Dating back to the 13th-century, the beautifully preserved walled hilltown of Paciano is one of the ten most liveable villages in Italy and has also been designated 'I Borghi più Belli d'Italia' — one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Tucked away in the hills of Mount Petrarvella and surrounded by silver olive groves and cool wooded forests, Paciano is an absolute gem. The smallest village in Umbria with less than 1000 inhabitants, Paciano, with its historic Medieval castle gates, charming walkways and narrow cobblestone streets, is one of Umbria's hidden gems.
A charming restaurant in the medieval village of Paciano, Locanda Manfredi is known for serving typical Umbrian and Tuscan dishes, local fish from Lago Trasimeno and the finest Umbrian beef, lamb and pork. Owned by Massimo Gallo and Emanuela Sartori, we arrived at Locanda Manfredi for a leisurely Sunday lunch on a blissfully hot sunny day and were seated on the picturesque terrace overlooking the bucolic olive tree studded countryside around Paciano. Beginning with a lovely glass of prosecco, we were charmed by the beautiful menus hand crafted from traditional Umbrian linen by the chef's mamma. With a great selection of local wines and a wonderful menu featuring the best regional produce, the service and warm hospitality of this charming restaurant was one of the highlights of out time in Umbria.
The lovely outdoor terrace of Locanda Manfredi in Paciano
Terracotta planters with blossoming bougainvillea
View from the terrace overlooking the olive trees of Paciano
Handmade menus made by the chef's mother
The menu features typical Umbrian and Tuscan dishes
Antipasti and primi piatti
A complimentary amuse-bouche from the chef
Arriving for Sunday lunch, we started with a glass of prosecco
Crostone caldo di verdure di stagione con pecorino
The crostone featured gilled local eggplant on thick toast topped with melted pecorino
2015 Cantina Fratelli Pardi Montefalco Sagrantino from Umbria
The Sagrantino was bold, well structured and absolutely delicious
Succulent and fragrant agnello alle erbe fini
Crisp patate al forno
Coppiette Manfredi - filetto di maiale piccante
Bietolina ripassata in padella - one of my favourite Umbrian vegetables
The rosemary grilled lamb was absolutely delicious
Sorbetto al Limone
Pannacotta con frutta di stagione
The pannacotta featured sweet local strawberries over perfect pannacotta
Caffe Macchiato
The bill arrived tucked inside a tiny handmade cover also made by the chef's mamma
Paciano's 13th-century Porta Fiorentina
On the Sunday we arrived in Paciano for lunch, a food and crafts festival was underway with a canopy of floating umbrellas
The Paciano festival was dedicated to all the children of the world
The idea of the umbrellas was the offer welcome shade on a hot day
but also to create a true work of open air art
A nominal entrance fee into the festival allows visitors to sample homemade dishes from many different restaurants and small artisan shops
Long tables were set up throughout the village where visitors could sit and enjoy the food and wine
Live music was also a part of the festival
Local weaver Monica Giacomelli creating had crafted sweaters and ponchos
A handsome Medieval stone wall with arched gate leads into a small private garden
Chiesa di San Salvatore and belltower on the Gothic Palazzo del PodestÃ
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