Ravenna & Ferrara
Ravenna: Mosaics, Mosaics Everywhere—and One Hell of a Seafood Scene
Ravenna wears its history well. The city, once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, is an open-air museum of Byzantine mosaics, their gold and cobalt blue hues shimmering under soft church light. Walk through the Basilica di San Vitale, and it’s hard to tell where history ends and art begins. But Ravenna isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a haven for the hungry, too.
With the Adriatic just a short drive away, the seafood here is the real deal. Brodetto—a fisherman’s stew that’s been perfected over centuries—comes brimming with the freshest catch, slow-cooked in a tomato-rich broth with just enough heat to remind you that simple food, done right, is damn near transcendent. And then there’s cappelletti, the region’s answer to tortellini, filled with a mix of meats and served in a delicate broth that tastes like someone’s nonna spent all day making it—because she probably did.
For a more elevated take on Ravenna’s cuisine, Caffè degli Artisti is where Chef Carlo Mazzini turns seasonal ingredients into edible masterpieces, each plate an homage to Italy’s culinary heritage. Meanwhile, Al 4 Cantoni delivers seafood-driven perfection, with Chef Maurizio Santucci’s obsession for local sourcing shining through in every bite. Pair it all with a bold Sangiovese di Romagna, the region’s ruby-red wine that’s as deep and layered as the city’s history.
Ravenna and Ferrara aren’t just stops on a tour—they’re experiences. Places where food and history intertwine, where every bite tells a story, and where the only real mistake you can make is not staying long enough.
Ferrara: Where History and Hunger Collide
Ferrara isn’t the first Italian city that comes to mind when you think of culinary pilgrimages, but maybe it should be. A Renaissance stronghold with a brooding, moated castle at its core, this UNESCO-listed city has a quiet confidence—a place where time slows and meals are meant to be lingered over. The streets, still wrapped in their medieval grid, lead you past grand palaces and into the kind of trattorias that don’t care for trends, just tradition.
The food here is as rich as its history, rooted in the agricultural bounty of the Po River Valley. Cappellacci di zucca IGP—golden pasta pillows filled with sweet pumpkin—are a staple, a legacy of Ferrara’s 16th-century court cuisine and now protected as a regional specialty. Then there’s salama da sugo, a medieval relic of a dish: a heavily spiced, wine-soaked pork sausage that’s simmered for hours until it reaches an almost obscene level of intensity. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the best things in life rarely are.
For a chef-driven take on local flavors, Ristorante La Loda delivers a refined spin on Ferrarese classics, where Chef Andrea Rinaldi balances elegance with deep respect for tradition. Meanwhile, Osteria dell’Antica Fonda keeps it rustic but elevated, a place where Chef Alessandro Bellini serves up soulful plates with the kind of effortless mastery only found in Emilia-Romagna. Wash it all down with a glass of Trebbiano di Romagna, the region’s crisp white wine that cuts through the richness like a well-placed jab.
And if you’ve got room for dessert, La Romana is the place to be. This is gelato as it was meant to be—dense, impossibly creamy, and unapologetically rich. Order it in a cone, and they’ll even pour warm melted chocolate into the bottom—because in Ferrara, indulgence is a way of life.
RAVENNA-
Ristoranti:
• Ristorante Alexander – A modern restaurant offering innovative cuisine that blends traditional Italian flavors with contemporary techniques.
• Ca’ de Vèn – Housed in the historic Palazzo Rasponi, this establishment has been serving traditional Romagnol dishes and regional wines since 1975, set within frescoed interiors dating back to the 15th century.
• L’Acciuga Osteria – An intimate and welcoming osteria in the heart of Ravenna, specializing in seafood dishes that highlight authentic flavors of the sea.
• Osteria del Tempo Perso – Renowned for its inventive approach to traditional cuisine, this restaurant offers a cozy ambiance enriched with musical inspirations.
• Antica Trattoria al Gallo 1909 – A historic establishment run by the same family for over a century, offering regional dishes amidst Art Nouveau decor.
• Cucina del Condominio – A cozy restaurant known for its homestyle cooking, offering traditional dishes in a warm atmosphere.
• Osteria dei Battibecchi – A traditional osteria serving classic Romagnol cuisine in a rustic setting.
• Osteria della Zabariona – Known for its traditional dishes and cozy ambiance, this osteria offers a genuine local dining experience.
• Trattoria Ristorante al 45 – A family-run trattoria offering traditional dishes in a welcoming environment.
Gelaterie:
• Sorbetteria Degli Exarchi – A popular gelateria known for its wide variety of flavors and high-quality ingredients.
• Papilla Papilla Gelateria – A gelateria offering innovative flavors and classic favorites, appreciated for its creamy textures and natural ingredients.
FERRARA-
Ristoranti:
• Trattoria il Mandolino – A trattoria offering traditional Ferrarese cuisine in a cozy setting.
• Quel Fantastico Giovedì – A restaurant known for its inviting atmosphere and a menu that blends traditional and contemporary Italian dishes.
• Hostaria Savonarola – Located in front of the castle, this restaurant specializes in typical Ferrarese cuisine, featuring an inviting counter of cold cuts and cheeses.
• Can’ da Frara – A restaurant offering traditional dishes in a rustic ambiance.
• Cucina Bacilieri – Known for its innovative approach to traditional cuisine, this restaurant offers a modern dining experience.
• Da Noemi – A family-run restaurant serving traditional Ferrarese dishes in a homely setting.
• Osteria il Frantoio – An osteria offering classic Italian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Gelaterie:
La Romana -One of Ferrara top gelaterias, La Romana has been serving high-quality artisanal gelato since 1947. Known for its rich, creamy textures and natural ingredients, it offers classic flavors alongside creative seasonal specials. Their signature touch? Warm melted chocolate at the bottom of your cone.