Tenuta del Duca in Fiumicino: A Culinary Stay Before Takeoff
After years of running seasonal beachfront restaurants in Fregene and Focene, two coastal towns near Rome along the Tyrrhenian Sea, husband and wife Rosario Malapena and Cristina Sebastiani embark on a year-round venture in Fiumicino. Just five minutes from Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Tenuta del Duca is their latest project, blending refined cuisine with warm hospitality in a carefully restored 1930s farmhouse. More than just a restaurant, it also serves as an intimate country inn, featuring three elegantly designed rooms, with plans to expand to twenty in the near future. This harmonious mix of dining and lodging makes Tenuta del Duca an inviting stop for travelers and gourmands alike. Leading the kitchen is Chef Alessandro Lambiase, whose fresh vision and expertise bring new energy to the project while honoring the legacy of excellence Rosario and Cristina have built over the years.
Entroterra: A Celebration of Land and Sea
Entroterra, the restaurant at Tenuta del Duca, is rooted in seasonality, quality, and authenticity, presenting a menu that brings together the best of land and sea. While Rosario Malapena has long been known for his expertise in seafood, this venture also highlights premium meats, embracing the restaurant’s inland inspiration.
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| Cristina Sebastiani and Chef Alessandro Lambiase |
Leading the kitchen is Chef Alessandro Lambiase, who brings over 13 years of experience as sous chef at Osteria dell'Orologio, one of Fiumicino’s renowned seafood restaurants. His approach balances tradition with modern refinement, creating dishes that are both elegant and approachable. Ingredients are sourced with meticulous care, fresh Mediterranean seafood arrives daily from Fiumicino’s fishermen, seasonal local vegetables and pasta round out the menu, while renowned butcher Achille Cerulli hand-selects the finest cuts for the grill.
With its inviting atmosphere, open hearth, and thoughtful hospitality, Entroterra at Tenuta del Duca offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience, an ideal stop for travelers and food lovers alike, just minutes from Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci International Airport.
The Menu: A Selection of Land and Sea
Entroterra’s menu is a celebration of quality ingredients, offering a thoughtful balance of seafood and meat dishes. Appetizers range from €14 to €28, featuring highlights like crispy fried anchovies (€14), pan-seared mussels (€18), cod tempura (€18), and fish carpaccio (€18). The pasta selection, priced between €15 and €38, includes spaghetti with local clams (€16) and linguine with squid, tomatoes, and smoked ricotta (€16). For those seeking an indulgent option, the chef's surprise pasta dish (€15) offers a creative twist, while the rich and abundant fish soup (€38) remains a standout signature. Mains, ranging from €18 to €30, feature expertly grilled meats and seafood specialties that evolve with the seasons. The restaurant takes pride in its meat selection, personally curated by renowned butcher Achille Cerulli, ensuring only the finest cuts make it to the grill.
For a complete tasting experience, Entroterra offers three curated menus: the Meat Tasting Menu (€35 per person), featuring four courses of premium meats; the Seafood Tasting Menu (€40 per person), a four-course journey through the freshest seafood; and the Seafood Appetizer Tasting Menu (€38 per person), showcasing a variety of seafood small plates. To complement the cuisine, Cristina Sebastiani has carefully curated a wine cellar with over 100 Italian and French sparkling wines, alongside an extensive selection of reds and whites to pair with every dish.
A Boutique Stay Close to the Airport
Beyond its culinary excellence, Tenuta del Duca offers a charming and intimate retreat in the Italian countryside, just five minutes from the airport. The farmhouse features three elegantly appointed guest rooms, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. Each room is thoughtfully designed with natural materials, custom furnishings, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
Perfect for travelers seeking relaxation before or after a flight, as well as those looking for a tranquil weekend escape, Tenuta del Duca provides a serene and welcoming environment. Guests can unwind in a peaceful setting, surrounded by nature and immersed in the refined hospitality that Rosario and Cristina are known for. Future plans include expanding the inn to twenty rooms, further elevating the experience of comfort and personalized service for every visitor.
Tenuta del Duca
Address: Via Carlo del Prete, 00054 Fiumicino (RM), Italy
Tel: +39 366 2386289
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Rosario-alla-Tenuta-del-Duca-100057596013088
Opening Days: Open daily for lunch and dinner except Mondays and Sunday dinner
