Reims may be world-famous for its legendary Champagne houses and Gothic cathedral, but the city’s culinary landscape extends far beyond bubbling flutes and cellars carved from chalk. Tucked between historic squares and lively pedestrian streets, the restaurant scene here has quietly evolved into a destination of its own.
From cozy, family-run trattorias that have served the same pasta recipe for three generations to sleek, modern dining rooms where Italian classics meet French technique, Reims offers a surprising depth of authentic Italian cooking. The city’s proximity to both Paris and Italy’s northern border has shaped a food culture that takes its pizza, pasta, and risotto very seriously.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend of champagne tasting, attending a business conference, or simply looking for a memorable dinner after exploring the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, finding the right Italian table can transform an ordinary evening. The best spots combine quality ingredients, consistent execution, and that unmistakable Italian warmth.
This guide focuses on restaurants that local residents actually recommend, not just tourist-friendly addresses near the train station. Each entry has been selected for its reputation, ingredient sourcing, and ability to deliver a satisfying meal time after time. Expect a mix of wood-fired pizza specialists, refined pasta kitchens, and family-run dining rooms that feel like a short trip to Naples, Rome, or Sicily.
Because the dining scene in Reims changes with the seasons and new openings regularly reshape the conversation, the list below reflects a balance of established favorites and rising stars. Portions, price points, and atmosphere vary, so there is something for a quick lunch, a romantic dinner, or a lively group celebration.
To make your search easier, the following selection highlights the best Italian restaurants in Reims right now, organized with practical details and honest descriptions.
NONNA Restaurant Italien Reims

| Address | Parvis de la Cathèdrale, 11 Rue des Fuseliers, 51100 Reims |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
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 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 03 26 02 85 75 |
Greg Coyne★★★★★
What a beautiful Italian restaurant, stunning food. We had the Arancini followed by the ROMBO - Turbot and the POLPO - Grilled Octopus and then the Pistachio ice cream with the cherries for dessert. Amazing meal, we will be back. Thank you.
Timothy Rose★★★★★
I was extremely pleased with my meal at Nonna. The place is gorgeous, and for the most part, the service was good. The waiter forgot my wine, but it was alright because I didn't really need it. My son had the cacio e pepe, and I had the gnocchi and the melanzane parmigiana. The pastas were on par with Italy itself. This was an amazing find in this small city. I highly recommend it for those who want something outside of the typical French fare.
Thomas★★★☆☆
The restaurant looks really nice and cozy.
The service is good and the staff is friendly.
The food can be better, really small portions and average food.
I think they try to do to much to make it special and forget about the main part of some dishes.
Richard Bishop★★★★☆
Great experience..food was amazing. Service presentation and quality was fantastic. We got the truffle pasta, ravioli, and i had steak filet mignon. We had great desserts also. Wine list was great- not too much but just right balance of choice and cost,Only piece of feedback is that my steak wasn’t trimmed properly-the silver skin wasn’t removed so part of the filet was chewy. For the cost would expect better meat trimming.
Nick Fisher★★★★★
We had a lovely time. We are vegetarians and there were a few choices and they were delicious. Friendly and attentive service, nice lively atmosphere. Délicieux
Basta

| Address | 30 Rue de Mars, 51100 Reims |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 5:30 – 11:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 03 26 87 51 51 |
IsabellaR★★★★★
Came here while on vacation. The restaurant is beautiful inside and the staff is friendly and attentive. Food was delicious. I ate a risotto, which I loved, but I thought the ham on top was quite unnecessary. Pizza was good but I also found there was too much ham, but this is a personal preference.
Mae Chandler★★★★★
Lovely experience for the vibe, food and service. Reasonably priced and Mikita was lovely and friendly, and spoken good English which helped us a lot but we did try! They gave a bread with the meal free of charge. I had the lasagna, which was a slight twist than traditionally but very lovely and it came with a nice side salad. We shared the peaches sorbet and pistachio tiramisu which was a must have!
Enelyn Uri★★★★★
Fantastic Italian restaurant in Reims. The food is absolutely delicious and made with high-quality ingredients. It has a really cool, stylish ambiance that's perfect for a night out, and the staff are incredibly kind and welcoming. Highly recommended for great food and a wonderful vibe!
Viktor Kollár★★★★★
Everything about this place was great. So great, that we've repeated it in two days - the Milanese schnitzel is probably the best I've had in my life and the risotto with flambeed gambas THE best risotto I ever.
The staff is super nice, the place is spacious and beautiful and the food is to die for.
Can't wait to return. 🥂❤️
Kristen Neal★★★★★
Really excellent food and cocktails. Great service from Mikita and great atmosphere. Would highly recommend, well worth visiting.
Bianca - Le Clan des Mamma, Pizzas & Cocktails - Reims

