22/07/2025: We found this place by chance while looking for a gourmet restaurant to dine at after a day at the beach. We were pleasantly surprised by the simple yet elegant setting, and the outdoor space is very pretty and well-maintained. The waitress was very good and attentive in her recommendations, and we enjoyed two seafood tasting menus. Of these, we truly enjoyed the tuna tartare and the cod maritozzo with mock cappuccino. The best dish, however, was the pettola with cream of beans and shellfish, with chicory powder—truly incredible. The wine recommendation was excellent. A negative note for the chef's aperitif: although the drink was truly special, the amuse bouche seemed a bit "old," cold and lacking in crispiness. However, the white fish main course with pea parfait was unimpressive and lacked much flavor. The desserts were polar opposites: while the exotic dessert was an explosion of flavors and textures in the mouth, the hazelnut and raspberry dessert had unpleasant textures and almost no flavor. We were very pleased with the pre-dessert and the small pastries. Overall, it was a very positive experience and one I would repeat, especially since the price is perfect for everything you eat; I didn't find it too high for the cuisine, ingredients used, and service.
18/07/2025: We were in Fondi for family reasons, not for a planned vacation, and for this reason, discovering Riso Amaro was even more surprising. My wife, while searching for a good restaurant in the area, spotted this Michelin-starred establishment, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. It's located in the historic center of the city, just behind the castle: a charming area, rich in history and atmosphere.
The restaurant is elegant, well-maintained, and very clean. We dined on the patio, in a quiet and convivial setting, surrounded by a courteous clientele. The welcome was warm and the service impeccable, with special mention to the head waiter: kind, attentive, and knowledgeable in her wine selection.
We opted for the five-course seafood tasting menu, accompanied by matching wines. The experience was excellent: beautifully presented, creative dishes rooted in local tradition, prepared with high-quality ingredients and enriched with international touches—such as Japanese-inspired sauces or the use of prized mushrooms. Each pairing was carefully crafted, perfectly showcasing flavors and textures.
While it's difficult to describe each dish in detail, what remains memorable is the harmony of flavors, the refinement, and the overall pleasure of the experience. The price—€65 for the menu, plus €25 for the wine pairing—is absolutely appropriate for the quality of the offerings and the thoughtful ambiance.
Riso Amaro is a restaurant I highly recommend to anyone in Fondi or the surrounding area. I would return without hesitation, even just to discover the upcoming seasonal menu. A well-deserved five stars.
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