In my opinion, the Autogrill chain is the best. Everything is always tidy and there's a wide selection of everything (prices aside, like all motorway rest areas). Only two stars for the atmosphere because (strangely) the bathroom was in a disreputable condition.
Mauro Ferrari
.
20 Ottobre 2025
6,0
Autogrill is the largest and most historic operator of food and beverage services and retail for travelers in Italy. It is an icon of highway travel, a nearly obligatory point of reference for millions of Italians in transit. The company is part of a multinational group (Dufry) that is a world leader in the sector.
The Concept: A Stop for the Traveler
Autogrill's basic idea is to offer a "one-stop shop" for travelers, a place where all the basic needs of a stop can be satisfied:
Food: from coffee to a full meal.
Shopping: from basic necessities (drinks, snacks) to more specialized products (books, toys, local products).
Services: restrooms and relaxation areas.
Their strength lies in the widespread nature of their network, with hundreds of points of sale covering almost the entire Italian highway network, as well as being present in stations, airports, and cities.
Restaurant Formats
"Autogrill" is not a single type of establishment, but a hub for various formats and brands, some proprietary, others licensed:
The Bar-Café: It is the beating heart of every Autogrill. Famous for its coffee and its iconic sandwiches, such as the "Camogli," the "Apollo," and the "Bufalino."
Ciao Ristorante: The classic self-service restaurant, where travelers can create their own meal by choosing from a selection of starters, main courses, and side dishes.
La Fucina: A more modern format, found in some service areas, offering a more restaurant-like experience, with burgers, meats, and other dishes freshly prepared on an open grill.
Franchise Brands: Autogrill also operates outlets for many other well-known brands within its areas. It's common to find a Burger King, a Spizzico pizzeria, a Starbucks, or a Motta gelato corner next to the Autogrill sign.
The Market Area
In addition to food and beverages, every Autogrill has a market area where you can purchase a wide range of products: snacks, drinks, sweets, books and magazines, children's toys, car accessories, and a selection of local food and wine products.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Capillarity: They are practically everywhere on the highways, making them an almost obligatory choice.
Hours: Many areas are open 24/7, ensuring continuous service.
Standardization: The offering is standard and recognizable; customers always know what to expect.
Critical Issues:
Prices: The most criticized aspect by consumers is the pricing policy. Products, from coffee to bottled water to meals, are perceived as extremely expensive, with a quality/price ratio often judged unfavorable. This is the most common complaint in reviews and traveler experiences.
Food Quality: While it's suitable for a quick meal, the quality of the food, especially the products that have been on display for a long time, such as sandwiches and pizzas, is often criticized for lacking freshness.
In short, Autogrill is a giant that offers an indispensable and comprehensive service for travelers in Italy, but it constantly struggles with the perception of excessive prices among its vast clientele.
Cesare Caporali
.
27 Agosto 2025
10,0
I was just helped, as a new mother, by kind and attentive sales assistants.
Situation: Black-rated trip.
Clean bathrooms.
It was a pleasant stop for me, my partner, and our two little ones.
Thank you, keep up the good work!
👏🏻
Vittoria Martinelli
.
23 Agosto 2025
10,0
I went into this service station for the first time. The atmosphere was pleasant, with lots of offers on the products on display. The bathrooms were very nice, clean, and smelled great.
Claudia P.
.
28 Luglio 2025
10,0