Italia

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Calabrian Kitchen in the Heart of Biel/Bienne

Ristorante Italia sits on Spitalstrasse, a short walk from the lake, and has earned recognition from Gambero Rosso – Italy's most authoritative food guide – for what it does with quiet consistency: cook Italian food the way it is actually eaten in Italy.

The man behind the stove is Michelangelo Figliuzzi, who grew up in Calabria in a family of chefs and restaurateurs. That upbringing shapes everything on the plate. Alongside the classics you would expect from a serious Italian restaurant, the menu reaches into lesser-known regional specialities – the kind of dishes that rarely travel beyond their home province. A dedicated Chef's Proposals card rotates with the seasons, pairing Mediterranean generosity with ingredients at their peak.

From the Wood-Fired Oven to the Bread Basket

Fresh pasta, fresh-baked bread every day, wood-fired pizzas both classic and unexpected, fish, meat and homemade desserts: the kitchen covers the full range without shortcuts. The wine list is equally considered, mapping Italy from north to south across all its major regions, then broadening to include a selection of local Swiss bottles and a handful of international labels.

Family Recipes, Private Events

Michelangelo and his team are on hand to guide guests through the menu and match dishes to the right wine – a level of personal attention that makes the restaurant equally well suited to a quiet weekday dinner and a larger celebration. Private events and themed menus built around seasonal ingredients can be arranged on request.