| Address | 19 bis Rue de Thillois, 51100 Reims |
| 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 | 03 26 40 74 38 |
Randolf Collaris★★★★★
We both had the plat du jour and it was really great. The personal is friendly. It lies in a quiet street and the terras looks nice
Thijs Bouterse★★★★★
The restaurant looks very nice and cosy. The staff is very friendly and service is quick. The food is tasty, served out quickly and well priced.
Bianca Verwilligen★★★★★
Amazing food and even better service. Everything tastes homemade and the drinks are very fun and tasty
Lottie Heppenhuis★★★★★
The pizza’s and the service were realy good and i would advise everyone to go and eat there!
lea harb★★★★★
Warm welcome, friendly staff , food was great!! I recommend this place 😍
La Cucina di Fossati

| Address | 56 Rue de Cernay, 51100 Reims |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 03 10 45 26 00 |
HHab★★★★☆
A nice Italian joint, simple cuisine, with a seasonal menu.
Spacious seating inside, with option for a terrace available. Their spritz is very good compared to other adresses.
We tried several entrées: burrata was good, marinated vegetables were savory.
I had the beef tartare with a side of vegetables: meat was good, and the vegetables as well! Nice wine selection as well.
An OK Italian experience!
Pawel W★★★★★
Excellent food, highly recommend.
Hằng Nguyễn★★★★★
the food is delicious
rugbyheavenofficial★★★★★
Had an excellent lunch on holiday with my dad. Very accommodating for my dads gluten free needs (he had the risotto). Thank you to the lovely staff (I can't remember the name, sorry!) who also helped add a couple of French words to my growing vocabulary!
Merci pour le repas, l'atmosphère, et votre savoir locale sur Reims. C'est tres bon!
Emily F★★★★★
Had a lovely meal here, all dishes were delicious, particularly the tagliatelle with burrata. Would well recommend for a great dinner!
LA TRATTORIA

| Address | 45 Rue Chanzy, 51100 Reims |
| 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 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 09 81 28 98 22 |
Swet Lii★★★★★
Lovely restaurant with alfresco dining as well. Food was delicious, and catered well for vegetarians. Bianca served us and she was very attentive despit being so busy. She did go above and beyond our expectations.
C'est LB★★★★★
The pizza options here are out of this world. I had the signature Tartufo. The olive oil that can as a side to add was deliciously spicy, especially to soak up with the fluffy crusts! the service staff were so so lovely and welcoming too. Merci beaucoup!
Emma Schöne★★★★★
Everything was amazing, from the food to the staff. Im on a trip to France with my friends and we decided to eat lunch here, and it was a great choice. Our Waiters Momo and Oumyy were so nice and helpful, we even got to charge our phones. I would really recommend the place and bring a charger, you never know when you need it 😉
Julie Daniel★★★★☆
Amazing food and atmosphere! We ordered pizza with truffle, pasta with truffle and some mortadella with burratta. The best flavours and beautiful presented. There was a bit of waiting time for the menues and the drinks, but al in all very nice.
Boxley Road Studios★★★★☆
Very nice Pizza. Friendly staff. Book or arrive early - it gets busy quickly. Only one beer. Wine reasonably priced per glass.
Mozza Remois

| Address | 17 bis Bd de la Paix, 51100 Reims |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 09 63 53 15 83 |
Susanna Adams★★★★★
We enjoyed dinner here on a week night, and we're lucky we made a reservation. Located on the corner of a quiet neighborhood, this is a lovely restaurant/wine bar that is always busy. The food is delicious and creative, and the staff are kind and welcoming. An excellent place for a relaxing evening (or lunch).
Josef Fuchs★★★★★
The gnocchi were perfectly cooked — soft, pillowy, and full of flavor. But the real star was the fried burrata: crispy on the outside, creamy and rich on the inside. The combination was indulgent and incredibly satisfying. Beautifully presented and absolutely delicious — I’d order it again in a heartbeat!
John Trebse★★★★★
Excellent food and service. Loved all the dishes we tried and they were a great blend of flavours and textures. It is a great blend of French and Italian flavours.
Loklara★★★★★
Delicious homemade food. Lively atmosphere.
Incredible mozzarella and other food choices too.
Sam Zman★★★★★
The food was so delicious. The red wine was perfect. Will go again for sure.
Restaurant casa d'urso

