Bencò - Osteria Calabrese: Bringing Calabria to the Heart of Rome
Bencò, which began its journey in 2020, has always celebrated the rich culinary heritage of Calabria. With its new transformation into Bencò Osteria Calabrese, owner Manuel Bennardo, originally from Rossano Calabro, takes this dedication a step further, offering an even deeper connection to his homeland’s flavors and traditions. This new format emphasizes Calabria’s essence through a menu of authentic dishes, locally-sourced raw materials, and regional wines that narrate the region’s story. Each dish is a reflection of Bennardo’s roots, drawing inspiration from the simplicity and boldness of his homeland’s cuisine while showcasing the region’s unique gastronomic identity.
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| Owner Manuel Bennardo on the right with sommelier Domenico Accinni of Pascucci al Porticciolo on the left |
Located in the Prati neighborhood of Rome at Via Fabio Massimo 101, Bencò welcomes diners into a warm and inviting space. Just a few steps down from the bustling street, the atmosphere is imbued with a sense of home and family. On the walls and shelves, old pots and clay jars, used traditionally for winter preserves and sourced directly from Bennardo’s grandmother’s house, add a rustic charm. Wheat and real Calabrian chili peppers, symbolic of the region’s hospitable and flavorful essence, bring vibrant color to the interior, designed by Fabio Zumpano. The cozy setting includes 40 indoor seats, a 25-seat outdoor terrace, and a cellar with a private room accommodating up to 10 guests, making it ideal for tastings, intimate dinners, or special celebrations.
The restaurant’s transformation is rooted in Bennardo’s passion for sharing the true essence of Calabrian cuisine. "I wanted to find the most correct dimension for the idea of Calabrian cuisine with which I grew up. Here, grandma's recipes are not a storytelling formula, but all true. My dream has always been to tell the story of my land through its flavors, the authentic ones, the ones I grew up with and that are immediately recognizable for every Calabrian," he shares. This vision extends to every detail, creating an experience that combines culinary authenticity with the warmth and spirit of home.
The Menu: A Journey Through Calabria
The menu at Bencò – Osteria Calabrese offers a genuine exploration of Calabria's culinary traditions, blending heritage and creativity in every dish. As owner Manuel Bennardo explains, “I wanted to find the most correct dimension for the idea of Calabrian cuisine with which I grew up. Here, grandma's recipes are not a storytelling formula, but all true. My dream has always been to tell the story of my land through its flavors, the authentic ones, the ones I grew up with and that are immediately recognizable for every Calabrian.” This vision is reflected in the menu’s dedication to authenticity and local ingredients.
Starters, priced between €6 and €22, range from magnum eggplant meatballs in stick form and bruschetta with Crucolese sardella and Fratelli Renzo olive oil to generous platters of mixed salumi and cheeses featuring specialties like 'nduja, soppressata, capocollo, and aged pecorino from trusted producers like Madeo and Parrilla. First courses, priced from €12 to €18, include Stroncatura, a peasant pasta made with rye and buckwheat, served with anchovies, capers, and olives, and Spaghettone "alla corte d'assise," a simple yet flavorful combination of tomato, pecorino cheese, and chili pepper. The menu also features traditional Roman pasta dishes, subtly infused with Calabrian touches like 'nduja, bridging regional flavors with the city’s culinary identity.
Main courses, priced between €15 and €25, bring hearty Calabrian classics to the table, including cod with tomatoes and olives served in earthenware and Podolica rib steak from La Sulla Biofarm. The Calabrian sandwich, layered with sausage, Caciocavallo Silano, Sila potatoes, 'nduja mayonnaise, and caramelized onion, offers a bold take on regional comfort food. Sides like “potatoes and pipi” (peppers) provide a quintessential taste of Calabrian home cooking. Desserts, ranging from €6 to €10, highlight regional specialties such as Tartufo di Pizzo, the famous ice cream from Pizzo Calabro, and Cullurielli, fried potato donuts served with hazelnut cream.
A Wine List Devoted to Calabria
The wine list at Bencò – Osteria Calabrese is a celebration of Calabria’s diverse and evolving wine heritage, making it one of the few restaurants in Rome to dedicate its entire selection to the region. As owner Manuel Bennardo explains, “We wanted a wine list that spoke 100% Calabrian and represented all the production areas of Calabria, from Cirò, the best known, to the Costa degli Dei with its Zibibbo and Magliocco Canino, through the Grecanica area with Mantonico and Greco di Bianco, to the Savuto and Terra di Cosenza DOC regions with sweet Magliocco and Pecorello.”
Divided by production area, the list evolves with the seasons and menu, offering a dynamic introduction to Calabrian wines. A "wine of the month" feature highlights specific producers and invites tasting events, deepening guests' appreciation for the region’s viniculture. Bennardo has also introduced a small wine shop within the osteria, where patrons can purchase the wines they’ve enjoyed. “It’s another way to encourage people to drink more and more Calabrian wines,” he says, reinforcing the osteria’s mission to spotlight Calabria’s unique winemaking legacy.
Dinner with the Wines of Antonella Lombardo
Dinner at Bencò was a delightful exploration of Calabria’s rich culinary and oenological heritage, featuring a selection of the restaurant's most representative dishes paired with wines from Calabrian producer Azienda Agricola Antonella Lombardo. Presented by sommelier Domenico Accinni of Pascucci al Porticciolo Ristorante, the evening showcased vibrant wines made from indigenous varieties like Greco di Bianco and Gaglioppo, perfectly complementing Bencò's signature creations crafted with exceptional ingredients. With its Michelin Guide recognition, Bencò masterfully brought the essence of Calabria to Rome, offering a 360-degree celebration of the region’s flavors and traditions.
Bencò – Osteria Calabrese
Address: Via Fabio Massimo 101, 00192 Roma (RM), Italy
Tel: +39 333 863 7135
Website: https://bencosteria.it/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bencoristorante
