02/07/2026: 🌟 A slice of authentic Sardinia in the cool of the Castelli Romani: a magical evening
Last Saturday, to escape the scorching heat of Rome, my son Alessio and I decided to seek out some fresh air in the hills of the Castelli Romani, in Genzano di Roma. As a Sardinian by birth, when I discovered this traditional restaurant in Genzano, I couldn't resist the urge to rediscover the flavors of my childhood and adolescence, when my mother—a brilliant cook—would delight us with her dishes. It was a wonderful choice.
We arrived at 8:00 PM and were immediately greeted warmly and kindly. We were seated at a delightful table, surrounded by climbing vines: an intimate atmosphere and a refreshing coolness that consoled us from the city heat.
The owner and highly skilled chef, Nicola, proudly showed us the catch of the day and even a freshly baked suckling pig, fragrant and traditionally presented in its cork bark: a huge temptation! Finally, drawn by the freshness of the sea bream, I chose the baked sea bream with potatoes, while my son chose the seared bluefin tuna with caramelized red onion, sesame seeds, and chopped pistachios. I also tried it, but it's difficult, if not impossible, to describe the flavor and deliciousness of this dish. His wife then showed us the first courses, and our choice inevitably fell on the culurgiones with bottarga, the dish that more than any other reminds me of the ancient flavors of my homeland.
While sipping an excellent chilled Vermentino di Gallura, we began with seafood appetizers cooked to perfection by them, tender and bursting with the freshest seafood, accompanied by fragrant carasau bread. The wait for the first courses was perfectly acceptable, and in the meantime, something wonderful happened: the relaxing atmosphere of the place encouraged conversation to the point that we struck up a friendship with a couple at the next table. We chatted amiably about tastes, desires, and even the daily struggles of us citizens dealing with taxes and society, even exchanging a taste of the Mirto liqueur we'd ordered. A conviviality from another era.
The evening flew by in a flash, even though the second courses took their time, delighting in the wonder of rare and satisfying flavors. By the time we left, it was closing time, midnight! I could describe in detail the abundance and unique quality of the place... but words don't fully do justice to the magic of this place: it was an emotional and regenerating experience for body and soul. We'll definitely be back; highly recommended!
Lino Manca
23/06/2026: An excellent restaurant with home-style cooking of very good quality. Friendly and welcoming service.