| Address | 1 Rue du Barbâtre, 51100 Reims |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 1:15 PM, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:15 PM, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:15 PM, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 1:15 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 1:15 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 1:15 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 03 26 04 29 78 |
J R★★★★★
Really great place. Food was excellent and restaurant busy on a weekday night which is always a good sign. Service was excellent, friendly staff. Good value for money too. Highly recommend.
Tatum Quinonez★★★★★
We went for dinner while visiting Reims and had a lovely time. They were very kind and accommodating even though we did not have a reservation. We had the daily special focaccia with goat cheese and ham to start. I had the lasagna and my friend has the pancetta and mushroom ravioli. We finished with a local cake and tiramisu. All was absolutely wonderful! Highly recommend for a dinner!
Helmut Burger★★★★★
What a great place! Service was very nice and attentive! Great Italian dishes! Good value for money!
K. Schwaiger★★★★★
I visited Reims with my mom and we found this lovely Italian restaurant close to the cathedral. We have never tasted such wonderful Italian food outside of Italy and it was a pleasure to return there to eat during our stay. Stéphanie and her team are welcoming and we can highly recommend the wonderful cuisine!
Marilynn Kirchubel★★★★★
We LOVE Casa d’Urso!! We were here three years ago when it first opened and it was GREAT! Now we’re back in Reims and it took us two days to find it again. Just as good as we remembered. Already have reservation to return again!!
Alba - Restaurant Italien Reims

| Address | 5 Rue Salin, 51100 Reims |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | 03 10 16 53 66 |
AlreadyMuted★★★★★
The main courses were very very good; the dessert I did not enjoy that much(stracciatella ice cream - it just tasted sweet); the champagne the waitress recommended tasted very good as well.
The server and the bartender was very nice.
The decor was interesting.
l★☆☆☆☆
I went to this restaurant for my birthday and had a really bad experience. We politely asked if we could change our table, and the staff said no. When we asked for the reason, the answer was simply “just because,” which already felt rude and unprofessional.
I also asked the waiter nicely if they could bring a tiramisu with candles for my birthday. He completely ignored the request. Later, I saw the exact same tiramisu with candles being brought to another guest who was also celebrating his birthday.
When we were leaving, someone asked about our experience and I honestly explained what happened. The response I got was aggressive and very unprofessional. He said: “THIS IS A RESTAURANT, NOT A BIRTHDAY PLACE. Birthdays are not our priority.”
If birthdays are not a priority, then why was another guest’s birthday celebrated? When I pointed this out, he said he only asked about the food, not the service.
Overall, the attitude was dismissive and aggressive, and the service was inconsistent and disrespectful. Definitely not the kind of experience you want, especially on a birthday.
CedarwoodPhotos★★★★★
It was really delicious. Get a reservation online and show up promptly; they were busy for off season Thursday night. Lots of carry out orders as well. Food was delicious. Spinach and cheese raviloi and mushrooms pasta with cheese croquets.
Sehnaz A★★☆☆☆
Unfortunately, the food was not good at all. We ordered different pizzas and pastas, but all four dishes were really disappointing. The mozzarella on the pizza was extremely thick and chewy, and the tomato sauce on the pasta was very watery and sour. Such a shame, because the atmosphere was actually nice.
We had to ask three times for our water, and even after asking multiple times we never received a wine cooler for the champagne, although that seemed mainly due to how busy it was and the lack of staff. No criticism towards the staff themselves — they were very friendly, just clearly overwhelmed. One person serving that many tables is simply unrealistic. Overall, a disappointing experience and not worth the hype.
Larissa Sant’Anna★★★★★
Our lunch at Alba was an amazing experience.
The restaurant is beautiful so the first impression was already super positive! The people working there are extremely friendly and since the moment we arrived until we left they were always making sure that everything was ok at our table.
Ok, let’s talk about the food, EVERYTHING that we order was delicious! I strongly recommend ordering the arancini with truffles and the pizza La Genovese, this pizza is the best one I ever ate in my life.
The only thing that it wasn’t perfect was the tiramisu, in my opinion the coffee should be more present on it but it was still very good 🙂
I can’t wait to come back to Reims to visit Alba again!
Restaurant Il Duomo

