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Savor the Snow: Italy's Culinary Hotspots for the 2026 Winter Olympics

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. inary-hotspots-for-the-2026-winter-olympics.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 10:40 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locale: ITALY

Dining the Italian Way at the 2026 Winter Olympics: A Travel + Leisure Guide

When the world turned its attention to Italy in February 2026 for the Winter Olympics, the focus was not just on alpine tricks and sprinting speed—there was also a vibrant culinary narrative waiting to unfold. Travel + Leisure’s feature on “Italy restaurants for the 2026 Winter Olympics” brings readers inside the heart of the country’s food culture, spotlighting eateries that blend tradition with modernity and that are perfectly positioned for athletes, officials, and tourists alike. The article takes readers through two key Olympic hubs—Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo—while weaving in anecdotes about local specialties, Michelin‑starred establishments, and the seasonal bounty that defines northern Italy’s cuisine.

1. Cortina d’Ampezzo: The Alpine Epicurean

Cortina d’Ampezzo, the picturesque Dolomite resort that will host the Olympic freestyle and figure skating events, is no stranger to gastronomic allure. The Travel + Leisure list starts with Ristorante Pesa, a family‑owned gem that serves hearty mountain fare such as polenta con speck and braised rabbit. Patrons rave about the restaurant’s rustic ambience and the panoramic valley views that elevate each dish. Next up is Osteria La Stufa, where the menu revolves around the region’s famed arrosticini (skewered lamb) and locally produced cheeses. Its open‑fire hearth and warm, communal seating create an intimate setting that feels like a home‑cooked welcome after a day on the slopes.

For those seeking a more refined experience, the article recommends Ristorante Al Bisonte. This upscale spot pairs traditional Alpine ingredients with contemporary plating, offering dishes like wild mushroom risotto paired with a Dolomiti pinot. While its price point leans higher, the setting—an elegant, stone‑walled interior overlooking the Dolomite peaks—makes it an ideal dinner after a morning of snowboarding.

A unique feature highlighted is Ristorante Riva, perched on the shores of Lake Misurina. Here, the cuisine shifts to lake‑side delicacies: freshly caught trout, mussels, and an array of fresh salads that complement the cool mountain air. The setting’s tranquility, combined with the lake’s reflective surface, creates a dining experience that feels distinctly seasonal.

Family‑friendly options aren’t left behind; Trattoria San Giacomo serves classic Italian dishes like gnocchi and pasta with a generous help of local herbs, all at a price point that appeals to budget travelers. The restaurant’s open kitchen allows younger diners to watch chefs craft their meals, turning cooking into a family adventure.

2. Milan: The City of Fashion Meets Fine Dining

While Cortina’s snowy landscapes dominate the visual narrative, Milan offers an urban counterpoint. As the fashion capital that will host the Olympic opening ceremony, it’s a bustling hub where cuisine meets cosmopolitan flair. The article’s curated list features a blend of Michelin‑starred stalwarts and modern eateries that will cater to a global audience.

Ristorante Cracco is a top pick for those craving Michelin‑grade dining. Helmed by Chef Carlo Cracco, the restaurant delivers bold, innovative dishes that reinterpret Italian classics. Diners can expect meticulously sourced ingredients—think truffle‑infused risotto and lamb ribs—with a presentation that’s almost sculptural.

Adjacent to Cracco is Ristorante Berton, a newer addition to Milan’s culinary scene that focuses on contemporary Italian cuisine. Its menu is seasonal and heavily reliant on locally sourced produce, making it a haven for foodies interested in the region’s terroir. The article notes that Berton’s “farm‑to‑table” approach aligns with the sustainability values increasingly important to modern travelers.

For those who prefer an intimate, traditional setting, Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia is a two‑Michelin‑starred institution that promises “elegance in every bite.” Its menu showcases slow‑cooked beef and slow‑roasted poultry, both prepared with techniques honed over decades. A special mention goes to the restaurant’s tagliata—thinly sliced steak served with a drizzle of local olive oil—a simple yet unforgettable dish.

The guide also points out Eataly’s flagship in Milan—a sprawling marketplace that combines retail, dining, and culinary education. Eataly is more than a restaurant; it’s a culinary hub where visitors can sample regional cheeses, cured meats, and a rotating selection of pasta dishes. It’s a perfect stop for those who want to taste a spectrum of Italian flavors in one location.

For families or those looking for a relaxed atmosphere, Ristorante La Cantina offers a casual menu featuring pizza, panini, and classic pasta. The establishment’s open‑air terrace provides a lively setting, making it suitable for travelers who want to soak in the city’s energy without a long wait for a table.

3. Food as a Cultural Connector During the Games

The Travel + Leisure piece goes beyond a mere restaurant list; it contextualizes why food matters during the Winter Olympics. The article notes that the Games are as much a cultural showcase as they are a sporting event. By highlighting Italy’s culinary diversity, the piece underscores how food serves as a bridge between athletes from different nations and the local culture.

It also offers practical tips for visitors. Many restaurants offer pre‑booked Olympic packages that pair a multi‑course meal with a complimentary drink, making the dining experience seamless for athletes and fans alike. Travel + Leisure advises checking each restaurant’s reservation policies well in advance—especially in the weeks leading up to the Games—as seating can fill up fast.

In addition, the article touches on sustainability. Several of the highlighted restaurants practice local sourcing, reducing their carbon footprint—a nod to the Olympics’ own environmental commitments. This detail gives travelers peace of mind that their culinary choices align with broader sustainability goals.

4. The Final Takeaway

Travel + Leisure’s article is essentially a culinary road map for anyone planning to attend or simply be inspired by the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. It balances the grandeur of the Games with the intimate pleasures of eating in a country that thrives on regional flavors, artisanal ingredients, and a deep respect for the craft of cooking. Whether you’re scaling the slopes of Cortina or strolling the streets of Milan, the guide assures you that a taste of Italy’s finest restaurants will be an unforgettable chapter in your Olympic adventure.

In a world where travel increasingly intertwines with gastronomic exploration, this article demonstrates that the Olympic Games will not only showcase athletic prowess but also serve as a platform for Italy’s storied culinary heritage. From rustic alpine taverns to Michelin‑starred city palaces, the featured eateries promise diners a spectrum of experiences—each bite a reminder that sport and food are two sides of the same celebration of human excellence.