If you say Italian, you say good food. Our local food and wine is a feat recognized throughout the world and, like the national football team, has the ability to unite entire countries. For almost 50 years there are people who try to tell with dedication what many people think “eighth art”. I “L’Espresso Guide”, is now in its 46th edition and has no intention of giving up its function as a reference not only for experts, but also also for lovers of fine food and typical Italian wine. A real compass whose authority is not even eroded by the evolution of the driving concept which is currently increasingly being explored on social media with tips from influencers. However, we inevitably have to look to the digital world, and here “The Guides of L’Espresso” – “The 1000 Restaurants of Italy” and “The 1000 Wines of Italy” – are also available in a more complete version. A new app designed to make food and wine excellence easily accessible from anyone, anywhere, with instant and always updated content.
Winner of the 2026 edition
This year, 21 restaurants earned top recognition from the 5 hats. Among them, 3 are led by female chefs: Antonia Klugmann (Embankment in Vencò), Jessica Rosval (To the Green Cat) e Nadia Santini (From Fisherman). There are 6 restaurants that can boast of having achieved the maximum score of 20/20: Osteria Francescana by Massimo Bottura, Cracco by Carlo Cracco, Reale by Niko Romito, Duomo by Ciccio Sultano and, for the first time, also Villa Crespi by Antonino Cannavacciuolo And Madonna the Fisherman by Moreno Cedroni. In terms of wine, 7 wineries received “110 cum laude”, the highest mark given by the Guide: Alta Mora, Castello di Ama, Elvio Cogno, Ferrari Trento, Giovanni Rosso, Podere Forte and Tenuta Sette Ponti.
There is also room for special prizes, designed to elevate talents capable of giving Italian cuisine and wine a new direction. Among them, the award for Best Young Person went to Luca Aobati (Casa Romano) and the Best Outsider award, a recognition introduced this year, was awarded to Alberto Gipponi (Dina). For wine, the title of Best Sparkling Wine was awarded to Ferrari Trento by Matteo Lunelli, and the award for Best Producer Under 40 Years was awarded to Casanova by Neri.
How the 2026 edition of “Le Guide” was created
Behind the 2026 edition of “Le Guide” which establishes itself as a litmus test for observing and interpreting changes in countries through its tables, there is a work that tells the story of travel coverage for a whole year. The figures speak for themselves: 60 thousand kilometers have been traveled Luka Gardinieditor of “Le Guide”, and give him inspector to taste 1500 wines in all regions of the country, visit 1200 restaurants and taste more than 5000 dishes. “Telling the story of Italian flavors means telling who we are, through the tables and glasses that express our identity every day” said Gardini. “The L’Espresso Guide honors those who, with talent and passion, transform food and wine into authentic experiences, offering readers a safe compass in the world of Italian food and wine”.
