Anagni, known as the “City of Popes,” is a jewel nestled in the heart of Ciociaria, in the Lazio region. Beyond its rich artistic and cultural heritage, Anagni boasts a deep-rooted and diverse culinary tradition. The cuisine of Anagni reflects the history and geography of this fascinating area of Italy. In fact, dishes made with simple yet high-quality ingredients, rich in flavor and tradition, dominate the tables.
What to Eat in Anagni
A fundamental element of Anagni’s cuisine is bread, particularly “Pane Casereccio di Anagni,” known for its crispy crust and soft, fragrant interior. Therefore, many meals pair well with this bread, which also serves as a foundation for rustic appetizers. Consider the irresistible bruschettas paired with local extra virgin olive oil and tomato.
Homemade pasta plays a central role. For example, “fettuccine with wild boar ragù” is one of the most cherished specialties. Furthermore, the hand-rolled pasta combines perfectly with the intense and wild flavor of the wild boar. In this way, it is a dish that shows the passion of the Anagni chefs for home cooking.
The tradition of meat and cold cuts
Meats, particularly pork and lamb, hold a special place in Anagni’s cuisine, prepared according to recipes handed down from generation to generation. “Roasted pork with potatoes” is a festive dish characterized by tender and juicy meat. Local herbs like rosemary and sage flavor the meat in this dish, perfectly blending with the sweet taste of roasted potatoes.
Cold cuts are another pillar of Anagni’s gastronomic tradition. Among them, the “pork sausage” spiced with wild fennel seeds stands out. It represents a real delight for lovers of strong and decisive flavors. Cold cuts are often present in appetizers, along with local cheeses, such as Pecorino di Picinisco, offering a taste experience that prepares the palate for the main dishes.
Desserts: Between Tradition and Festivity
Anagni’s cuisine concludes with desserts that reflect seasonality and festivities. Among these, “Wine Donuts” stands out as a crispy and light cookie that is perfect for dipping in local wine. These cookies are typical throughout much of Lazio. During Easter, it is traditional to prepare “Easter Pizza,” a sort of sweet bread enriched with candied fruits and eggs, symbolizing rebirth and sharing.
Restaurants in Anagni
Ristorante del Gallo (Vittorio Emanuele Street, 164, +39 392 140 6105)
This is one of the oldest restaurants in Ciociaria and is located in the historic center of Anagni, a few steps from the Duomo square. The room, characterized by a warm and rustic atmosphere, invites diners to sit down and enjoy an authentic culinary experience. The menu varies according to seasonality, ensuring the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
You can order the famous traditional dish “Il timballo alla Bonifacio®” here, which is available on Sundays and holidays or by reservation. The menu also features tantalizing appetizers, traditional pasta dishes, meat dishes, and homemade desserts. The wine list, focused on regional labels, completes the experience, pairing each dish with the right glass.
La Piazzetta Ristorante (Papa Innocenzo III Square, 2; +39 0775 727973)
La Piazzetta Ristorante welcomes you to one of the most picturesque corners of the splendid City of Popes. This typical Anagni restaurant is located at the foot of the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata and just a short walk from Boniface VIII Palace. The Del Monte family originally established the venue as a wine bar, café, and ice cream shop, and over time, they have renovated and expanded it.
Today, it has become a renowned restaurant with sober and elegant settings, serving as a benchmark for lovers of traditional Ciociaria cuisine, synonymous with quality and authenticity. Since March 2020, following the completion of renovations to a new area adjacent to the establishment, La Piazzetta has further expanded by offering guest room services, thus providing an even richer and more comprehensive experience to its customers.
Trattoria Del Grappolo d’Oro (Vittorio Emanuele Street, 98- +39 0775961491)
This rustic-style location offers welcoming environments that are ideal for tasting typical dishes from Anagni and the Ciociaria area. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and is located in the historic center of Anagni.
It offers dishes with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Customers can choose between an à la carte menu and a tourist menu. In both cases, there are typical dishes from the Anagni area. The portions are generous. The choice of first courses is wide, and the second courses are meat-based.
Typical dishes of Anagni
In addition to exploring the sights of Anagni, a visit to this town should include a stop at one of its traditional restaurants. The cuisine of Anagni perfectly fits into the Lazio culinary tradition, with dishes that enhance the authentic flavors of the land. The typical dishes of Anagni are of peasant origin. Among these, one must not miss:
- Timballo Alla Bonifacio. A unique and exclusive dish of Anagni, it is a trademark of the Ristorante del Gallo, to which it has belonged since the distant 1600. This typical dish includes fettuccine seasoned with meat sauce and wrapped in slices of raw ham, with meatballs made of minced meat inside.
- Gingerbread. This traditional Christmas treat consists of dried fruit and chocolate, bound together with honey and a small amount of flour, and flavored with spices and candied fruit.
- Pasta alla Ciociara. A robust and flavorful dish, enriched with guanciale and pecorino cheese.
- Abbacchio a scottadito. It’s a grilled lamb, tender and succulent.
Restaurants in Anagni, where to eat in Anagni Gallery
