From Nicotera to Pizzo, in the province of Vibo Valentia, there is the Costa degli Dei, 55 kilometres of Tyrrhenian coastline where pristine beaches alternate with rocky stretches and hidden coves. And it is here that we find Tropea, known as “The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea”, one of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, as well as a Bandiera Blu marker for sustainable land management, this year recommended as a tourist destination even by the The Daily Telegraph.
Where to eat in Tropea: the restaurants
De' Minimi dell'Hotel Villa Paola
Restaurant. Most of the ingredients used in the kitchen come from the property's vegetable garden, where Emanuele Pucci creates intriguing dishes such as salt cod, creamed Sila potatoes, crusco peppers and Igp red onion. Calabria wines in the cellar and a charming cocktail bar. Booking required.
De' Minimi dell'Hotel Villa Paola – c.da Paola – 0963 62370 – villapaolatropea.it
Incipit Restaurant
Restaurant. Located in the heart of the old town, it houses rooms with stone walls and arches, terracotta floors and has large outdoor areas. The menu emphasises typical Calabria products. Adequate wine list.
Incipit Restaurant – l,go Galluppi, 17 – 392 9479156 - 392 9898967 – incipitrestaurant.com
Pimm's
Restaurant. In a magnificent location, inside an old aristocratic palace, with a romantic little balcony overlooking the sea (much coveted, so book in advance), this is a family-run establishment. At the table come mostly fish dishes in non-trivial combinations, to be paired with mainly Calabria wines.
Pimm's - Largo Migliarese - 0963 666105 – Pagina Facebook
Scacco Matto
Restaurant. An address to keep in mind if you want to eat well, especially fish, in a friendly atmosphere, served with kindness and at fair prices. Highlights include swordfish rolls with Tropea onion Igp and tuna alla Tropeana. Mostly regional wines.
Scacco Matto – via Umberto I, 27 – 349 5290120 – scacco-matto-seafood-restaurant.business.site
Where to eat in Tropea: bistros and trattorie
La Dispensa by BO.CA.
Bistro. An ideal address for a tasty pit stop, perhaps on the way back from a day at the beach. Rich platters of local cured meats and cheeses, pickled vegetables, well-stuffed focaccia with tempting fillings, and appetisers depending on the day are served. To wash it all down, mostly regional wines. Outdoor tables.
La Dispensa by BO.CA. – via Caivano, 19 – 327 8710042 – Pagina Facebook
Osteria della Cipolla Rossa
Trattoria. Reservations are compulsory to eat at Romana (for everyone Romy) Schiariti's small restaurant near the sea, where there was once a cultivated field of red onions. The (vegetarian) menu is constructed day by day and is cooked for a maximum of 6 people, with a eye towards authenticity and environmental protection.
Osteria della Cipolla Rossa – via Lungomare – 377 3961136 – osteriadellacipollarossa.com
Where to eat along the Costa degli Dei: restaurants
Pizzo
ME Restaurant al Pietre Bianche Apart Hotel
Restaurant. A cosy restaurant with an outdoor area where you can enjoy the valid proposal conceived by Giuseppe Romano. In an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, well-conceived original dishes come to the table, mostly seafood and drawing on local flavours and products.
ME Restaurant al Pietre Bianche Apart Hotel – loc. Ponte di Ferro - s.da prov.le per Vibo Marina – 0963 534532 – merestaurant.it
Locanda Toscano
Restaurant. The Toscano of the sign is the surname of Antonino, the director in the dining room of this cosy restaurant in the city centre run together with his wife Caterina Malerba, a skilful creator in the kitchen of a proposal that moves with refined balance between originality and tradition.
Locanda Toscano – via B. Musolino, 22 – 0963 531089 – ristorantelocandatoscano.com
Vibo Valentia
Lapprodo
Restaurant. For many years one of the best addresses in the province and the region, as comfortable indoors as outdoors. The cuisine has its strong point in the rigorous selection of ingredients, mainly fish and Calabrian products. Important wine cellar, in terms of numbers and quality.
Lapprodo – Vibo Marina - via Roma, 22 – 0963 572640 – lapprodo.com
Where to eat and drink along the Costa degli Dei: trattorias, pizzerias and wine bars
Briatico
a Caseja
Trattoria. Just a few minutes from the sea, it is the right place for a full immersion in typical recipes. The restaurant is rustic in style and has a beautiful garden. Highlights include the rich antipasto of vegetables, dairy products, cheeses and cured meats, then homemade pasta and grilled meats.
a Caseja – loc. Piana di Vadi – 347 5384678 – Pagina Facebook
Parghelia
Miseria & Nobiltà
Pizzeria. For Irene Malfarà, pizza is a real passion. In her restaurant (with dehors) the tonda is queen, the result of dough made with selected flours and a 72-hour rising time. The final touch is the topping with quality ingredients and baking in a wood-fired oven. Alternatively, tasty dishes of traditional inspiration.
Miseria & Nobiltà – via F. Cilea, 5 – 340 6013975 – Pagina Facebook
Spizziculia Good Food & Wine
Wine bar. One of the most popular addresses in town. In addition to rich aperitifs punctuated by wine and beer, you can enjoy well-made daily specials that draw on the large pool of local ingredients. Pleasant ambience, with an outdoor area, tasting menu at commendable prices.
Spizziculia Good Food & Wine – via Vittorio Emanuele III, 16 – 347 3075739 – Pagina Facebook
By Clara Barra and Valentina Marino
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