Walking through the cobbled lanes of Avignon, it is easy to be swept away by the grandeur of the Palais des Papes or the broken arches of the Pont Saint-Bénézet. Yet, beyond the medieval stone walls, a vibrant culinary scene is waiting to be discovered. The city is a crossroads of Provençal tradition and modern gastronomy, making it a true haven for food lovers.
Finding a memorable meal in this historic city is rarely difficult, but choosing the right spot from the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. From rustic bistros tucked away on quiet squares to refined dining rooms run by passionate chefs, Avignon offers a diverse range of Italian cuisine. The proximity to Italy ensures that many kitchens here hold authenticity in high regard.
Whether you are craving a wood-fired pizza with a perfectly charred crust, a bowl of handmade pasta coated in a slow-simmered ragù, or a delicate risotto featuring local truffles, there is a table for you. The local restaurant scene prides itself on sourcing ingredients from the surrounding Vaucluse region, blending French produce with Italian techniques.
We have meticulously curated this guide to help you navigate the best dining experiences the city has to offer. Every venue listed below has been selected based on food quality, consistency, atmosphere, and service standards. We prioritize places that offer genuine value and a true taste of la dolce vita in the heart of Provence.
Whether you are a tourist looking for a romantic dinner after exploring the ramparts or a local seeking a new favorite trattoria, this list has something for everyone. Prepare your appetite for a journey through the finest antipasti, primi, and secondi that Avignon has to offer.
Here is our selection of the top culinary destinations for lovers of Italian food in this beautiful French city.
Italian Queen Avignon
| Address | 44 Cr Jean Jaurès, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 22 91 91 25 |
The service really sets this place apart. The staff is attentive, friendly, and welcoming, making sure you feel taken care of from start to finish. The pacing and efficiency of the service are spot on. The food was really delicious what made our experience still more interesting.
We had a good experience at Italian Queen. The food was fresh and tasty, especially the pizza and pasta. The atmosphere and location were very nice, and some staff members were welcoming.
The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that there seemed to be a lack of communication between the waiters. One waiter told us we could sit at a table, then another waiter later asked us to move, which made the experience a bit uncomfortable. Better coordination between staff would make the customer experience much smoother. Overall, still a nice place to enjoy Italian food in Avignon.
I love the place, even though I was a little sceptical at first.
The NY Queen pizza is soo good - classic in the best way. It has plenty of cheese, really good sauce, and exceeded my expectations. Napoli Queen pizza has a more unique taste, which was interesting to try. The dough was fresh and delicious.
I also enjoyed the exotic lemonade.
Stuff was very nice and kind.
I’m happy we discovered this place early enough, so we have enough time to come again.
Would not recommend. The pizza was extremely soupy, and the pasta had the same issue, watery and extraordinarily oily, though the flavor was fine. Staff were annoyed about separate orders, and for the price, the quality was disappointing. To top it off the bathroom is disgusting, genuinely go anywhere else.
Loved it. Warm, friendly staff. Visited for some drinks and a quick bite to eat. Delicious focaccia w/pesto appetizer. Beautiful intriguing city. Merci beaucoup Avignon for your gracious hospitality.
Pinocchio
| Address | 29 Rue Théodore Aubanel, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 82 60 90 |
Man, am I glad I don’t live anywhere near this amazing Italian restaurant, because I’d be here way too often and definitely packing on the pounds!
By far the best pizza we’ve had in France. The dough was absolutely perfect, the ingredients were fresh and delicious, and they definitely don’t hold back on the toppings. Everything was generous, flavorful, and incredibly well done.
The prices are also very reasonable for the quality, which makes it even better. And don’t overlook the pasta, the dish we tried was fantastic as well.
If you love Italian food, this place is an absolute must. We loved it! 🍕🇮🇹
Such a great place, highly recommend it from the heart. We came here for dinner first and then came back again for lunch. We tried many places in Avignon, but this one was honestly the most delicious.
The bread with truffle butter is absolutely divine. Very tasty pasta, delicious risotto, and a really good salad. The portions are huge, so you can easily share dishes for two people.
Everything is very fresh, the atmosphere is lovely, and the staff are very friendly. What we especially appreciated was that even after they were already closed, they patiently waited for us to finish our lunch without rushing us.
So we truly recommend this place.
We walked around for about 45 mins and came across Pinocchio restaurant and the menu appealed to us. There was no wait and we were seated immediately outside.
The service was good. The food was very good. We had the clam linguine and salmon pasta. Both came.out very hot and presented very well. Most importantly the food was delicious!
If you are in the area, this is a good spot.
