Living in a small town like Trento, Italy, has its charm: stunning mountain views, sunshine, a rich culture, and, of course, incredible Italian cuisine. But as expats and internationals, one of the things we often find ourselves missing is the variety of international foods that larger cities or more diverse locales offer. Don’t get me wrong—nothing beats a pizza at Korallo or Acquaefarina. Yet, even the best Italian food can get repetitive after a while. I often find myself longing for the bold spices of Indian curries, the freshness of Middle Eastern Mezze, or the flavors of Asian street food transporting you to a far-off country. While I’ve found there is just no way to fully satisfy these cravings in Trento, in this post we’ll explore what options there are for foreign foods in Trento. I’ll highlight both restaurants and markets, as sometimes the tastiest and most fun way is to cook up your own dish.
To get you started, here is a map marking all the spots discussed in this post and more. I’ve excluded all the Sushi places which are a dime a dozen in town. Restaurants are in blue. Markets are in red. I’ve also included a few of my favorites a little further outside of town which are worth calling out.
NEW African Food in Trento – Habesha Ristorante
📍Via del Brennero 5
We’re thrilled to share that Trento is about to get its very first Ethiopian restaurant! Located in the neighborhood just east of the FTM train station, this new spot is set to take over a former bar. From what we’ve heard, the restaurant is fully ready and just waiting for the final paperwork to be completed before officially opening its doors.
While there’s no confirmed opening date yet, we’re eagerly anticipating the chance to enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine right here in our city. Keep an eye on this post—we’ll update it as soon as we hear more details.
Middle Eastern Sweets in Trento – Pasticceria Cara Siria
📍Via Torre d’Augusto, 21
The Trentointernational team and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the opening of this incredible spot in December 2024. Middle Eastern sweet bakeries are a rarity in Italy, so having one right here in our little town feels like a dream come true. The shop is run by a lovely family from Aleppo, Syria, who craft all their delectable pastries entirely from scratch. My personal favorite is Osh El Bulbul, or “Nightingale’s Nest”—a delicate pastry shaped like a bird’s nest, with vibrant pistachios nestled at its center. It’s a masterpiece of textures: crispy and crunchy on the outside, sticky-sweet at the base, with the rich pistachio flavor stealing the show. We can’t recommend this place enough and wish the family every success in their delicious venture!
The Best Thai Food in Trento – Thai Break
📍Piazza Venezia, 41/1
Thai Break opened its doors about a year ago and has quickly become a beloved spot for anyone craving authentic Thai flavors in Trento. The restaurant is run by an Italian-Thai couple, both chefs, who spent years perfecting their craft in Thailand before bringing it to our town. They’ve done a remarkable job of transplanting the vibrant cuisine here, and their attention to detail shines through in every dish. One standout for us was the mango sticky rice—sweet, creamy, and accompanied by perfectly ripe mangoes. Where they managed to source such incredible fruit in Trento remains a mystery, but it’s a testament to their dedication.
In October 2024, they also hosted a Thai cooking course, which we hope will become a regular offering. Be sure to call ahead if you plan to visit, as the restaurant’s well-earned popularity means it’s often packed. Keep in mind, it’s a bit tricky to find—it’s tucked away inside the tennis club at Piazza Venezia—but trust us, it’s worth the search!
Honorable mention – Sawadee in Arco. This place has been around years, and is run by a Thai woman. The food is delicious and it’s well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Our Favorite for Food from the Indian Subcontinent – Pak Kebab
📍Via delle Orfane, 16
This restaurant may not be fancy, and we’ll admit their kebabs and pizzas don’t look particularly enticing, but Pak Kebab has won us over with its flavorful and unapologetically spicy Pakistani dishes. Every day, they prepare a rotating menu of 5-10 dishes, and while the menu isn’t always up to date, the fun lies in peeking behind the counter to see what’s freshly made. The staff is happy to put together a mixed plate for you, letting you sample a variety of their offerings.
