The province of Teramo it is an area where gastronomic traditions are still very deep-rooted, felt and practiced, at home and in restaurants. There are dishes that are considered only from Teramo, not from Abruzzo. The scrippelle ‘mbusse for example, strictly without milk, but also the legendary “empty pantry” soup celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of spring. They are the Virtues, a very rich peasant specialty that has always been prepared for Labor Day.
Legend has it that in ancient times it was cooked by seven virgins who used seven types of legumes, seven herbs, seven types of meat, seven seasonal vegetables and seven varieties of pasta, all cooked in seven hours, and that it was dedicated to the seven Christian virtues. The ritual continues today and the preparation of the soup involves a fairly complex procedure, due to the number of ingredients and the different cooking times of the various elements, which are assembled at the end. It is prepared in homes as well as in trattorias and restaurants, of old or new generation, in some cases with a modern touch without ever distorting its character. A limited edition, present on the menus only for Labor Day or in the first week of May, the early spring Teramo soup is definitely worth a try. Here’s where, between Teramo and the surrounding areas.
The Teramo Virtues of May Day. What they are and where to eat them
The Ark
Restaurant. Bio Mediterranean cuisine. This is how chef Massimiliano Capretta has defined his cuisine since 1998, which today also boasts a dedicated book. Macrobiotics, where Japanese techniques and local culture come together original dishes, full of flavor but light. Examples include the “sea cicada” with gratin pulp and tomato cob sauce or the TerraMare guitars with mullet pellets and red clam and small-catch fish sauce. Even the typical Virtues, made according to the style of the house, are not missing from the appeal for the May Day celebrations. For next season, however, great news is coming.
L’Arca – Alba Adriatica – via G. Mazzini, 109 – 0861 714647 – arcaristorante.it
At Bacucco d’Oro
Trattoria. A bastion of Teramo cuisine, homemade and welcoming, for years Bacucco has been the spokesperson for the flavors and products of the territory, carefully researched and offered in a menu that changes with the seasons and the cornerstones include them all. Anellini alla pecorara, then, pasta alla guitar with meatballs, pappardelle with duck, timbale, mushroom-based dishes and spring vegetable soups, first in chronological order the Virtues. And then the meats, including kid and lamb.
Al Bacucco d’Oro – Pineto – loc. Mutignano – via del Pozzo, 8 – 085 936227 – Facebook
Borgo Spoltino
Restaurant. In a renovated country farmhouse, Borgo Spoltino is the ideal destination for a trip out into the countryside but also to celebrate important events, thanks to large and functional spaces. The menu is territorial with variations linked to the period and some creative touches without exaggerating. In the new spring menu, for example, there are dishes such as seared beef entrecôte, potatoes and aioli and seared, fried, creamed and powdered artichoke essence.
Borgo Spoltino – Mosciano Sant’Angelo – s.da Selva Alta – 085 8071021 – borgospoltino.it
The Porta Romana Cellar
Trattoria. In ancient Teramo, under a portico and with two simple but well-kept rooms, the Cellar is the perfect place to try traditional local recipes interpreted with meticulousness and loyalty to the territory. A must on the menu are the Virtues, available in spring from May 1st onwards, made according to regulations.
The Porta Romana Cellar – Teramo – c.so di Porta Romana, 105 – 0861 25257 – lacantinadiportaromana.it
Hinterland Sustainable Trattoria
Trattoria. Very recent opening (just a couple of months) for this project conceived by a group of young people who, already from the name, have a clear intention of enhancing the territory with maximum attention to sustainability and the origin of the raw material. On the menu, traditional dishes revisited with beautiful ideas: Marchigiana tartare, Adriatic anchovies, Taggiasca olives and corn wafer, scrippelle ‘mbusse “in reverse”, obviously the Virtù (also to take away).
Hinterterra Trattoria Sostenibile – Teramo – via Vittorio Veneto, 48 – 328 3587966 – Instagram
Osteria dei Maltagliati
Trattoria. I Maltagliati reopened in September 2023 under new young management, that of Maicol Capriotti and Federica Brandimarte, who have not distorted its spirit of a traditional tavern while refreshing its contents. The menu focuses a lot on meat and grill, but also vegetables and pastas are offered in beautiful interpretations, such as that of the Virtues. Warm and welcoming room and atmosphere.
Osteria dei Maltagliati – Torano Nuovo – via Regina Margherita, 24 – 366 5326427 – osteriadeimaltagliati.it
The Palmizio
Restaurant. Palmizio is a seafood restaurant whose focus is precisely on the relationship with “its” sea, in terms of supply chain, suppliers, authentic, seasonal and punctual rotation, based on local fishing. Then we put the experienced and gentle hands of chef Yelena – wife of Valerio Di Mattia, heir and soul of the family restaurant – who does not give up intriguing ideas and “fusions” but also carefully works on the superclassics, brodetto and “May soup” (available up to 5) included. It drinks very well.
Il Palmizio – Alba Adriatica – v.le G. Marconi, 160 – 0861 751339 – Facebook
Pervoglia
Trattoria. In the heart of this suggestive fortified medieval village here a very well-established family reality and much loved, for the authentic cuisine faithful to the hinterland repertoire but also for the affectionate welcome and pleasantness of the place. At the fires the talented Elenia Alcantarini, skilled with the classics proposed with a light modern touch. Regional wine list.
Pervoglia – Castellalto – loc. Castelbasso – v.le XXIV maggio, 27 – 0861 508035 – Facebook
Zenobi
Trattoria. Always a standard bearer of the cuisine of the Teramo hinterland, Patrizia Corradetti continues to lead this beautiful place surrounded by the green hills with unchanged energy. The menu includes typical dishes of the area, all made with philological rigor: pallotte cac’e ova, ferratelle with chicken salad, fried gnocco with local pecorino, “ceppe” with tomato sauce, lamb (scottadito) and goat (alla Neretan). The sweet pizza from Teramo is a worthy conclusion, and The Virtues are an occasion that never fails here. Lightweight account.
Zenobi – Colonnella – via degli Ulivi, 49 – 0861 70581 – restaurantzenobi.it
Zunica 1880
Restaurant. The young and European team from Zunica is doing well, starting from the breads (ancient grains and sourdough) to be combined with the Abruzzo oils. The menu ranges from “neoclassics” such as lamb guitar Genoese or black pork tuna to more creative dishes. For the May Day lunch there is one dedicated to shepherds and fishermen of the Adriatic,“Zunica’s Virtues 2024”available at this location and at Villa Corallo in Sant’Omero.
Zunica 1880 – Civitella del Tronto – via F. Pepe, 14 – 0861 91319 – zunica1880ristorantehotel.it
