Il Ruscello

I’m not usually one to leave reviews, but this place made me want to. The ingredients were top-notch, the flavors wonderful, and the food was excellent. I’m used to eating well, so that says a lot. The staff were helpful, and the setting among the greenery felt heavenly. I’m not from the area and only stopped by by chance, but it’s the kind of place you don’t forget.

We found this family-run restaurant by chance on vacation and liked it enough to come back a couple of times. It feels like home even when you’re a thousand miles away, with a peaceful spot inland, away from the coast’s heat and bustle. The staff are friendly and helpful, and it’s easy to get chatting. The seafood and meat are excellent quality, carefully prepared by people who know their ingredients and want them to shine. Try the "Cavatielli di nonna Grazia" with cherry tomatoes, anchovies, and fennel, or the creamy, generous "Scialatielli ai ceci, gamberi e rosemary". The "Spaghetti alle vongole" is available both white and "macchiato". The "Tagliere" of cured meats and cheeses is also excellent and showcases authentic products. For wine, I liked their pleasantly aromatic still Trebbiano. And for dessert, ask for the fried zappole with chestnut honey. Their passion for catering comes through in the food. Highly recommended!

Dinner was excellent and plentiful. I had fritto misto to start, followed by seafood scialatelli and the infreschi platter, anchovies cooked in different ways. The still house wine wasn’t overpowering, and the service was quick and attentive. Definitely worth a return visit.

The food was generous and delicious, and the menu looked interesting throughout. We had two seafood risottos, a slice of meat, a refreshment platter, two desserts, beer, and water for €79. I also looked over at nearby plates, and the spaghetti and clam dish and grilled fish looked amazing. We drove about 15 minutes from our hotel in the historic center because the restaurants nearby felt chaotic. The road to this isolated place was unlit and deserted, and I even came close to a fox. I’m a bit of a coward, I admit, but if you want somewhere to clear your head, this is perfect. We ate outside at well-spaced tables and were greeted right away by the family-run staff. If you’re in the area, it’s a must-see.