Bencò – Osteria Calabrese is a restaurant that celebrates the Calabrian roots of owner Manuel Bennardo, a native of Rossano Calabro. Since 2020, the restaurant has told the story of Calabria through modern, quality cuisine, earning a place in the Michelin Guide. Recently, however, it has changed format, becoming an osteria that authentically expresses traditional Calabrian cuisine.
The menu is inspired by family recipes, particularly those of Bennardo’s grandmother, with iconic ingredients such as ‘nduja di Spilinga, salt cod, and sheep’s milk cheeses. The décor recalls Calabrian country traditions, with typical objects that evoke the region’s culture. The wines are Calabrian, with labels from different parts of the region.
What does the menu offer?
As for appetizers, we find eggplant meatballs on a stick, bruschetta with sardella crucolese, ‘nduja from Spilinga, cured meats such as soppressata and capocollo, and local cheeses (caciocavallo silano and pecorino). First courses: stroncatura with anchovies, capers and olives (traditional pasta from Gioia Tauro), spaghettone “alla corte d’assise” (tomato, pecorino and chili), lagana and chickpeas, and rice grown in the Sibari Plain.
Main courses include salt cod with tomatoes and olives, Calabrian black pig sausage and podolica rib. Seasonal specials such as Morzello, a traditional Catanzaro tripe, are offered each month.
Those with a sweet tooth can order Tartufo di Pizzo (typical ice cream) and Cullurielli (fried doughnuts).
Where: Via Fabio Massimo 101 Rome. Tel. 06 3972 8933. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.