I am determined on this trip to avoid this “tourist trap” restaurant that I know will be all over Italy.
Go to any piazza and you will find a lovely spot with a view, maybe near the beach. Or within spitting distance of a Duomo or Palazzo.
But one that comes with ridiculously high prices and usually mediocre food.
I’m determined not to get caugt in that trap.
So I looked long and hard for a spot a little off the beaten path, no pictures of food on a big board outside the front door or a hawker trying to get you to come inside.
I found Osteria alla Staffa.
An Osteria typically is a small tavern offering simple, affordable dishes, the bottom end of the restaurant tier in Italy. That doesn’t mean the food isn’t great though.
Merilynn decided on the baked scallops. Love the presentation.
It was very nice. The scallops were cooked very well. Only complaint would be there was a little grit on one of the scallops. I’ll look past it though, the scallops were that delicious.
I’m going with Pappardelle al Ragu Biana
I’ve been learning more and more about the variations in Ragu sauces
of late. There’s an onion Ragu from the Naples region I would love to try one day, if I can find the 12 hours to make it. This is the first time I’ve had a white Ragu, and it’s fantastic. I’m not entirely sure how they built those layers of flavour but it is one incredible plate of pasta.
Dolce was Tiramisu and a Guatemala Antigua espresso.
Too much ladyfinger, not enough custard. Still pretty good though.
The coffee selection was interesting. They had different select beans from around the world ground for espresso. Guatemala Antigua was one of my favorites from back when I worked at Starbucks, back when Starbucks was good. It’s bright and citrusy with full body. A really well rounded coffee.
The location is small and cozy, with lots of wood lending to a rustic feel.
The staff were very friendly and made our lunch a delight.
Osteria alla Staffa is exactly the kind of restaurant you want to find if your avoiding the tourist traps.
There’s no view to speak of, its just really great food.