Trieste Italy’s Hidden Gem
Overlooking Trieste from its historic heights
When people think of Italy, Trieste usually isn’t the first city that comes to mind. And that’s a shame — because this elegant port city has so much to offer. Then again, maybe it’s also a blessing, since it hasn’t (yet) been overrun by tourists.
Trieste has a fascinating history. Once part of the Roman Empire, it later belonged to the Austrian Empire for over 400 years, spent a brief period under Yugoslavian rule, and has officially been part of Italy again since 1975. This blend of influences is still visible in its architecture, culture, and food.
For a truly engaging introduction to the city’s past, join a walking tour with Tomasso. He’ll guide you through the streets and share captivating stories and details.
Getting to Trieste is easy. The city has its own airport, it’s just a train ride from Venice, and thanks to its location at the crossroads of Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, there are plenty of train and bus connections to nearby cities in all three countries.
Food
Tucked away in one of the old, narrow streets you’ll find Al Petes, a beautifully refurbished restaurant that perfectly combines historic charm with a modern, stylish interior. Tables are spaced out comfortably, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
You can order à la carte, or let the chef surprise you with a 6-course tasting menu for €70. The culinary journey starts with an outstanding bread basket — the crispy curry-flavoured crackers alone are worth a visit.
Our menu included dishes such as:
Mushrooms with potato foam, kimchi and yuzu
Deer tartare
Prawn tempura with mango and lime mayonnaise
Spaghetti carbonara
Pork belly
A trio of desserts: crème brûlée, white chocolate panna cotta, and a rich chocolate mousse
Bread basked with curry flavoured crackers at Al Peter in Trieste
Deer tartare
Mushrooms with potato foam, kimchi and yuzu
Spaghetti carbonara
Pork belly
Local Pignolo Liende
Everything was accompanied by excellent regional wines that matched the dishes perfectly.
All in all, Al Petes is the perfect place for a special occasion — or simply if you’re in the mood for a surprising and refined culinary experience.
The menu board at Osteria Marise
Another restaurant worth reserving is Osteria Marise. Casually run by a husband-and-wife team (with some extra help in the kitchen, no doubt), they serve excellent Italian dishes such as a prawn salad with orange, fennel, walnuts and balsamic vinegar; a soft omelette with courgette and pecorino cheese; sesame-crusted tuna with fresh vegetables; ravioli with basil pesto; and, of course, the sumptuous torta al cioccolato for dessert.
There’s no printed menu – instead, all the dishes are written on a charcoal board for you to choose from. The wine list is also good, featuring mainly local selections, many of which are available by the glass.
Prawn salad with orange, fennel, walnuts and balsamic vinegar
Sesame crusted tuna
Ravioli with basil pesto
Torta al cioccolato
For a delicious, well-stuffed focaccia, stop by Spaccio Pani – a relaxed spot with a wide selection, all made and served by a friendly team.
Focaccia at Spaccio Pani
Sweetness at Case & Bottega TS
And when you get peckish during your stroll through town, make sure to visit Casa & Bottega TS. They offer a tempting variety of freshly baked sweets. It’s tucked away in one of the small side streets – but the short detour is absolutely worth it.
Shopping in Trieste
An amazing shop you shouldn’t miss is VUD. This charming little store specializes in wooden creations — mostly for the kitchen, but also beautiful pieces that can brighten up any interior. Everything is home-produced, with the workshop located right behind the shop. As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by the wonderful scent of freshly worked wood.
Prices are very reasonable, and the owners are very friendly. They also sell online and ship worldwide.
A broad collection of cutting boards
The workplace behind the shop
Rolling pins in many sizes
Decorative objects
For furniture inspiration, head over to Zinelli Perizzi — a design lover’s dream. The showroom features stunning, contemporary pieces from Italy and across Europe, all displayed with impeccable style.
And for food shopping, make sure to stop by Eataly. This huge gourmet store (with branches around the world) sells only Italian products: everything from olive oils to freshly made pasta, cured meats to artisan cheeses, and coffee beans to fine chocolates. There are also several counters where you can sit down and enjoy a delicious lunch.
In the end, one of the best ways to experience Trieste is simply to wander. The city is full of small boutiques and specialty shops waiting to be discovered.
What else to do
For a fun outing, take the historic cable car up into the hills of Opicina above Trieste. Just before the final stop, get off and enjoy a magnificent view over the city and the sea. If you feel like it, you can walk back down along a pedestrian path that winds through the greenery.
All in all, Trieste is a hidden gem in Italy’s northeast — the perfect place to spend about three days exploring, eating, and soaking up its unique mix of cultures and charm.