We ordered the parmigiana and a pasta dish. Both were good, but nothing particularly memorable. In my opinion, the overall experience didn’t really justify the price.
The atmosphere is nice, but since we didn’t make a reservation, we had to sit at the counter near the entrance. The main issue was that the door stayed open most of the time, so it ended up being quite cold during the meal.
Went there by myself on a saturday night. Place was packed but the service was still very good, with all the waiters being young and very attentive.
The pizza “Di Parma” was amazing, the quality of the dough was also pretty good, very thin and the crust was delicious, with amazing bubbles of air inside!
The dessert cannoli was a little bit hard, making it dificult to break and i think it should also have pistacchio inside, not only on the edges
The atmosphere of the place was also very pleasant, in the dining room below us could see the cookers make your pizza wich gives a good touch to the guests!!
Bella Napoli
| Address | 5 Pl. Jérusalem, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 25 21 04 |
Surprised by all the bad reviews. We found the owner very lovely and the food extremely tasty. Parmigiana was excellent and the pasta with tomato too. The atmosphere was also nice, so I recommend a visit.
Worst food i have had in France.
Pizza was burnt and no flavour in carbonara.
Service was bad as well, didn’t even say ‘thank you’ or smile after the bill was paid.
And they were playing some loud music with a speaker.
As Italian I am always skeptical about having pizza abroad but this place was a surprise. Real, fragrant, tasty neapoletanian pizza like if you are in Naples. High quality ingredients one feels in the mouth, pasta that melts in the mouth.. absolutely nailed. Surprised, I asked the waiter who is making it...it turns out he and his brothers are the owners and, unsurprisingly, they are from Naples. Top notch and highly suggested!
Came here for a relaxed pause in-between theatres I had plan for the day and came across this restaurant that has a warm family feeling and a welcoming atmosphere, I was very happy about the food and service is very good 👍
Oh dear. This was quite poor and the rest of my family wouldn’t even give it one star ! But I was the only person whose dish arrived and ate it . We are a family of 5. We seemed to be the first of the evening service - quite early but around 19:30. There seemed to be lots of staff that jumped in to action, so we were hopeful. But on ordering , the drinks came pretty quickly , the 2 that ordered beer said it was warm and flat and didn’t drink it. But the food was a disaster. I don’t know what was going on , but the food came out , 3 out of 5 dishes, 1 of which we didn’t order- so a bit of confusion . We then saw after about 15 minutes another of our dishes came out , but went to another table ( they got nothing else ) and then we waited and waited . Looking around , we saw the same across all the tables as it was getting quite busy .
In the end we had to talk to the staff and say that we were really sorry , but it was just too bad and we’d waited too long .
The waitress that was trying to deal with all of this was really doing her best but it was clear she’d been let down by the kitchen and her boss !
Really - there are so many better places to go . It was a shame !
Ma Che! brasserie italienne
| Address | 162 Av. Pierre Semard, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 90 20 65 60 |
Everything is perfect, from the service to the atmosphere to the food, which is truly excellent. Whether it's the pizzas or the pasta, the chefs know what they're doing, and it shows in the dishes. The pesto pasta I had was a real treat; with the burrata and sundried tomatoes, it was perfect. I also tried the Carbonara pizza with the egg, which adds a fantastic touch to this truly delicious pizza. I wasn't expecting this from a restaurant in a shopping mall! 10/10
A place to remember! The dishes are delicious, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
The establishment offers a warm and cozy atmosphere, with friendly and tasteful decor.
The place is clean and welcoming, and the staff is very friendly.
The prices are affordable, making it an ideal option for a good pizza or other meal with friends or family.
A warm welcome and kindness from the whole team. We felt right at home. The food is truly excellent, the pizza dough is incomparable; I've never eaten anything so good.
Everything is fresh, too.
And the price is really reasonable as well. In short... Bravo, and we'll be back soon. Don't change a thing!
What a pleasant surprise this establishment was! Excellent pizzas, attentive staff, great atmosphere, clean premises, very good value for money, I highly recommend it... the little extra touch was the very original toilet sink, I really liked it!
I received a very warm welcome at this beautifully decorated Italian restaurant.
The staff is incredibly friendly, and even when it's busy, they always have a kind look and the politeness to match.
My first order there was the Margherita pizza... €12.50 for a truly impressive pizza, both in size and taste! I was extremely satisfied!
They also have an Italian grocery section for those who would like to take home some treats.
Don't hesitate to visit them!
