Circolo Il Barbagianni In Pescaglia

For generations he has never been wrong

A day trip with family and friends, a group of six. Upon entering, it feels like an old tavern (the lady will tell us it was a dance hall many, many years ago). Spartan but very authentic. Mixed antipasto: cured meats, cheeses, fried polenta, fried gnocco, then self-service platter with salami and caciotta. The first courses begin: spectacular mushroom rice, homemade ravioli in four flavors (pumpkin, spinach, gorgonzola and walnuts, potato and rosemary), truly delicious. The portions were generous, we were already full and we are good eaters. The 86-year-old lady comes by to collect our plates after each course and chat. The waiter asks us if we want two cappelletti, but we can't fit any more, then he tempts us with the second courses, and we each accept a piece of pork cheek... that becomes three, it melts in the mouth, truly special. By now resigned to exploding and passing away with a smile, he offers us zuppa inglese and plum tart for dessert. We accept, and he brings us a whole zuppa inglese with a spatula and half a pan of tart. We finish with an excellent coffee. We drank water and Lambrusco. €40 for adults, €20 for children—they deserved more. They made us feel at home and spoiled, like at a Sunday lunch where two grandmothers team up. Thank you, we'll be back.

If you're looking for a historic restaurant, run by the same family for over 50 years, then you must stop by Gianni's. Home-style cooking in a casual atmosphere. The dishes are simple and tasty. Signora Anna is happy to sit with you and chat. For a pleasant journey back in time, I recommend a stop.

I used to go there as a boy with friends in the late '90s, and today I'm back after a lifetime! What can I say? They're always welcoming, and the lady (Gianni's wife) is still there, still a brilliant person. The restaurant is a gateway back in time, unchanged, with all the charm of our old, traditional cuisine that you can only find in these places! We start with an appetizer of fried polenta, cured meats, and fried gnocco (all local, of course). I choose the inevitable tortelli and mixed roast rabbit, chicken, and ribs. If you get to the end, you'll find zuppa inglese, tortellini, and coffee for dessert. Being lactose intolerant, I managed to eat the pumpkin and potato ones with olive oil very well, obviously skipping the desserts and just watching others enjoy them! For me, it's always a YES, and I give it full marks.

I used to go there as a boy with friends in the late '90s, and today I'm back after a lifetime! What can I say? They're always welcoming, and the lady (Gianni's wife) is still there, still a brilliant person. The restaurant is a gateway back in time, unchanged, with all the charm of our old, traditional cuisine that you can only find in these places! We start with an appetizer of fried polenta, cured meats, and fried gnocco (all local, of course). I choose the inevitable tortelli and mixed roast rabbit, chicken, and ribs. If you get to the end, you'll find zuppa inglese, tortellini, and coffee for dessert. Being lactose intolerant, I managed to eat the pumpkin and potato ones with olive oil very well, obviously skipping the desserts and just watching others enjoy them! For me, it's always a YES, and I give it full marks.

Entering the restaurant feels like stepping back in time, but the rice bomb is so delicious you'll never want to leave! The service is very friendly and makes you feel right at home.

Restaurants like this are almost unheard of these days. Eating here also requires you to avoid high-profile expectations or those of Instagram photos. It's a rustic yet spacious place, open for 60 years, a lifetime behind it. They saved our lunch because we showed up at a slightly late hour, and the owners, who are also mother and son chefs, welcomed us with great kindness and helpfulness. The simple, family-friendly atmosphere makes you feel immediately at ease. The mixed tortelli dish was delicious, and the homemade nocino was superb! The tagliatellina cake melts in your mouth. It's worth the expense because it's a breath of fresh air among so many places that lack soul and think they're a bit too much.