Sogni D'Oro - Guest House

The rather anonymous location does not in any way detract from the quality of this historic restaurant, which is renowned for its excellent fish and seafood. The menu showcases fish from the Adriatic cooked using classical techniques with the occasional modern twist, such as in the tuna tartare seasoned with caramelised onions and citrus powder-flavoured mayonnaise. Considering the quality of the fish here, the prices are very reasonable. The beautifully presented desserts are an added bonus.

A few kilometres into the first hills of the Adriatic hinterland are well worth the journey to reach the tranquil village of Montepagano. Here one finds a restaurant of original and engaging character, which defines itself as a ‘ristorante diffuso’: a concept given tangible form by a succession of rooms, dining spaces and intimate period salons, punctuated by strikingly contemporary works of art, as though one were moving through a miniature village within the village. The gastronomic direction is entrusted to a chef of considerable ability, capable of conveying through simple yet imaginative

From the coast, you take a winding road uphill to this family-run trattoria which boasts sea views from its terrace. Apart from the salted cod, the menu only features meat dishes, with a focus on simple, traditional Abruzzo specialties. These include arrosticini (skewered grilled meat), fragrant mushrooms, barbecued meat and delicious “pizza dogge”, the latter a type of layered dessert with sponge cake, custard, confectioner’s cream and Alkermes liqueur. The concise wine list also focuses on the Abruzzo.

Vecchia Marina is renowned in the region (and further afield) for its superb fish and seafood and excellent value for money (the tasting menu priced at under 40 euros is truly extraordinary). Situated just a stone’s throw from the beach, the restaurant has a simple, informal feel, where the full focus is on the flavour of the fresh fish served in traditional dishes such as linguine with langoustine, garlic, olive oil and rosemary, and raw fish featuring the catch of the day. As you can imagine, booking well in advance is highly recommended!