The story
Giuseppe Portanova was born in Urbino in the late 1980s. He studied at the Liceo Artistico Scuola del Libro, and during summer holidays he learned the art of service at one of the city’s best-known restaurants. At the end of his studies, he decided to take over the business himself, stepping into the role of chef – a position that had been vacant. With guidance from his brother Oris, a chef with two decades of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, Giuseppe deepened his knowledge of local ingredients. In 2021, together with his wife Silvia, he opened Portanova Ristorante.
The menu is built around three tasting paths, each with a distinct narrative. Repetita Iuvat (80€) is a love letter to the territory, featuring dishes that have become signatures – such as Casciotta di Urbino fonduta with fresh truffle, and a risotto with smoked cherry wood, rabbit in porchetta, and marinated olives. Rinascimento Contemporaneo (100€) takes inspiration from the Renaissance court of Federico da Montefeltro, pairing local ingredients with distant spices. Expect paccheri with roasted Casciotta di Urbino, lapsang souchong tea, and Paccasassi mussels, or cappelletti filled with Raviggiolo in a pigeon and smoked eel ragu. Rinascimento Vegetale (70€) offers a plant-based journey centred on sustainability, with dishes like sedano rapa alla porchetta and a brownie with dark chocolate, coconut, and wasabi.
The restaurant’s commitment to contemporary Italian cuisine, rooted in the Marche’s landscape and culture, earned it a Michelin Recommended distinction in 2026. The dining room is small and personal – guests are asked to note allergies at booking, and the minimum age is eight. Dogs of small size are welcome when communicated in advance. Parking is at Porta Lavagine, a few steps from the historic centre. The pace here is unhurried, the flavours precise, the welcome genuine.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
