Malvarina

Amazing stay at the Malvarina, an agriturismo near Assisi. Beautiful place with a gorgeous view of Umbria from our room. The owners were very helpful- answering all our questions about the area, towns to visit, where to park, etc. The meals at their restaurant were the best of our trip to Italy. We took the cooking class which was fantastic - again one of the best parts of our trip. They made us feel at home and part of their family during our stay. Nice pool and sitting area as well.

This was my 2nd time at Malvarina with the first being 30 years ago as part of a cooking program. I was fortunate enough to be able to cook with the matriarch, Maria, at the time who has sadly passed a few years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of farm living in Assisi then and it was even better this time around. We booked a cottage on the farm which was very charming and comes with a kitchen, eating area and queen sized bed. There was another single bed that we used as a sitting area. The setting was not to be believed being situated among the many olive trees on the farm and with fantastic views of the Subasio valley. It's a wonderful change from the big hotels of Rome, Florence and Venice. The best part of the experience wasn't the farm, quaint cottage, olive trees, the views or the cats and dogs that become your pets, it was the food. Patrizia, Maria's daughter-in-law, has taken over the kitchen. Her food is the best I've had from all of my travels throughout Italy. I've said that before about Malvarian when Maria was cooking but Patrizia has not only honored Maria by her amazing menus that are flawlessly executed, she has taken the Malvarian kitchen to new heights and has added wonderful, new touches to Nonna's recipes. I've eaten in Piedmont, Venice, Milan, Rome, Bologna, Parma, Abruzzi, Naples, Amalfi Coast, Puglia and SIcily and yes, Malvarina is the best. For a great experience from staying in a cottage on a farm, to becoming part of the family to the food and surrounding areas throughout Umbria, go to Malvarina and use their agriturismo as your base just a few km from Assisi. You won't be disappointed and you won't break the bank either. I can't ay enough about my stay and the value of what I received vs the cost. Once you stay at Malvarian, it will become a most treasured memory you will have forever, I can absolutely vouch for all of the other 5 star reviews. Many thanks to Claudio, Patrizia, Giacomo, Filippo and the Malvarina team for their warmth and hospitality. The refresher course on hand rolled pasta will be yet another treasured memory and permanent part of my cooking repertoire. THank you all for your hard work in keeping Malvarina alive and well.

Did a week-long trip through a good chunk of Italy and stayed in several hotels along the way, this being by some considerable margin the hands down best. The room was adorable with a big comfy bed and spectacular views out over the valley. Restaurant was amazing with a home-cooked set menu which changed daily. All the food here is locally sourced (much of it from the attached farm) and is delicious. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Highlight of the holiday was lying on the bed reading with the window open and all that lovely fresh air coming in. Definitely recommended!