La Taverna degli Antichi Sapori In Controne

Authentic traditional cuisine, light-crust pizza, and a welcoming, family atmosphere A must-try

A special place where everything is designed to offer tranquility and culinary delights. Many of us came (on a Friday evening in mid-July) to try the famous Controne beans, some of us from Zuppino di Sicignano degli Alburni, others from the provinces of Lucca, Pisa, and Milan. The tasting of these prized beans was excellent, as was the service provided by one of the owners, always smiling and very helpful. The pizza also received many positive reviews. A place to recommend without a doubt. Well done.

Everything was good, the prices were fair. The owner was a very kind and honest guy... Authentic, homemade products.

A name could never have been more fitting: ancient flavors on a plate. We'd been here a few months ago, but I forgot to leave a review. I returned tonight and decided to try the pizza: simply spectacular. Prepared as it should be, with a dough and flavors that truly made me feel like I was in Naples, but in the quiet and cool atmosphere that only Controne can offer. The real surprise, however, was a pizza that can only exist in Cilento: peperone crusco and potatoes. I'd already tried it here as a main dish, but it always amazes me. It's a perfect balance of tradition and innovation, with a truly special result. Kudos also to the two brothers who run the place: kind, polite, and always welcoming. You can sense the passion they put into their work and the attention they pay to each customer. A place I always return to with pleasure and recommend without hesitation. Ps. I'm sorry, but I didn't manage to photograph the Cilento tart, but I devoured it immediately. I'll be back to eat it again and photograph it!

Family Sunday on the Calore River! Gorgeous...but lunch? Even more gorgeous! We found this tavern by chance and it was a real revelation! Let's start with the atmosphere? Familiar, welcoming...especially thanks to the kindness and good manners of the handsome Donato, who welcomes you with a smile and the simplicity of a truly smart guy! He runs the dining room, recommends the best dishes on the menu, and you just have to trust him! The food? What can I say? Donato's mother is a magician behind the stove! She creates dishes with local products that taste SPECTACULAR! Everything is truly delicious...the cured meats...the cheeses...the homemade pasta...oh...that pappardelle with beans and porcini mushrooms! Anyway, a place we'll definitely return to! Oh, I forgot...very fair prices! 🤪🤪🤪 IMPORTANT...book in advance 😉

A special place. I'm a musician, I played here many years ago, but I always come back for food even if I have to travel quite a few miles. Recommended.

What a wonderful discovery. This is exactly the kind of family-run restaurant you hope to find when traveling through southern Italy—authentic, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in local tradition. Donato made us feel like guests in his own home, taking the time to explain the local dishes and recommend handmade pastas that showcased the region’s incredible ingredients. Every plate was simple in the best possible way: fresh, flavorful, and prepared with obvious care and respect for local recipes. If you’re looking for polished fine dining, this isn’t it—and that’s precisely its charm. It’s a true local gem where the food is amazing, the hospitality is genuine, and you leave feeling like you’ve experienced something special rather than just another meal. Highly recommended for anyone wanting authentic food. Thank you, Donato—we’ll definitely be back.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE After visiting the Castelcivita caves, we headed to Controne for a bite to eat and found the tavern. We were warmly welcomed by Donato, even though it was outside lunch hours. For food and wine, we followed the host's recommendations, which included introducing us to the deliciousness of authentic Controne beans in various variations. For those visiting the caves or those in the area, this is an absolute must-see. Thanks to Donato for this wonderful discovery.

A very quaint restaurant near the city center, offering indoor, outdoor, and summer seating. Traditional cuisine with simple flavors, as tradition dictates. A must-try is the pasta and beans (from Controne). Impeccable service and very helpful staff. The house wine is also good. A special mention goes to the Annurca apple digestive made on-site: 🔝! Recommended.

We had the absolute pleasure visiting this restaurant. It is n the tow of Controne, Italy where my family immigrated from. We has a waiter that was so kind and knew a lot about the history of the beans that they serve. They use ALL LOCAL ingredients in their dishes. It was a great experience and I highly recommend that you visit if you are ever in Controne.