Osteria la Vinaccia In Brescia

02/04/2026: It's an old bakery converted into a bar/pizzeria, meaning they serve excellent slices of their homemade pizza, which is both delicious and thick. They also make colomba cakes, which I'm told are spectacular, but you have to book them in advance. Prices are normal for Brescia. The spritz is made with Surlo.

09/02/2026: I'd been hearing good things about it for a few years. I took the opportunity to wander around Brescia city center for an aperitivo. I booked a couple of days in advance because I'd read that the place was quite small and often packed. I confirmed my spot via WhatsApp for an hour and a half (there were probably other reservations later). We arrived easily and were pleasantly surprised by the view of the alley where the place is located. Roman ruins and a castle in the background, truly spectacular. The place consists of a long, narrow room with a couple of counters: a larger one on the left with pizzas/focaccias and a smaller one near the entrance with a cash register and gelato station. The atmosphere is warm and pleasant, thanks in part to the vaulted brick ceiling, which is truly a feast for the eyes. The young lady who welcomed us was truly kind and smiling. She led us to a small room in the back, with three tables set up in the restaurant's storage room, featuring classic aluminum shelving and very dim lighting. The main room is decidedly more welcoming and well-kept; the second (ours) room is smaller, a bit dark, and understandably adapted to accommodate more seating. When we asked for a menu, they explained that there wasn't one, and they explained some of the options verbally (personally, I'd prefer something written in front of me, even just a sheet of paper with a few cocktails or drinks). We were persuaded by the SURLO, their aperitif/bitter, which is the equivalent of Brescia's Pirlo. We paired it with two slices of pizza we'd spotted on the counter as we passed: one a sort of marinara, with anchovies, olives, and garlic, and the other with Pak-choi cabbage and pestom (fresh salami dough). We loved the Surlo! The flavors were excellent, a little too much ice, but really enjoyable. The pizzas are the highlight! The slice isn't too big, divided into 6 squares, but it's really good! Light dough, excellent ingredients, and balanced flavors. Price for the Surlo: €5 Price for a slice of pizza: €5 All in all, a nice aperitif, in a beautiful location but with room for improvement in some areas, and at a decidedly good price. We'll be back.