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Caffè Arti e Mestieri
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| The secret of the Arti e Mestieri (Arts and Crafts) Café of Reggio Emilia is revealed by its name, because its creative cuisine is a work of art equal to those of the temporary exhibitions that it frequently hosts. A menu and an environment nurtured with painstaking care by the owners chef Enzo Bertelli and his sister Anna, who have made this restaurant into the pride and joy of a lifetime's culinary expeience. |
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Located in the historic heart of Reggio Emilia, the Arti e Mestieri Café has for 16 years been welcoming diners in what was once the old theatre in an eighteenth century palazzo. One arrives by crossing the garden designed by Pietro Porcinai, the great Tuscan landscapist who left an important mark on the culture of greenery in the twentieth century.
Along the corridor that leads to the dining room are the pieces forming the art exhibitions that these restaurateurs of many passions personally organise, choosing artists each time that are linked to the different figurative expressions. Initially the restaurant came about precisely so as to create a way for the artisan traditions to be admired for their aesthetics: little by little the Bertellis even began to exhibit emerging artists, placing the glass case cupboards at their disposal which stand out from the balcony.
The furnishings are classic, of sober elegance where the wooden panelling is underlined by the light coming in through the room's windows. |
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The philosophy of Enzo Bertelli and his staff of chefs is to bring art to the tables of his guests each day: his menus follow the inclinations of this well-travelled chef with recipes that adapt to the innovative stimuli created by his cosmopolitan background. The cuisine is sophisticated and dedicates painstaking attention to choosing only the finest ingredients.
Thus we find, alongside traditional local dishes, dishes that are enhanced by balsamic vinegar: a vegetable roll with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and balsamic vinegar, or the cornucopia with Greek yogurt and strawberries with mature balsamic vinegar, a pleasure for the eyes as well as the palate. Still on the subject of unusual combinations, the Bavaroise al Orange is well worth trying, which is also served dressed with balsamic vinegar.
The second courses are particularly pleasing, such as the swordfish with Parma-style aubergines, to be eaten with a perfumed white wine recommended by Luca, who is responsible for the restaurant's wine cellar. Then there is no shortage of Eastern influences, such as chicken stuffed with spinach or prawns with a Thai green curry, recipes inspired by the traditions of the countries of South East Asia. |
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 Caffè Arti e Mestieri
Via Emilia San Pietro, 16
Reggio Emilia
Telephone: ++39.0522.432.202
Fax: ++39.0522.432.224
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Capacity: 90
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