La Locanda dei Narcisi

strada Barbotti, 1 - 15068 Pozzolo Formigaro (AL)
Frazione Bettole
Tel. +39 348 511.6638
E-mail: lalocandadeinarcisi@yahoo.it
https://locandadeinarcisi.com/

This place is worth looking for. Set in a villa in a hamlet of Pozzolo Formigaro, you will have some difficulty finding it. Then, the surprise of an ever-welcoming restaurant that is elegant (and what is with the visible shelves with cigarettes on sale? Are they what is left of a grocery store?), with well-laid tables and background music. The evening we visited, the chef’s son, the young Matteo Panfilo, was at the Metropole of Taormina (5* hotel) to gain experience. We were in the hands of mamma Enza, who strongly wanted this restaurant.



Following a small welcome appetizer (a Russian salad) come the starters: Piedmont Fassone beef tartare with capers and anchovies (€12) and excellent Imperia scampi on cream of Merella chickpeas (€22). We continue with the first courses (€16): excellent risotto with Franciacorta, raw sea urchins and shrimps (but min. 2 people) next to gnocchi with Castelmagno fondue, raviolini del plin of pheasant, chestnuts and porcini mushrooms, Gragnano spaghettoni with sardines and saffron.

Among the second courses (€25), tuna fillet in almond crust on saffron gelée and pizzuta almond sorbet, Napoleon and chicken alla Marengo with freshwater shrimps and porcini, thinly sliced Piedmont fassone beef with caramelised apples and Tonka bean sauce. Of other visits, we recall shrimps in Piedmont hazelnut tempura on salad, agnolotti with meat sauce, chicken Marengo style with freshwater shrimps.


You will be spoilt for choice with the desserts (€10): Tortona strawberry ‘sigh’ with rose gelée and, of other times, cassata in chocolate crust with pistachio sauce, hazelnut cake with cherry sauce, warm equatorial chocolate heart with vanilla ice cream. Tasting menu Passione e Territorio €35, Di Mare €44. Homemade bread, breadsticks and focaccia. Good wine list.

The timing of the service feels the effect of the expressed preparation of all the dishes.