserts with gluten free choices. For a taste of it all, opt for one of the degustation menus. They include small dishes chosen from the house specialties.

The extensive wine list at Baretto di San Vigilio features local varieties handpicked by Acquaroli himself.  Our waiter suggested the Verdicchio de Castelli di Jesi ’14 which is produced from a white wine grape variety hailing from central Italy.

The Dining Experience: Baretto di San Vigilio

After we were seated, we sipped a refreshing cucumber infused mini-cocktail. A bite sized but very flavorful amuse-bouche of raw salmon with a soft Italian cheese cream followed.

As for dinner selections, I opted for a pasta dish: risotto with wild mushroom, blueberry and ricotta. It was the first time I encountered a pasta dish featuring blueberries. It turned out to be a smooth meld of flavors with more of a wild mushroom influence while the risotto was a perfect al dente.

David opted for a secondi selection, manzo all’oliio con polenta bergamasca which translates as slow cooked beef with polenta. The Bergamo style creamy polenta complemented the tender meat to this hearty dish.

For dessert, we ordered the famous Baretto di San Vigilio tiramisu.

When I travel through Italy, I always love tasting the countless varieties of the classic Italian coffee soaked dessert (which also happens to be my favorite dessert). Acquaroli’s version was a creamy version, delightful and light with just the right balance of sweetness, creaminess and touch of Italian espresso.

Conclusion: Fine Dining in Bergamo

When visiting a beautiful northern Italian town such as Bergamo, securing reservations at someplace special can only add to the overall travel experience.

Baretto di San Vigilio has it all: excellent local cuisine loved by locals, great service and an outdoor setting that shows off the beauty of Bergamo’s Citta Alta. Highly recommended.

Baretto di San Vigilio
Main dishes start at €18; Degustation menus are € 45 per person.
A lunch menu is served from 14:45 – 19:00
Address: Via al Castello, 1 – 24100 Bergamo
Tel: 035 253191 – 035 252845
Email: [email protected]
Reservations recommended.

For more about Bergamo, check out my Travel Europe: Bergamo, Italy mini-guide.

Also, feel free to visit my other posts:

Bergamo Day Trips: Italy’s Lombardy Region

Citta Bassa: Bergamo Lower Town Highlights

Cita Alta: Bergamo Upper Town’s Old World Europe

Have you ever dined in northern Italy?