Elio's secret spot

Close to the city centre and within walking distance of the Cathedral, the restaurant is located inside a beautiful historic building. The cuisine is fragrant, and the menu alternates between seafood offerings – depending on market availability – and a few more traditional recipes such as hand-pinched Cremasque sweet tortelli. The jovial welcome, streamlined service and interesting wine list (with a few "natural" offerings for enthusiasts) explain why there is a large turnout for both lunch and dinner. Better make reservations!

On the outskirts of Lodi, yet already in a green and almost rural setting, the interior of this farmhouse creates an atmosphere of considerable refinement, with a series of elegantly appointed dining rooms in which an elaborate and creative cuisine is served. The wine accompaniment is not to be overlooked, not only for the quality of the selection, but also for the opportunity to purchase bottles directly from the wine list.

Situated less than five minutes’ drive from the centre of Crema, this delightful contemporary-style trattoria boasts a modern dining room with a minimalist decor brightened by splashes of colour. The equally attractive cuisine is inspired mainly by Italian traditions, especially at lunchtime during the week (when the prices are very competitive), while in the evenings (at the weekend) dishes are enhanced by additional contemporary touches. The wine list is divided between Italian and French labels, including an excellent selection of champagnes.

Young, informal and friendly owners Fabio and Vale welcome guests to their restaurant in Offanengo, just a few kilometres from Crema. A good choice for anyone looking for a change from traditional cuisine, the restaurant serves moderately creative dishes including a good selection of fish options (the Mazara del Vallo red prawns served with green gazpacho, caviar and lemon are particularly delicious).

San Martino is a classic and elegant grand restaurant with timeless appeal, which makes your dining experience here truly memorable. The restaurant boasts two important characters: Paolo Colleoni who, with his extensive knowledge and skills, is the perfect front-of-house host, welcoming guests with joy and enthusiasm and always finding exactly the right words; and, at the helm in the kitchen, Stefano Locatelli, a chef who is equally at ease with the restaurant’s historic dishes (the restaurant has held a Michelin star for decades) and more modern creations. Although fish continues to take cent

La Kuccagna's fresh, quality offerings are bolstered by management that is always full of energy; menus range between land (tripe with legumes, squash and mushrooms) and sea (amberjack with coconut sauce, sea urchin and herbs), while the grill is always ready to accommodate the most suitable cuts of meat. A fine selection of wines starting with labels from beyond the Alps. The location is exquisitely bucolic, while the interior is modern and comfortable.

Situated right in the heart of the Bergamo plain in the small town of Caravaggio, famous for the painter of the same name and for a much-visited pilgrim shrine, this welcoming restaurant boasts a modern decor and vintage furnishings. At lunchtime, it serves a good, competitively priced business menu, while in the evening the more elaborate à la carte features contemporary-style meat and fish dishes (mostly the latter).