La Bandinella - ROCCASTRADA

Ate here last night. The food was pretty good but the place needs a lick of paint here and there. The owner was helpful and it's difficult to think why I don't feel able to give it a higher rating. I know eating in a rustic setting is great but something about the eating area was a little gloomy and depressing. But fine if you're in the area and hungry.

This reminded me of the kind of place we used to go with my parents when we first came here in the 80s. Mamma is cooking in the kitchen, son is front of house and charming. We were inside and yes as another reviewer said it’s a bit tired but that adds to the atmosphere rather than subtracts. There’s a fridge built in the 60s still humming away and an eclectic mix of tables and chairs; a bar with all kinds of potions behind and cavernous roof. The limited menu is in a scruffy acetate cover but who cares the delicious delicious delicious pasta comes very quickly. Home made delicate egg tagliatelle piping hot with a cinghiale ragù and fresh Parmesan; a vitello tonnato; a plate of old fashioned verdure frittate, a large plate of mixed grill to share. So good and such good value at 42 euros including wine, water and excellent stories and fables as told by the owner. Can’t wait to go back in the summer and try it out with a big group of family and friends; sitting outside on rustic tables under a wisteria pergola. Tonight they have a huge festa with local traditional Mayday singers sound like it might get late and raucous. It’s that kind of traditional place. Loved it!