Il Grottino

The story

Il Grottino, Gualdo Cattaneo – Umbrian Grill & Michelin Recommended

A Borgo Reborn

Giorgiana Guidi and Raffaele Tomaino are the couple behind Il Grottino. Giorgiana comes from a family of historic Roman restaurateurs; Raffaele shares her vision. They chose the medieval borgo of Gualdo Cattaneo—a place that had seen years of depopulation—and set out to bring it back to life. “Gualdo Cattaneo is a magnificent borgo to live in,” they say. “We made this entrepreneurial and life choice with the aim of making it known.” What started as a dream of opening their own business grew into something larger: a Relais with a restaurant, bistrot, rooms, and spa, all anchored in the rhythms of Umbrian countryside.

Hosteria Il Grottino: The Heart of the Kitchen

The Hosteria is where the restaurant’s identity shines. Here, Umbrian cuisine is expressed through dishes made with ingredients sourced at kilometer zero. The open grill takes center stage, cooking carefully selected meats in full view of the dining room. This is not a stage; it is a daily commitment to simplicity and quality. The Michelin guide has taken note, awarding Il Grottino its “Recommended” distinction for 2026—a quiet nod to the kitchen’s consistency and respect for the territory.

A Second Act: The Bistrot

Alongside the Hosteria, the Bistrot offers a more flexible experience: light lunches, aperitifs, and informal dinners. The cooking here is described as creative, blending tradition with innovation, all within a refined setting that still feels welcoming. Whether you stop for a midday bite or an evening glass of local wine, the Bistrot extends the same philosophy—local ingredients, honest technique, and a sense of place.

Atmosphere and Surroundings

Il Grottino sits within the Relais of the same name, a restored historic building with views over the hills and the ancient Torre di Gualdo Cattaneo. The dining spaces—both indoors and on the outdoor terrace—carry the calm of the borgo. Meals here unfold at a slower pace, the kind that allows conversation to linger and flavors to settle. The couple’s ambition was not just to open a restaurant but to make the borgo a destination again. On any given evening, the sound of glasses and the scent of grilled meat rising from the courtyard suggest they are succeeding.