James Bond in Italy: Where to Eat

No secret agent loves Italy quite like James Bond: as many as eight 007 films were shot in the country. Between chases and Martinis “shaken, not stirred”, the Italian locations are also an invitation to the table. Here are the three most iconic and where to eat like a true agent.

Matera — No Time to Die

The Aston Martin chase through the Sassi of Matera (Basilicata) is one of the most spectacular scenes in recent cinema. Here the food is Lucanian: Matera PGI bread, crispy peppers, cavatelli, cured meats and caciocavallo podolico. A cuisine as ancient as the city’s caves.

Venice — Casino Royale

In Venice, Bond shows his most romantic side with Vesper Lynd, between the Grand Canal and the palaces on the water. For a 007-style aperitivo, cicchetti in the bacari and a spritz are a must. And for a “cinematic” coffee, there’s the historic Caffè Florian in St Mark’s Square. Discover the venues of Venice.

Lake Como — Casino Royale

On Lake Como, Bond recovers at the splendid Villa del Balbianello, in Lenno, where Vesper Lynd nurses him back to health after Le Chiffre’s torture. It’s not just a Bond location: the same villa hosted Anakin and Padmé’s first kiss in Star Wars: Episode II, and is considered one of the most photographed film locations in history. It’s open to visitors from mid-March to November. Lake Como cuisine is refined and lake-based: risotto with perch, missoltini, and the great wines of nearby Valtellina. An elegant finale, just like the character.

In short

Retracing 007’s Italian itinerary means crossing three different Italies — the stone South, the lagoon and the lake — each with its own table. A journey straight out of a film. Browse all the films with their food locations.