Yes, the food is greasy, but it’s undeniably delicious, with generous portions that always pack a punch. Unlike many other places in town, they don’t tone down the spice to cater to the Italian palate—a refreshing change for spice lovers like us. While I’ve never been to Pakistan, my travels to India and Nepal lead me to believe the flavors are authentic, even if not gourmet-level. The staff also speaks excellent English, making it an easy and welcoming experience for expats.
Seating is limited, so your best bet is to bring a container and take your meal to go. Pak Kebab earns our top nomination for value, offering incredibly affordable food that keeps us coming back—at least once every few weeks!
Honorable mention – Veg Point in Tenna near Caldonazzo This restaurant is very interesting. Super interesting decor, all vegetarian, and a bit of a hippy vibe. The owner traveled extensively and features Indian cuisine prominently, but has dishes from around the world.
Trento’s Hand-Pulled Noodles Shop – Ramen House
📍 Via Carlo Esterle 8
Ramen House is a gem that any big city would be lucky to have, and it’s a fantastic addition to Trento’s slow growing food scene. Nestled in one of the narrow streets south of Piazza Duomo, this cozy spot serves up steaming bowls of authentic Japanese ramen. One of the highlights of dining here is watching the chefs skillfully pull the noodles by hand—a mesmerizing touch that adds to the experience.
Last year, Ramen House expanded from its original tiny shop, where most guests sat at a bar facing the chefs, to include an additional seating area next door. While the expansion has sacrificed a bit of the original charm, the menu remains as excellent as ever. They’ve even added a vegan option, which we really appreciate.
Be sure to plan ahead—they’re closed on Wednesdays and are always deservedly packed. Reservations are essential if you want to snag a spot at this must-visit restaurant!
Best For Latin Flavors – La Reina Pepiada
📍 Via del Macello, Rovereto / at food festivals
Who doesn’t love a good arepa? There’s something undeniably comforting about the hearty, earthy flavors of beans, corn, and plantains. La Reina Pepiada, run by a passionate Venezuelan woman, brings authentic Latin American flavors to our region in the most delightful way.
While technically based in Rovereto, this food truck frequently graces Trento’s streets, particularly during food festivals in Piazza Fiera—at least three or four times a year. Their vibrant red van is hard to miss and always draws a crowd. We believe they’re also open at their Rovereto location on Mondays, though it’s best to check. For the latest updates, keep an eye on their Instagram or our events page to see when they’re back in town.
While we wish their arepas were a bit more budget-friendly (10€+ for one does feel steep), the quality and flavor are undeniable. Sometimes, when it comes to authentic Latin cuisine in Trentino, you take what you can get—and this is definitely worth it!
Honorable mention – Para Todos. We really appreciate having a Mexican restaurant in Trento. There would be a big gap without them. However, we just don’t think their food is very authentic.
Our Favorite Markets: Usmani Foods and Mio Negozio
📍 Usmani Foods: Via Soprasasso, 24/5, Trento Nord
📍 Mio Negozio: Via della Prepositura, 32
Sometimes, the cravings strike for a dish you can’t find in any local restaurant, or a rainy day inspires you to whip up something new in your kitchen. Luckily, Trento offers a few specialty markets to help you find the right ingredients.
For Middle Eastern groceries, Usmani Foods in Trento Nord is a must-visit. After scouring countless shops across the city for items like halloumi and Arabic flatbread, I finally found everything here—and at good quality and reasonable prices. It’s a bit out of the way, but absolutely worth the trip for those hard-to-find staples.
For ingredients from further east—or even Latin America or Africa—Mio Negozio is a solid choice. This small shop near the train station may not stand out compared to the other three or four international markets in town, but its central location makes it especially convenient. Despite its size, the shelves are stocked with an impressive variety, perfect for experimenting with global flavors without leaving the city center.
Whether you’re looking for authentic Middle Eastern staples or an eclectic mix of Asian, Latin, and African ingredients, these markets have you covered!