My respect and appreciation for this precious institution of good food, a warm welcome, and a stratospheric wine cellar to be envied. Thanks to you and to the friend I met this morning who brought me to you.
See you soon
Max
VALNERINA INFO
.
23 Luglio 2026
10,0
A place rich in history, flavors, and good people! Highly recommended!
Davide Bruno
.
03 Luglio 2026
10,0
A dive into the '80s and '90s with authentic flavors and a unique atmosphere
I had the pleasure of having lunch at L'Osteria del Borgo - Zovo, located in the quiet and secluded Mantua "bassa," away from the traffic of the main roads. The atmosphere is truly quaint and full of personality: the decor is an explosion of vintage objects, historic signs, slogans, and posters that nostalgically evoke the '80s and '90s, creating a welcoming, informal, and tastefully curated atmosphere. It's exactly the kind of place you either love or hate, but it certainly doesn't leave you indifferent. Outside, a large and convenient parking lot makes access easy, a significant detail.
The menu is varied and offers a good selection of both first and second courses, with the addition of some daily specials that enrich the offerings. We each started with an antipasto, featuring a selection of top-quality cured meats. In particular, the mortadella and prosciutto were exceptional, tender, and flavorful.
For the main course, I opted for rabbit, a traditional dish that was tender and well-cooked. My partner chose asparagus tortelli with shallots, a dish with delicate and well-balanced flavors. Everything was accompanied by a bottle of Lambrusco, a classic must-have for a meal in the area.
To conclude, I ordered dessert, a delicious cake, and we finished the meal with two coffees.
The only negative, which unfortunately somewhat detracted from the overall experience, was the temperature inside the restaurant. Despite the ceiling fans, the lack of air conditioning was quite noticeable, especially on these scorching days with temperatures reaching 38/40 degrees Celsius.
As for the price, the total was €99. Even considering the quality of the food and the uniqueness of the restaurant, I think the price is a bit high. Based on what we ate and drank, I would have considered a price around €80 more reasonable.
In summary: Osteria del Borgo - Zovo is an ideal place for those seeking authentic cuisine in a charming and memorable setting. The food is excellent, especially the cured meats, and the atmosphere is unique. However, it's important to consider the excessive heat during the warmer months and the price, which, while not excessive, could be more reasonable. If you're a lover of vintage and traditional Mantuan flavors, a visit is still recommended!
Strengths:
Authentic and flavorful cuisine
Exceptional cured meats
Unique decor with a vintage charm (from the 1980s/1990s)
Quiet location
Ample parking
Weaknesses:
No air conditioning
Slightly high price for the overall offering
Ivan Spyro1340
.
28 Giugno 2026
10,0
You can't miss this historic and welcoming place. Nicol is delightful and hospitable, serving excellent dishes paired with a good natural wine (two bottles), and exceptional gelato with grappa and sbriciolona. An experience not to be missed.
Gaich Georg
.
18 Maggio 2026
10,0
A place in the lower Mantua area where you can eat like in the old days, with a wonderful wine list.
I didn't photograph the dishes; I was busy enjoying them! The fried gnocco and cured meats are excellent, and the tagliatelle with mushrooms are unforgettable. I'll be back to try other dishes.
Stefania Malvezzi
.
13 Maggio 2026
10,0
Excellent cuisine, fast and attentive service
Sandra Micozzi
.
03 Maggio 2026
8,0
Always a magical place, the kindness and helpfulness are the hallmarks. The food is spectacular, plentiful, and truly delicious. The price is commensurate with the service.
Patrizia Negri (patty)
.
01 Maggio 2026
10,0
Amazing place, delicious food, everything perfect!
Davide Brina
.
31 Marzo 2026
10,0
A super positive experience in every way, from the location to the service to the food. Highly recommended 👍🔝
Ramona
.
18 Marzo 2026
8,0
Beautiful restaurant, impeccable service and excellent dishes....it doesn't get any better than this 🔝
Paolo Pareschi
.
15 Marzo 2026
10,0