| Address | 46 Rue Buirette, 51100 Reims |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 03 26 78 99 99 |
Lydia Delahaye★★★☆☆
Nice restaurant, part of the hotel, Nice friendly service. The food was good but it was pity to get so many “pois chiches” with the fish. Not enough vegetables. For the rest tasty. The atmosphere was ok but the chairs not comfortable.
Liv Bradt★★☆☆☆
I honestly don’t know how they manage to get 4.6/5. This location is ideal for drinks, but i wouldn’t recommend eating here. They only serve 5 main dishes of which we ate 2. Both were subpar. Would definitely not recommend or go back to Il Duomo
T Paschal★★★★★
We went to the rooftop for some champagne and enjoy a beautiful sunset. The 2 staff were very helpful, professional and friendly and would recommend visiting the rooftop.
Jay Patterson★★★★☆
The food and service was great. I was nervous that the food wouldn’t fill me up, but I was more than satisfied.
Raman Pfaff★★★☆☆
Came in for a drink late in the afternoon. Nice view, but really nothing more. Drinks overpriced. Staff seemed very busy.
IT - Italian Trattoria Reims

| Address | 85 Pl. Drouet d'Erlon, 51100 Reims |
| 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 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 03 26 84 23 30 |
Mikey Powell★★★★★
We loved ‘IT’! Pizzas and pastas were really tasty. Nice menu choice. Service was really good and staff are friendly and helpful. Buzzer system to get your food works well. Highly recommended.
Tomi Lantto★★★★★
Excellent price-quality ratio. Fun people. Customers from all ages. Prices this low means you have to make the order at the counter.
D Kechagias★★★★☆
Decent Neapolitan style pizza. The seafood pizza was probably my favourite, although the margarita was also good. I guess the only thing I did not like was the ham, kind of weird tasting.
Winston★★☆☆☆
May 26. Staff ok. No service, all up to customers. 2 Pasta dishes, very basic and poor quality. Pasta a bit too chewy if you like that style. Sauces simple and thin. Not enjoyable experience. Just our view and acknowledge others liked.
Mamadou Diallo★★★★★
First stop after a quick trip to Reims. No regrets. Get the smoked salmon pasta and top it with Burrata. You won’t regret too.
The highlight, however, was the pasta chef (black nigerian dude) who showed me some of the best hospitality I experienced in France - ensuring I enjoyed every part of my meal.
Prices are very fair. Pasta and Aperol Spritz. You can’t go wrong.
Giulia Restaurant

| Address | 2 Rue de Mars, 51100 Reims |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | 03 26 46 23 82 |
Kim Nederstigt★★★★★
We went for diner without a reservation and due to the busy night they managed to arrange a table for us tree. Our waiter (the tall man) was really help and touchtfull. We had some special needs and the staff helped us very well and they came with solutions and recommendations for the food. The boss lady (we think she is) was behind the bar serving some drinks but was really rude to her staff. The staff was doing a very good job and they don’t deserve to be treated like that. We had a lovely evening with good service, but we were disappointed to see how she treated her staff. We really recommend this place to everyone. Thanks to the great staff!
HHab★★★★☆
3,8/5
We celebrated the graduation of a friend in this cool & fashionable spot.
Decor is very nice & colorful, uplifting and green.
Waiter (Jesus) was super nice & efficient.
I tried 2 slices from 2 friends: the pizzas are very tasty, dough thin and crunchy, the toppings generous and savory.
The downside was the dish I ordered: lamb chops. Unfortunately, a big disappointment! Cooking was all wrong, one side being well done while another medium rare. But most of all, no flavors and a chewy piece of meat that I didn’t enjoy at all. The potatoes were good, but that’s just about it for this dish!
I’m guessing I will go back, but mainly for the pizzas as it seems to be their signature dish.
Worth the try all in all!
Oct 2024: 4,2/5
Went back twice for pizzas: that’s the real deal!
On of the best pizza places (if not the best) in Reims.
Dough is EXTRA, not the real Neapolitan pizza but very delicious, thin and crunchy, long fermentation process makes it super digestible. The confiments (ham, mozzarella, gorgonzola…) are top quality and the pizza is really tasty and savoury. They have 13 different kinds, will be trying them all😋😋.
Rebeca Stacey★★☆☆☆
The atmosphere and location is wonderful, sadly I was quite disappointed by the food and the service. I was the last to get my food in the table, at least half an hour after my friends got their food. I had to tell them three times before I actually got it. Our waiters kept switching around. Even after the whole waiting around they did not offer something on the house which I feel is pretty standard. In terms of taste, I would describe it as underwhelming. Because it’s not letting me reply to the owner’s comment, I’ll say it directly here. The pizza on the photo is my friend’s order, not mine, I ordered the Otto (so not the one usually ordered by children as you said). And of course, I understand that waiting for a Saturday evening in a beautiful terrace is normal, that was not the issue. The issue was that I placed my order (pizza Otto) and they brought me a pasta (not what I ordered) and then I had to ask them three more times and wait half an hour MORE (on top of the time I had already spent waiting). So thank you for your comment, but I do think my review was relevant and I appreciate your respect.
Olivia Beane★★★★★
Had a wonderful server who helped me with the menu items and then gave me recommendations for my stay. Food was delicious and very quick! Loved the environment.
Flavia Valadao★★★★☆
I was pleasantly surprised by my experience at this restaurant. The food was good, the price was fair. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was truly inviting. I had read some concerning reviews beforehand, but my dinner turned out to be a delightful surprise.
Milano Gusto

