Just outside Todi on the road to Orvieto, a nondescript duplex – cars and a Vespa parked out front – flanks the roadside. It’s worth a stop, this Ristorante Da Pisello. We often eat here enroute to Canonica (near Orvieto) where Pino’s crew is now restoring an ancient farmhouse, that of our son, Keegan and his wife, Francesca.
The menu – also on a chalkboard near the door – offers simple local Umbrian fare, few items on the menu. And each day, there’s a menu del camionista (“the trucker’s menu”). A good sign: truckers know where to eat.
Pino opted for the trucker’s menu: primo, secondo, side dish – and water (no wine for truckers!) – for just 12 Euro. He started off with orecchiette alla boscaiola (literally,”little ears the woodsman’s way” – a pasta with local sausage and mushrooms), then grilled pork ribs, potatoes.
Just a first course for me, spaghetti alla amatriciana, and a tasty side dish of chicory, spinach and Swiss chard sautéed in garlic and olive oil. And their vino della casa for us both: a good local robust vino rosso.
As we ate, our young server, Leonardo, entertained with the story of the restaurant origins in 1945, named after a local highway brigand, Pisello….so the story goes.
….and then, time to head on to check out the work on the farmhouse, as darkness arrives early in January. Here’s the house before work started:
…and now:
Still about another month of work for Pino’s restoration crew – and more jaunts to Canonica, (12 kilometers outside Orvieto). With lunch now and then at Ristorante da Pisello enoute…..
On the way home, view of Orvieto…
Learn how to make spaghettti all’amatriciana
Read about another good lunch on a restoration jaunt with Pino
See how to make cacio pepe here
Read about more good eating on a Pino trip for restoration – in Abruzzo
Click here for a note on a Latium jaunt – and local cuisine
Many an Abruzzo trip with Pino has included a lunch stop here
Read about a reason we love Orvieto
Read about our spaghetti all’amatriciana dinner as a benefit for Amatrice, following the August, 2016 earthquake
Anne,
Great photos of the food and restaurant.
A beautiful restoration is in progress for your son’s house.
Pino and his crew are very talented.
Sincerely,
Pam
Oh, that farmhouse is stunning! It is going to be so beautiful on the inside as well!! I’m envious, in a good way. Your little restaurant gems always sound so wonderful and between your descriptors and pics of the food….well, as I’ve said before, I could lick the acreen of my ipad! Thanks for sharing and glad you’re out enjoying a beautiful winter day.
Lucky Keegan. What a difference! Jen