Get Lost with Lisa

Step inside a typically cliché Tuscan style osteria, where the food smells just as good as the wine tastes! 

If you’ve ever wanted to visit a medieval village and eat in a restaurant that feels like you’re in Snow White’s cottage, then you’re in luck. EnOsteria L’Ottava Rima is going to be right up your ally. With very limited and intimate seating, the osteria is something out of a fairy tale that you won’t soon forget.

The Atmosphere

To start, the atmosphere and décor are definitely something to be acknowledged here. The village of Sorano, which dates back to between the 3^rd-4^th centuries B.C. is a hilly town that is a maze of a place. Anywhere and everywhere around the town is a steep climb up ancient staircases and steps, and the navigation is difficult if you’re not from around here. I started at the top of a staircase in the village with a sign pointing to the osteria, only to find myself descending step after step, landing after landing and turning corner after corner to locate the establishment – which told me I’d be burning off my dinner’s calories on my way back up.

The charm of Sorano, is that nothing seems to have been modified or “renovated” since the town’s inception, which is quite a testament to the architecture and its longevity.

And the osteria is really no different. With its medieval décor and esthetics, it’s quite literally like being transported in time with the stone walls, antique knick knacks that grace the walls – and of course, all the many wines that are available upon selection.

The Food

Of course the food is the reason we’re here. It was most certainly the best part of the experience, in combination with the atmosphere. The owner, Nicola, was there to greet me when I arrived and served myself and the other few patrons that can fit in his humble establishment. Perusing the small menu, everything sounded great, and most fascinating was that these were medieval dishes that Nicola had brought back to life.

Let’s begin with the Sovana DOC which was served in an old fashioned decanter, much to my delight. Not only was it aromatic and lovely but it was an excellent start to the evening. My first dish was stewed eggplants with peppers and tomatoes with sweet and sour pears. Extremely tasty with lots of strong flavors from the eggplant and peppers.

Next, I had “Il Capocollo” which was their name for the absolute hands down best thing I ate there that night – and probably my whole time in Sorano. Maybe even Tuscany.

Grilled Tuscan bread with crouton mixed with pork sausage and grilled potatoes. Let me assure you, this is 100% what you need to order when you come here. And if I have the opportunity to go back I will order three plates of this. Just for myself. It’s that good.

Next up was Tortello which is like a bigger sized version of tortellini – and this version was stuffed with spinach and ricotta, topped with ragu. Delicious, unsurprisingly. And don’t forget – everything is made from scratch. Including that pasta, not just the sauce.

The next entrée I had, was grape leaves stuffed with the local raised beef, and marinated in San Giovese red wine. Not my favorite thing of the evening, but definitely for those who like an old school recipe with some flare to it, this is up your ally.

For dessert, I was brought, once again, ancient recipes – three in fact, which were all notably different. For me, the appetizers, wine and entrees were the stars of the show, but if you’re interested in merely trying something from the old world, have at those unique desserts.

Your Visit

In general, my time at EnOsteria L’Ottava Rima was special and unique. I would recommend the food, wine and service as they were all exceptional.  The coziness of the front half of the restaurant was idyllic, while the back half was a little bit darker.

So if you’re in Sorano for work or pleasure, don’t hesitate making a reservation here for a late night dinner. Just remember when you do, to let them know Lisa sent you!