| Address | 24 Rue Gambetta, 51100 Reims |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM
Friday: 6:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 09 52 64 22 84 |
Yaya Toure★★★★★
Restaurant excellent
Aicha Keita★★★★★
Restaurant excellent
Mengdi Xia (Bob)★★★★★
Peak
How to Choose the Right Italian Restaurant in Reims
A great Italian meal depends on more than just a menu. The rhythm of service, the quality of the flour in the pizza dough, the freshness of the basil, and even the temperature of the dining room all shape the experience. In a city with as many options as Reims, a little local knowledge goes a long way.
First, consider the type of Italian food you actually want. A wood-fired Neapolitan pizza with a soft, blistered crust is a very different experience from a delicate plate of handmade tagliatelle with truffle, or a slow-cooked osso buco served with saffron risotto. Some restaurants in Reims specialize in one regional style, while others offer a broader menu that blends northern and southern traditions. Checking whether the kitchen uses a proper wood-fired oven or a gas oven can tell you a lot before you even sit down.
Second, pay attention to the time of your visit. Many of the best Italian tables in Reims are small and family-run, which means they fill quickly during weekday lunches and weekend dinners. Reservations are strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings, especially in the pedestrian center around Place Drouet d’Erlon. If you are dining late, note that kitchens often close earlier than in larger French cities, with last orders sometimes taken as early as 9:30 p.m.
Third, look for evidence of fresh ingredients and in-house preparation. The most reliable Italian restaurants in Reims make their pasta, bread, and desserts on-site or source them from small Italian suppliers. Menus that change with the seasons, daily specials written on a chalkboard, and the presence of Italian-speaking staff are all good signs. Avoid places with enormous static menus covering every possible dish, as this often indicates frozen or pre-packaged components.
Fourth, think about atmosphere and occasion. Some restaurants are loud, bright, and perfect for families with children. Others are intimate and candlelit, better suited to a slow dinner for two. A few offer excellent outdoor terraces in summer, while others are best enjoyed indoors year-round. Matching the room to your reason for dining out makes the meal more enjoyable.
Finally, do not overlook the wine and dessert list. An Italian restaurant that takes its food seriously will usually offer a thoughtful selection of Italian wines by the glass, perhaps alongside local Champagne as a nod to Reims. A proper tiramisu, panna cotta, or affogato made in-house is often the clearest signal that the kitchen respects tradition.
Exploring the Italian side of Reims is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the city beyond its famous cellars. Whether you choose a rustic pizzeria near the cathedral or a refined pasta bar in the Boulingrin district, the best meals are the ones that feel unhurried, generous, and made with care. Buon appetito.
Freya Belle is a content writer and travel journalist specializing in European destinations. With experience exploring over 30 European countries, she focuses on providing in-depth guides to authentic cuisine, historical culture, and hidden gems often overlooked by mainstream tourists. Her writing helps travelers experience Europe like a local.