Sébastien, Toulouse
Au bout d'la rue
| Address | 164 Rue Carreterie, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 90 85 16 31 |
Menus
I came here on vacation and it was amazing! The waiters are very kind the food was delicious. I came back 3 days in a row!
Perfect lunch, great service. Bruschetta burratta at a whole new level.
Had the gnocchi and creme brulee, highly recommend! Food was delicious 😋 Went in a quieter time of the year so it was only half full, but I really liked that for the atmosphere. Tres bien!
Excellent food. Amazing service.
Italie là-bas
| Address | 5 Rue Violette, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 9:15 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 9:15 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 9:15 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 9:15 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 86 81 62 27 |
Graceful service and innovative interpretations of Italian dishes using only the freshest ingredients. An artichoke starter with citrus zest, toasted buckwheat, and thinly sliced Parmesan was a standout. A seemingly simple pasta arrabiata was layered with flavors. If you’re looking for a veg friendly change from French food, try this restaurant.
Beautifully presented dishes with ‘tapas’ concept of various Italian touches. The lovely chef, Mme. Italia palladino greeted us in person so we could say thanks for the lovely dinner. It’s a quite impressive experience. Thanks for the service staffs as well.
This restaurant was an unexpected find. It is really top quality and amazing to find such a restaurant in Avignon with a vegetarian tasting menu. Everything was perfect
Lovely food, ambiance and service. Has a vegetarian menu that has a vegan option for starter, main and dessert that varies with the season. Staff speak English too. And they are open on Sunday! Highly recommend this place for refined dining.
We had the most lovely dinner here this evening, I had to write about it. It's in a small quiet lane which is nice if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the square. Our starter was not only delicious but so beautiful to look at. And all the glassware they used were so charming. You will not regret coming here!
Maison Del Cotto
| Address | 16 Rue Des Trois Faucons, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 90 82 60 91 |
We enjoyed this lovely restaurant so much that we returned the following evening. Food and service were excellent. Lovely location on a quiet side street in Avignon. We had perfect weather to complement the food.
just left this lovely restaurant that was chosen arbitrarily. just amazing food. i live in new york and have been to italy a few mo tha ago and this meal was better than any i’ve eaten in either of those. i have eggplant parmesan and my husband had the veal. amazing. and the service was just fantastic. by all means - don’t miss this restaurant- you’ll be very pleased
We ate here twice on our vacation. It was delicious both times. The first time we both had the carbonara and the second time we time the lasagna. Both were really good but my favourite was the carbonara…it’s always a favourite of mine and I order it whenever I can. Have to say this was as good as any I’ve had worldwide.
They young lady server was very pleasant as well.
First day in Avignon, stopped in the way to the hotel for some food and a drink. Lovely waitress, very attentive. Both of us ordered pizzas. Sauce, cheese and toppings were very good. The base was featureless, no air bubbles, just like flat dough. Was tasty without the wow. Place was quiet, probably because we were there 45 mins before closing.
Strange to find the best Italian food I have eaten not in Italy or on the other four continents to which I travel but in Avignon, France. Well priced and magnificent!
Babbu Mio
| Address | 72 Rue de la Bonneterie, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: 6:00 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 15 79 80 |
Wow!…. The food…. Menu may look simple but the attention to detail regarding ingredients, preparation and presentation is without question…. The chefs pesto is worthy of note, as are his frites…. My arrabiatta was mildly/fierce without assaulting my tastebuds and the panna cotta?!?!…. Let’s just say I’d happily enter a diabetic coma and live on this
Very friendly waitress, delicious food. No complaints about the quantity or quality; I highly recommend it, there's a great atmosphere.
We discovered this charming place with great enthusiasm! A very warm welcome, a genuinely smiling waitress, impeccable service, excellent dishes, and particularly well-presented portions (both in terms of quantity and presentation).
We had a wonderful time. And the prices are very reasonable too! A must-try!
A wonderful culinary journey to Italy thanks to its delicious dishes! 🇮🇹
Une superbe découverte ! Babu Mio est une véritable pépite qui marie à merveille la cuisine française et les saveurs sardes.
Italian Trattoria
| Address | 641 Av. de Saint-Tronquet, 84130 Le Pontet |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 84 51 27 27 |
I had the cacio e pepe and tiramisu. Both were good, but nothing truly mind-blowing. The pasta was a little too al dente. The tiramisu was just an average tiramisu, nothing special.
Still enjoyable overall. I would eat here again.
We went on valentine and they gave women flowers 🥹🫶🏻 so cute, vegies were delic but salty
Good food, quick service and friendly atmosphere. They don't speak english but luckily it wasn't an issue.
