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While it may not have the universal acceptance of pizza or pasta, bruschetta is just as much of a food staple here in Italy, especially here in the Veneto region. While it wasn’t recorded until relatively recently (1954) in english writings, bruschetta traces it’s roots all the way back to ancient Rome. Marcella Hazan, the acclaimed Italian culinary writer, says that bruschetta is nearly as old as olive oil itself. And if you’re talking about bruschetta in Verona, there’s one name at the top of everyone’s lists: Bruschetteria Rodero.
Nestled in the heart of Verona, Italy, Bruschetteria Redoro stands as a beacon of traditional Italian culinary excellence. This charming eatery, located just a stone’s throw away from the bustling Piazza Bra, is a three-minute walk from the Verona Arena, just under the old city gates, and up on your left. The inside is very modern in the front half, and cozy and rustic towards the back as it retreats into the old stone walls. Everything is made up front almost like a sushi bar, and you can see that they only use the freshest of ingredients… which is probably how it’s been in business for 130+ years.
Food that Spreads Italian Love
I’ll confess now, I’m a bruschetta snob. It’s one of my favorite lunches for a busy day around town, because it’s healthy, you can pick what you want for the energy you need, and it’s light enough to not weigh you down. Wherever I am in Italy, it’s a go-to lunch for me. And despite ordering it all over Italy, more times than I can count, the Bruschetteria Redoro remains my #1 pick for my favorite antipasto.
They just do everything so well. The menu is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the bread is always toasted to perfection. The olive oil (which comes down a waterfall of sorts on the back wall in the kitchen area), is good enough that they also sell it by the bottle at the counter, and I try and make sure I’m never running too low at home.
It’s hard for me to recommend any one or two choices, because you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. If there’s anything I would stress about ordering here, it’s variety. I can eat three bruschettas if I’m hungry, and I’ll make sure to order each one differently. There aren’t many places that I would make repeat trips to on the same vacation, but their menu is diverse enough that I find myself here more often than I should probably admit.
Part of the Family
The folks at Bruschetteria Redoro are extremely hospitable. Every time I walk in, I’m greeted with smiles and warmth. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knows the menu backwards and forwards. I always feel at home, like I’m dining with family. That being said, be aware that the menus are in Italian, and the workers primarily speak their native tongue too! I recommend using a translation app on your phone when reading the menu. I’ve never seen them be anything but friendly to any tourist struggling with the menu though.
Wine, Because, Italy
Of course, no Italian meal is complete without a glass of wine. And of course, Bruschetteria Redoro knows their vino. They’ve got a fantastic selection of wines from all over Italy – crisp whites, full-bodied reds, and of course, prosecco. Keep in mind that Verona is right in the heart of the Veneto region, which is famous for it’s wines. In fact, Verona is a great launching point for some day trips to wineries in the area! So needless to say, the wine selection here is certainly up to par.
So, In Conclusion?
Bruschetteria Redoro is a must-stop spot in your visit to Verona. Centrally located, but still authentic and not too touristy, this is a spot that locals frequent as much as the visitors. It’s a perfect lunch spot in the middle of your day sightseeing, and gives you a great chance to practice your Italian, and have a healthy bite without breaking the bank. This is the rare spot that I recommend to everyone on their trip to Verona!
