I Sapori Dei Briganti Braceria-Macelleria-Agriturismo In Sant'arcangelo

17/12/2024: Superb place. Classy and adorable, helpful staff. The cellar is incredible. The meal is affordable and of exceptional quality. I highly recommend!

24/11/2024: I expected La Villa to be good as it was recommended to us by one of the region's most highly-respected winemakers, Elena Fucci. in fact it exceeded all expectations. Father Michele and son Vito Sonnessa are in the kitchen, while son No.2, Gabriele, runs the floor and cellar. Upstairs is cosy and rustic, but we were given a beautiful table in the well-stocked cellar – "the heart of the restaurant" as Gabriele calls it. The menu features local ingredients and traditional dishes with a twist and we opted for a 4-course degustation. First up a series of snacks including delicious mini focaccia with tomato, anchovy and wild oregano, plus a loaf of the crustiest bread with olive oil from the family's own trees. The oil's name – D'Uglj – means 'the oil' in dialect. The menu proper: crumbed and fried pork and beef meatball studded with caciocavallo cheese in a tomato and basil sauce; 'La Sagnj' (lasagne in dialect) with a ragu of local beef and 30-month Parmigiano fonduta sauce; grilled local lamb with their take on a spicy BBQ sauce and scarole on the side; and a cube of rich chocolate mousse with a crumble of traditional biscuits and white chocolate. Of course we drank Elena Fucci's superb savoury rosato throughout (more a chilled red, than rosé as we know it). Gabriele's friendly and knowledgeable, service, the setting of the cellar (surrounded by so many iconic wines) and excellent food made this a meal to remember.