B&B Locanda Pecora Nera

The forest and valleys of Calabria make a magnificent backdrop for a drink and a bite here. Say hello to the woman with the purple hair when you stop.

The hosts are lovely, and the food is excellent. A must.

The meal was a nourishing experience in many ways, and I’m sure I’ll come back. I’m also curious to hear more about the story of this Lombard couple in Calabria. We stopped at this special, almost magical restaurant after a lovely hike on the Cuturello trail in Buturo, organized by the Carabinieri Biodiversity Protection Section of the Cz Carabinieri. The owners are elegant, kind, and discreet, and the decor has the same elegance. The menu invites you to take your time and notice the skillful use of raw ingredients and the clever, surprising combinations of flavors and colors.

Come for the cool air, water, and greenery of the Sila Piccola, or to get away from summer heat and phone notifications. My mobile network doesn't work there, and there's no Wi-Fi. It's a small, quaint place with pop-art touches, and booking ahead is best if you want a table. The food is good, with some unusual dishes that seem to draw on ancient influences and a little Northern Italian influence. Portions are 'humane', meant to cut down on waste and leave room to try several dishes or enjoy the tasting menu through a full meal. The catch is that the menu now costs €37 per person, and a la carte prices are still in line with the menu price. Still, the food is good, and it's commendable that water and cover charge are free. If you like to eat a lot and pay a reasonable price, this isn't the place for you.