There is a Veronese legend that no guidebook mentions: it is said that the Scaligero podestà, on the evening before a sentencing, would have the condemned brought to dinner with a view of the stage. One last beautiful thing before the darkness. Today the stage is gone, the Arena remains — and that view, depending on where you sit, can cost as much as an intercontinental flight or as little as a spritz.
Here are four places to truly take it in, summer 2026. Real prices. Reservations required. No surprises.
The three tables that cost a fortune — and why they are worth it
The real question is not how much am I spending, but what am I getting. Verona in summer is worth the gamble. The opera season is in full swing, the Arena lights up every evening — and sitting down to dinner with that pink stone in front of you changes the meaning of the whole night.
1. Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli — the most expensive (and most justified) table in Verona.
The restaurant is located in Vicolo Corticella San Marco, a few minutes' walk from Piazza Bra. The tasting menu "Io e Silvia" — the latest creations by chef Giancarlo Perbellini — costs 230 euros per person; "Storie di Casa" is a contemporary tribute to the chef's signature dishes at 250 euros; "L'Essenza", fully vegetarian, at 220 euros. Wine pairings start at 120 euros per person for three glasses or 180 euros for five.
This is quintessentially Verona's most historic and elegant restaurant, where chef Perbellini — already a two-star holder at a previous address — has earned his third Michelin recognition. Expect a sumptuous and refined setting, rich in historical references, matched by extraordinary cooking. The view of the Arena is indirect — you walk there on foot after dinner — but the sensory experience transcends the geographical question. Best for: couples on a special trip, business travelers who want the very best.
2. Iris Ristorante a Palazzo Soave — one Michelin star at 140 euros.
It is chef Giacomo Sacchetto who brought Iris its Michelin star, with two tasting menus at 140 and 160 euros. The restaurant is located at Via Leoni 10, Verona; lunch tasting menus start from 95 euros.
Guests are led into the main dining room, where they find themselves captivated by neo-Gothic forms carved into stone and marble, Renaissance frescoes and contemporary design objects. The name Iris comes from the wild flower native to Verona — a tribute to the history of the region. Compared to Perbellini, the entry price is lower and the value for money more generous. Best for: food lovers who want a Michelin-starred experience without spending the maximum; perfect for a Sunday lunch as well.
3. Terrazza Arena Sky Lounge — dinner with a direct view of the Arena.
The Terrazza Arena Sky Lounge Bar & Restaurant is a panoramic rooftop venue at the Hotel Milano & Spa, with a spectacular view of the Arena. From April to October the terrace also becomes the setting for a romantic dinner or a glamorous aperitivo with friends, accompanied by dishes from the kitchen. The address is Via Tre Marchetti 11 — literally thirty seconds on foot from the amphitheatre.
The terrace is regarded as a privileged spot for watching the Arena and the Verona skyline, particularly during the opera season. Many reviewers recommend booking ahead, as the venue is popular and can fill up, with time slots sometimes limited to one hour. Prices are above average, justified by the location and the one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Best for: romantic couples, opera-goers who want an unforgettable pre-show experience.
The fourth spot: an Arena view at the price of an aperitivo
There is a secret that Veronesi know well and tourists often miss, stopping instead at the bars along the Liston.
The bars under the arcades of Piazza Bra have outdoor tables facing the Arena. This grand square offers a breathtaking view of the Arena; it is framed by the Liston, paved between 1770 and 1782 with pink marble from Valpolicella — the same stone used to build the Roman amphitheatre.
In summer, sitting here with a glass of Soave or a classic Spritz and watching the lanterns come on across the Arena's facade costs between 8 and 14 euros. No cover charge. Cicchetti included at many venues. It is the place to meet, to have a coffee or an aperitivo at one of the many bars, open even in winter.
The local tip: sit on the east side of the Liston, not the Via Roma side. The sunset light falls on the Arena from that angle and lasts almost an hour longer. No guidebook mentions this.
How to choose the right table for you
The answer depends on three variables: budget, the kind of evening you have in mind, and how much it matters to you that the view is direct.
- Couple, special occasion, open budget: book Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli or the Terrazza Arena Sky Lounge. In both cases, book at least 2-3 weeks ahead in summer.
- Food lover on a moderate budget: Iris Ristorante is the smartest choice. Michelin star, local cuisine, prices that do not require a second mortgage.
- Families, solo travelers, or anyone who wants the view without sacrificing their wallet: Piazza Bra at sunset, glass in hand, beats any luxury terrace for spontaneity. The Arena is 50 metres away. The cost is whatever you order.
FAQ: the questions everyone asks
Where can I book dinner with a view of the Arena in Verona?
Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli and Iris Ristorante can be booked via their official websites or by phone. The Terrazza Arena Sky Lounge can be booked at +39 327 139 5196. In summer the best tables go within days: it is worth moving weeks in advance.
Is there a budget option with a direct view of the Arena?
Yes: the bars along the Liston in Piazza Bra have outdoor tables facing the Arena. A drink costs between 8 and 14 euros. It is Verona's version of the insider spot — used every day by the Veronesi themselves.
When is the best time for dinner with a view of the Arena?
Summer 2026, on opera evenings. The Arena is lit up, the sky at 9 pm is still saturated with orange light, the atmosphere is unrepeatable. The opera season runs through to September: any evening is the right one.
The apartments of The Verona Stay — Arena and Teatro Ristori — are within walking distance of all four tables described here. Sleep in the historic centre, walk out to dinner, walk home under the stars. Check availability at theveronastay.it.