Beatrice Melandri – In a dynamic city like Faenza, the gastronomic offer is rich and varied with new culinary realities that are conquering the palates of citizens and tastemakers. Among these, two places stand out that offer unique and refined gastronomic experiences: Pesvò (via Medaglie d’Oro) and Uniko (corso Matteotti). The first, born from an idea by Davide and Lorenzo Carli, is a well-kept little restaurant, which delights its customers with fish-based dishes, combining seafood tradition and simplicity but still using fresh and genuine ingredients. The restaurant, which recently entered the Gambero Rosso «Street Food» 2024 guide, has become a point of reference for those looking for authentic flavors in an informal environment. Uniko, on the other hand, specializes in Japanese sushi takeaway, offers, thanks to the care of the owner Ronny, an assortment of Nigiri, Sashimi and Rolls prepared with precision and attention to detail, for a sensorial journey that takes you directly to Japan while remaining comfortably in Romagna . These places represent the evolution of the Faenza gastronomic scene, where the passion for food and the quality of the ingredients are at the center of every dish. These eateries, each with their own unique identity and gastronomic specialities, are transforming the city’s street food and takeaway scene. By exploring these culinary excellences, you can discover what makes them unique and by talking to the owners you can grasp the secrets of two realities capable of bringing fish into the homes of Faenza people but in different ways in terms of philosophy, objectives, products, cultures and preparations.
How long have you been open and why did you choose Faenza?
Uniko: «We have been open since March 29th two years ago. We noticed that there was a lot of activity in Faenza but there was a lack of quality and affordable sushi takeaway service, so we decided to open.”
Fish: «We have been open since 18 October 2020. Davide and I also have a seaside restaurant, ‘Le Piramidi’ in Lido di Spina, and we wanted to bring a bit of that reality to Faenza. We found a little stall and decided to make fish street food, accessible to everyone.”
What sets you apart from others?
Uniko: «We are not a chain, everything was born from me, including the study and experimentation. I personally search for the products. We have a traditional part and an innovative fusion, with high quality products such as yellow fin tuna, Japanese Hamachi amberjack and Sicilian red prawns. Everything is brought down by us. We want to differentiate ourselves, bringing great flavors and high quality directly to your home.”
Fish: «We focus on the highest quality of fish, prepared simply and in the style of street food, with an accessible price. We use local products and put into practice classic techniques such as raw, fried, grilled and baked. Pesvò is the cuisine of the best products, a mix of techniques and tradition. It’s the fast road to the sea that reaches your home.”
What are the most popular dishes?
Uniko: «Uramaki are in great demand, especially those with our special sauces. We also offer a line without sauces for those who prefer to taste the pure and authentic flavor of fish.”
Fish: «Gran fritto is certainly the most popular dish, followed by skewers, cod and potato meatballs and seafood piadine with anchovies or prawns. The taco with tuna tartare is also proving very successful.”
What are your plans for the future?
Uniko: «We have had great success with many satisfied customers, so we had the idea of expanding. The flood stopped us for two months, but the idea of opening more shops in the surrounding area remained. We would also like to add new dishes every year, so as to have a menu that always surprises. What will never change, however, is to continue to bring quality to our customers’ homes.”
Fish: «We would like to expand with the same format outside Faenza, but we will never become a chain. Street food is increasingly appreciated and we plan to continue on this path.”
Uniko and Pesvò represent two different ways of interpreting the culinary art of fish in Faenza. On the one hand, Uniko offers a refined sushi experience with a fusion touch and a strong focus on product quality. On the other hand, Pesvò brings the Adriatic Sea to the street with an accessible and tasty street food offering. Both realities have found their audience and continue to grow, bringing innovation and tradition to the Faenza gastronomic panorama.
