No turistic menu in Antica Trattoria del Risorgimento in Mezzegra… Antica Trattoria del Risorgimento is well hidden in a small and narrow pedestrian alley in Mezzegra, not far from where Benito Mussolini was shot. But as always, whoever seeks finds. The trattoria seems to be closed tonight. The outside of the restaurant does not appeal, we can be honest about that. To such an extent that we doubt for a moment whether eating here is a good idea.
A neatly framed piece of paper hangs on the door with the unmistakable message “no pizza, no industrial pizza, no turistic menu” in block letters. Would the pizza-seeking tourist end up here at all? We are not deterred, on the contrary: a stubborn Italian who wants to do his thing behind his stove, bring it on!
The contrast between inside and outside couldn’t be bigger. The outside gives a poky impression, the dining room is bustling. Yes, a real trattoria after all… The interior has a warm feel with ocher colored walls and a wooden ceiling. The large fireplace does not burn, but still provides a smell of wood fire, yes even in the summer. All tables are taken except for one table in the corner… Ours!
No pizza, no industrial pizza, no turistic menu…
We are not deterred, on the contrary: a stubborn Italian who wants to do his thing behind his stove, bring it on!
We both opt for uovo fondente, misticanza di erbe e fiori selvaci as a starter and continue with spaghettone fresco cotto in padella con sugo d’anatra and filetto di pescato marinato e grigliato. Just translate in case? “Poached egg with herb and wild flower mix”, “fresh spaghetti cooked in a pan with duck sauce” and “marinated and grilled fish fillet”.
In the meantime we watch and enjoy… It seems like you are in a living room. The waitress is on her feet. She runs the room on her own but remains very friendly, jovial and attentive. We may wait just a little longer for the dishes, but it is not disturbing at all. Don’t worry about such things here…
The starter looks nice but cannot fully meet our expectations. The egg is perfect but the spice mix is a bit boring and monotonous. The bottom line is that what you read on the card actually comes on the plate. Fortunately, the evening goes into crescendo. The main course is again simple but oh-so tasty. The pasta is delicious, the fish fillet just perfect.
The dishes are easily digestible and the portions are not copious. You don’t have to hold back when ordering…
We still care for dessert. The apple pie with saffron ice cream is finger-licking good. We can’t think of a better end to a nice evening. We will definitely come back again during the winter with a fireplace that crackles.
Antica Trattoria del Risorgimento is a winner if you like local and honest cuisine. Do not expect a restaurant setting with a view of Lake Como, but rather a cozy dinner in a living room of friends with good food and a good glass of wine.
Oh let us tell you, we pay only 78 euros tonight with a smile…
