Osteria Zanchetti In Fossombrone

Osteria Zanchetti in Fossombrone reveals itself as one of those taut human works of architecture where the design is noble, the intentions lofty, but the end result remains suspended in limbo, delicious but lacking the strength to truly captivate the heart. The style reflects the classic and rigorous orthodoxy of a Slow Food philosophy, moving within a space where time slows. The atmosphere is pleasant, intimate, and genuinely welcoming, enhanced by the courteous and attentive presence of its host. Outside, a beautiful courtyard opens up, a small open-air theater that, unfortunately, a sudden downpour made unusable just moments before our arrival. So we take refuge inside: a small, almost intimate space, yet pervaded by a sincere warmth. The welcome begins with a soft glass of pleasant rosé, offered to prepare the spirits for dinner, accompanied by their homemade bread, which, however, disappoints expectations and proves unpalatable. The local olive oil, served as a prelude, also proves to be of good quality but is lacking in character for those, like me, who seek a bold and vibrant statement in flavors. This oscillation between the subtle and the explicit is found throughout the menu, a score that alternates extremely delicate dishes with more vigorous bursts, in a transition that doesn't always find its perfect balance. The opening course is the Manza dell’oste, a variation of raw meat presented in three small piles, and the Apennine bison tataki. Both appetizers are meticulously crafted; they can't be described as bad, yet they lack the necessary spark to captivate the senses. The first courses are even more marked: the tacconi with creamed peas and Serra de' Conti grass peas are a decidedly disappointing and dull transition, while the hand-sealed cappelletti with caciotta cheese and black pepper are an excellent execution, a small masterpiece of balance and flavor. The same swing occurs with the main courses, where the baked quail expresses a delightful intensity, clearly superior to the rabbit loin in potacchio, which flows by without captivating. We're also in the middle of a rut when it comes to desserts. The Zeta Rocher, with its dark chocolate and toasted hazelnuts, is very good, dense, and satisfying, while the New York - Cantiano... via Pechino, an attempt at cheesecake with black cherries and ice cream, turns out to be a failed experiment. A special mention goes to the wine cellar, not monumental in size but structured with an excellent quality-price ratio; our red, enriched by a few months in barrique, held its own with fine personality. The true and unexpected final caress comes with the Treasure Chest: those chocolate pralines proved delicious, a sweet and refined farewell. Perhaps the expectations were too high, or perhaps the unstable alternation between intense flavors and overly subtle nuances confused the path. Four stars of encouragement for an experience that just needs a little more courage.

An unexpected experience in a magical place nestled in the city streets. Attentive and attentive service, a good wine selection. The cuisine respects tradition but also gives a nod to modernity. The host's research and attention to detail in sourcing the finest ingredients are evident in his dishes. Highly recommended.

Great place and super food. We're organizing a dinner party there.

Portions that should be slightly increased in quantity

Great service, great food. All good.

A very interesting gastronomic destination in Fossombrone. A charming place and good-quality dishes. Worth mentioning is the kindness of chef Luca Zanchetti, who offered us delicious chocolates at the end of the meal.

In an alley in the charming historic center of Fossombrone, you'll notice a charming little white house that will transport you back to the last century. After wandering around and fortifying himself with valuable apprenticeship, the innkeeper returned home and opened this osteria a few years ago, a family home (I seem to recall it being his grandparents' old bakery). Outside, you'll notice a large number of plaques from various awards and recognitions from leading restaurant guides and a charming little outdoor terrace. Inside, two intimate rooms (one on the first floor where we dined) are tastefully and carefully furnished, lending the osteria an elegant, welcoming, and relaxing atmosphere. A friendly maître d' will attentively attend to your every need, explaining the menu to you, and will serve you throughout your meal. Expertly prepared by the chef-researcher, who draws on several Slow Food Presidia, sourcing and using local ingredients of undeniable quality to create dishes rooted in tradition but also revisited with admirable international flair. You can choose à la carte (the menu changes periodically), or you can opt for a four-course menu of your choice (€39) (valid only on non-holiday/pre-holiday Mondays and Tuesdays in winter), including a basket of sourdough bread and organic olive oil, a welcome glass, an appetizer, a first course, a second course, and a dessert. After the welcome welcome, we ordered (tasting menu): Appetizer: Matico cheese on envy, with a honey sauce made from unstressed bees, pears, Slow Food Presidium fig loin, and chopped dried fruit...an excellent combination of flavors! First course: Slow Food Presidium Tacconi with creamed potatoes, pecorino di fossa cheese, and cabbage...unmissable! Second course: Hook-caught cod with peperonata, olives, and powdered Slow Food Presidium Salina capers, a delight for the palate...a skillful balance of Mediterranean flavors and tastes. Dessert: Dark Bostrengo cheese with chopped dried fruit and pineapple carpaccio...a perfect end to an excellent dinner! The other diner: Guinea fowl legs and wings (€19) with ACE cream, dates, carrots, and toasted Piedmont PGI hazelnuts, a true delight. Fried vegetables (€9) with aromatic bread, delicate and flavorful. Glazed chestnut parfait with mulled wine apples and Slow Food Presidium Toritto almonds (€8), a dessert of excellent flavor! The Verzulin (€4), a typical drink of the porters of Fossombrone made with pure anise and mint syrup, is a welcome "revival" that has become the osteria's official cicchetti. To accompany the dinner, two glasses of red wine from the Marche region, an Ortaia Pergola DOC Aleatico Superiore aged in oak barrels (€14) from the excellent Cantina Terracruda in Fratterosa (PU), totaling €98 for two. I'd say it's absolutely appropriate for what's on offer, the setting, the very high quality of the dishes, and the attentive and friendly service, making for an unforgettable evening that we truly enjoyed. The osteria is open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (dinner only), Saturday and Sunday (lunch and dinner). In my opinion, the effort to offer and adhere to the Michelin Bib Gourmand label, i.e., quality cuisine offered at an excellent quality-price ratio, is highly commendable, especially given these difficult times. If we add the great availability and attentiveness (from the time we booked) and the attention to detail (the welcome note on the table, the complimentary dessert, and the friendly, smiling service...) the picture is complete. A highly recommended experience (as is the reservation!) and one we will definitely repeat!!!

In short, perfect! Perfect service! A dinner where in every dish, originality and local character become one.

Our special day in a special place. The service was impeccable, entrusted to the maître d'; the hospitality and welcome matched the delicacy of the food. It was truly a taste experience, thanks to the perfect pairings, expertly researched and created. The host appeared fleetingly, like a great artist who prefers to let his creations take center stage. Unforgettable.

Stellar, but not Michelin-star level, just galactic 😅