A good Italian restaurant that offers fresh pastas, homemade pizza and salad. With very good prices, between 7 and 9 euros for pastas or pizzas, one of the cheapest place to eat around Le Pontet area. The quality to price ratio is pretty good. A restaurant to try the area! Also offers, indoor and outdoor seating.
👍 top
ROTOLINO
| Address | 25 B, Rte de Lyon, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 6:30 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 6:30 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 6:30 – 11:30 PM Friday: 6:30 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 6:30 – 11:30 PM Sunday: 6:30 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 07 81 38 41 56 |
It was a great experience. The staff was super nice and food delicious. Thank you
excellent
Excellent service
Great food and customer service!
Top
Le Petit Plus by Mimmo
| Address | 2bis Rue Portail Matheron, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 86 34 24 67 |
C’est magnifique!
Had both a lunch and a dinner here.
Both meals were amazing.
Great friendly service.
Would recommend
Another reviewer mentioned that this restaurant offers takeout, but when I called and asked the man if they truly do offer takeout he seemed annoyed to have to answer my question or even talk to me in the first place. Being rude is a weird strategy to attract customers, I may have gone out to eat there tomorrow, and I definitely wouldn't have left a bad review if he would've been kind. But hey it's not my business 🤷
As of now the restaurant doesn't offer takeout, you should look elsewhere.
Very authentic and friendly place, we highly recommend:))
Wow… husband was a bit under the weather so I swung by to see if I could get some pasta to go. The sweetest woman took my to go order and I enjoyed a nice glass of wine as I waited. The kindness of her smile warmed my heart and the food was delicious. Thank you for being so accommodating and for bringing a smile to my takeaway order. FYI - meal was delicious!!!!
Super tasty pasta at a really good price. We paid 37euro for 2 very big pastas and 50cl of wine. Lovely owner, too!
Amalfitano
| Address | 30 Rue des Marchands, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
Best pistachio and gianduia gelato ever. Seriously good. Delicious pesto burrata pizza. Super kind waiters!!
Skip the touristy places, this place is 10/10
a really cute little shop with amazing food and the nicest server! Would love to come again.☺️
Lovely Experience, very Kind Staff, just a Place to enjoy!
Great Service and personnel, the food was also great, would recommend it every time. It’s definitely worth checking.
Spontan entdeckt und absolut begeistert! Sehr freundlicher Service, leckere Pizza sowie köstliches Eis und Kaffee.
How to Choose the Perfect Italian Restaurant in Avignon
Navigating a city’s dining scene can be tricky, especially when you are looking for authenticity in a country famous for its own cuisine. To ensure you have the best possible experience, consider a few key factors before booking a table. These practical tips will help you avoid tourist traps and eat like a local.
First, always look for menus that change with the seasons. Authentic Italian cooking relies heavily on fresh, high-quality produce, and a fixed menu that never changes often indicates frozen or pre-prepared ingredients. In Avignon, the best chefs often visit the Les Halles market daily to select their vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
Second, do not be afraid to venture away from the main square near the Palais des Papes. While the views are stunning, restaurants in high-traffic tourist zones often prioritize volume over quality. Walking just ten minutes into the quieter neighborhoods, such as the Rue des Teinturiers area, will often reward you with more authentic cooking and better value for your money.
Third, pay attention to the pasta. A truly great Italian restaurant will usually make its pasta in-house. If the menu specifies "pasta fresca" or "fait maison," it is a strong indicator that the kitchen cares about texture and flavor. Ask your server about the flour used or the shape of the pasta; passionate staff will be happy to discuss the details.
Fourth, consider the wine list. Italy and the Rhône Valley share a deep viticultural history. A well-curated list that balances Italian classics like Chianti or Barolo with local Châteauneuf-du-Pape demonstrates a thoughtful approach to pairing. Restaurants that only offer generic house wines often lack the attention to detail found in the top spots.
Finally, booking in advance is essential, especially during the summer festival months of July and August. The best terraces fill up quickly, and you do not want to be left wandering the streets hungry. A quick phone call or online reservation will secure your spot and often allows you to request a specific table on the patio.
Exploring Avignon’s Italian dining scene is more than just eating; it is an immersion into a culture that values slowing down and savoring every bite. The marriage of French hospitality and Italian culinary passion creates a dining experience that is unique to this corner of Provence. From the first sip of a Negroni to the last spoonful of tiramisu, the city invites you to linger.
We hope this curated guide helps you discover a new favorite spot. Whether you find yourself charmed by a hidden courtyard or a bustling modern eatery, the memories made around these tables will surely be a highlight of your time in Avignon.
