Umbria Jazz Winter # 32

For New Year 's Eve I was in Orvieto, Italy. This beautiful town welcomes the Umbria Jazz festival every winter. In December 2025 the 32nd edition took place, with artists like Stefano Bollani, Danilo Rea, Dado Moroni, Fabrizio Bosso, Emma Smith and Ray Gelato.

Although the weather wasn't great (cold and rainy) and I didn't feel great either (coughing like crazy), it was wonderful to be there. Orvieto has stolen my heart a long time ago. I think it's the combination of a beautiful historic centre, cosy bars and restaurants, cute little shops and a wonderful atmosphere. Add Umbria Jazz to the mix and you have the perfect destination for New Year's Eve.

Want to learn more about Orvieto, Umbria and Umbria Jazz Winter? Please read one of my previous articles:
Osteria da Mamma Angela 
New Year's Eve in Orvieto 
Holiday Season in Umbria

Osteria da Mamma Angela, Orvieto

The town of Orvieto is filled with good restaurants, but one of my favorites is Osteria da Mamma Angela. Located in Piazza del Popolo, it has a small terrace and several cozy rooms. In fact I always feel like I'm having lunch or dinner at a friend's house. The interior decorating is very cute with red checkered tablecloths, whitewashed furniture, photos of famous guests and funny quote signs on the walls.

Osteria da Mamma Angela opened in 2015 and has been a big hit ever since, among locals and tourists alike. The cuisine is typical Umbrian, with dishes like Umbrichelli al pistacchio e speck (pasta with pistachio nuts and cured, smoked ham), tagliatelle al tartufo (pasta with truffels), various types of bruschetta (toasted bread with toppings), rustic soups with lentils, beans, chickpeas and chestnuts,  tagliata di manzo (sliced, high-quality beef), pork skewers and more. My friends always take the signature dish... "baffo" all'Orvietana (cured pork cheek, sautéed with sage and white wine vinegar).... and they go crazy for it!

However, Osteria da Mamma Angela is not only a perfect spot for meat lovers, it's also vegetarian friendly. Mamma Angela serves pasta al pomodoro (pasta with tomato sauce), ravioli with ricotta cheese and spinach, Caprese salad and delicious vegetable soups. Oh and don't forget the mouthwatering desserts such as tiramisu and cheesecake! Make sure you make a reservation in advance, especially during peak seasons like Umbria Jazz Winter. 

Osteria da Mamma Angela
Piazza del Popolo 2
Orvieto, Italy
Telephone: (+39) 0763 342790
Website: Osteria da Mamma Angela

Umbria Jazz 24

Umbria Jazz 24 has come to an end.... While I'm sad it's over, I am so happy and grateful I was there!!! It was a wonderful edition with many amazing concerts!! Raye, Lenny Kravitz, Toto, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Chucho Valdes, Roberto Fonseca, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Hiromi, Christian Sands, Charles Lloyd, Ray Gelato, Funk Off, Accordi Disaccordi.... it just went on and on!!! 

I had lots of fun with my friends, had so many delicious meals (at Ristorante La Taverna, winebar la Bottega del Vino, Da Cesarino, Pasticceria Sandri), many aperitivi at the festival bar down at the Arena Santa Giuliana, met lovely new people, spent all my money at Perugia's finest stores (including Forma)...! All I can say is... next year you must pay the Umbria Jazz festival a visit!

For more information: Umbria Jazz

Want to see more of Umbria Jazz? Check out my previous blogs:
https://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.com/2023/10/umbria-jazz-50th-anniversary.html
https://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.com/2020/07/ode-to-umbria-jazz.html