Trattoria Nonna Caterina - Pratovecchio

We came here with very high expectations, based on the enthusiastic recommendation of our local host. Things began well. The location is lovely for an outside supper, with a terrace overlooking the sleepy townsquare and valley beyond. The welcome was friendly too. Antipasti were limited to three options: we tried the pecorino and jam, which was unadorned but good, and the chunky liver pate. The filled pasta was the highlight, the ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta narrowly beating the tortelli stuffed with savoury potato. The only Secondo we sampled was the Arrosto, which turned out to be various pieces of meat all disappointingly overcooked and served dry. Dolci were unexceptional: a flat apple torta, a tiramisu and a pannacotta. With a fair amount of wine, our party dined for 240Euros. It wasn’t a bad meal but we were led to expect better.

Small, family run restaurant located in the hamlet of Lonnano, some 6 kms away from Pratovecchio (direction Camaldoli-Vallolmo, right in the hamlet centre). It gives you the idea of what a restaurant was like some decades ago in the Casentino valley, both for the menu and the atmosphere. The venue is very small and it is set in the ground floor of a private house (you can even see the laundry hung over the restaurant sign): although refurbished in a modern way, it shows that clean, almost cold design of the old trattoria style, mixed to that warm clamour of the customers. The menu is limited to a few traditional dishes: they are all homemade and tasty although not everything is exceptional. Ravioli and tortelli are really worth a try. Meat dishes are good quality as well yet not outstanding. Get the sound house wine, as it matches properly with the food. Waiting service is welcoming and friendly. Price is really cheap expecially when compared to the good cuisine level. All in all, if you are hanging in the area the venue is well worth a visit (it is recommended to book in advance).

We had a wonderful dinner here. Not easy to find but the effort is absolutely worth it. Great great food, clearly all made locally. The wines are great, all local also. I can certainly recommend it!