A warmly regarded, family-run Tuscan trattoria with excellent pasta, beef and truffle dishes at accessible prices, though reservations and service temperament deserve attention.
Trattoria Cavour 42 delivers strong food quality anchored by standout dishes like truffle pasta and tagliata, supported by attentive service and knowledgeable wine guidance. Consistency remains solid across multiple years, though occasional execution lapses in pasta and steak prevent flawless reliability. The cozy, centrally located setting and excellent value for money round out a dependable neighborhood trattoria experience that falls just short of the very top tier.
Trattoria Cavour 42 feels like the kind of central Arezzo address travelers hope to stumble upon: cozy, warmly staffed and comfortably removed from the most tourist-oriented dining. Diners describe the covered outdoor area as breezy and inviting, while the best service experiences feel genuinely familial—one guest summed it up as quickly feeling “at home around the family table.” Do reserve ahead; popularity is real, and reservation handling is not universally smooth. The cooking is traditional Tuscan rather than experimental, with fresh pasta, beef, soups, crostini and a notably generous use of truffles. Tagliolino al tartufo, tagliata, tartare and roast beef are the recurring stars, and the menu backs up the value claims with many pasta dishes around €9-16 and mains mostly €12-22. Most diners find the food excellent and fairly priced, though isolated reports of watery pasta, undercooked steak and disappointing vegetarian preparation mean the kitchen is not completely beyond reproach. Families can do well here: the menu offers spaghetti or penne with tomato, ragù pasta, chicken, roast potatoes, vegetables and other familiar choices, and one group reports a particularly warm welcome for two babies. However, family friendliness is not guaranteed on every visit; separate reviews describe children being refused early service or a reservation dispute. Come with patient expectations, book clearly in advance and confirm any dietary or timing needs.
Area vibe: Historic Tuscan city centre known for antiques, churches, and Etruscan and medieval architecture
Safety: Generally safe with good evening lighting though central streets can be quiet late at night
What's nearby: Close to Piazza Grande, Arezzo Cathedral, museums, tram/rail links and a dense cluster of cafes and traditional restaurants
The strongest orders center on truffle pasta, tagliata, tartare, and roast beef, with excellent traditional options around €10.
Book ahead and expect a cozy, casual setting, but leave room for service inconsistencies and occasional booking problems.
Traditional Tuscan dishes are priced accessibly, although occasional execution problems can weaken the value.