Where to start! The truth is we can’t really recommend our FAVOURITE place, because well, Nonna’s kitchen isn’t open to the general public, but here’s a list of some close contenders. We’ve grouped them into types of establishment and location to make things easier.
Villa San Giovanni & Cannitello, RC.
Gelaterie/ Pasticcerie (ice cream parlours/ bakeries)
- Pasticceria Bellantone – Via Ammiraglio Curzon, 58, 89018 Villa San Giovanni RC, Italy
A lovely family-run ‘bar’ where you can go for breakfast, an afternoon aperitif, or an ice cream. This bakery also sells a huge range of delicious local pastries, biscuits, cakes, as well as their famous artisanal pistachio, hazelnut, and chocolate spreads.
This is a great first stop off point for those arriving on the ferry from Sicily, and it’s also great for families with young children as it backs on to a sweet little play park called ‘Parco Masha’ where children can enjoy slides, swings & seesaws. It’s even home to a little pond full of goldfish and terrapins – our girls absolutely love visiting this park and then enjoying some breakfast at the bar. If you want to combine the two – the staff at the bakery will gladly prepare your food and coffee to take away, and the park is equipped with waste bins for recycling after you’re finished.
- Bar Boccaccio, Lungomare Fata Morgana, 48, 89018 Villa San Giovanni RC, Italy
This is a similar setting to our previous recommendation, but this time found along the coast road or ‘via marina’ where you can take in the spectacular panorama of the Strait of Messina and Sicily in the background. While you can come here for breakfast, snacks and ice cream just like the other bar; this place is also bustling into the evening as a regular haunt for the locals. You can also get a famous ‘panino di peace spada’ – a swordfish sandwich here. If you don’t know, this stretch of the coast in Calabria is known for its swordfish and it’s absolutely delicious. Well worth a try!
Cascina Schiccio, Santo Stefano, Reggio Calabria.
I think this could be our favourite restaurant, EVER. With its beautiful tasting menu consisting of 11 different dishes, it’s an amazing way to sample lots of local delicacies. They specialise in mountain food, essentially a hug on a plate. Warmth, comfort and deliciousness all wrapped up in the form of impeccably prepared and presented food. The price is amazing too. Currently for €37/ person you get the entire tasting menu, wine, bread and water. Trust us, the portions are very generous too, so wear some elasticated trousers! They aren’t offended if you take your left overs home and the staff are truly passionate about what they do, from their hand made pasta and desserts, to their slow cooked ragù and outstanding service. It’s somewhere we will continue to go back to time and time again.
Please make sure to book in advance as this is a small restaurant with limited places. They don’t take walk ins at all. Children are very welcome – they can either enjoy the same menu or eat from their children’s menu which includes starter, maccheroni al ragù and cotoletta (cutlets – could be chicken, veal or pork depending on the day).
One other thing we have to say about this place is that you may never want to leave, because between the food and the amazing view, it really is an incredible experience.
Gopopolo Travel 