This is a review for the restaurant in Hotel La Bilancia. It's a classic, local hotel restaurant nestled in some of the best wine growing areas in Abruzzo. (in fact, we learned about it from two wine friends who know Abruzzo well.) The restaurant itself exudes old-world charm. The hosts, proprietors Sergio and Antonietta, celebrated 50 years in business this year. Lunchtime inevitably sees it filled with locals.
They're still working it, and what a pleasure lunch was! All local dishes, cooked in the kitchen as if homemade. The menu changes day to day, and is recited verbally by the serving staff. You can agonize over your menu decisions, or just take their suggestions (which in large part we did.) Fabulous antipasti, primi and secondi. All accompanied by their vini della casa (although they also prominently offer wine from well-known local producers.) This makes for a very pleasant and leisurely lunch.
This place is by no means on the tourist track, but if you find yourself near Loreto Aprutino, Chieti or Pescara it's worth traveling a little inland and seeking this place out. A real old-fashioned gem. read more