Calabria Bella — Restaurant in Cosenza

A True Calabrian Gem in the Heart of Cosenza

I stumbled upon Calabria Bella while visiting the Duomo in Cosenza, and what a find it was. I arrived a bit early, and despite the doors not officially being open yet, the entire family greeted me at the entrance with warmth and hospitality, that alone set the tone.

Once seated, I was served a spectacular platter of Calabrian specialties: cured meats, aged cheeses, grilled vegetables, olives, and perfectly crisped fritti. Each bite told a story, one of tradition, pride, and quality. For my main, I went with the Tagliata over a bed of arugula and shaved Parmigiano. After a few days of pasta overload, it was exactly what I needed, tender, flavorful, and beautifully plated.

The ice-cold beer was the perfect pairing, but the best surprise came after the meal, generous after-lunch shots and a great chat with the owner, who clearly treats every guest like extended family.

The wall of celebrity photos confirms it, this place has history, character, and a reputation well earned. If you’re in Cosenza, don’t miss it.

Grazie mille, Calabria Bella....

Certainly my favourite restaurant in Cosenza, probably my favourite in Italy, one of my favourite in the world. I am Italian-Canadian with roots in Cosenza, and have visited the city a few times over the years. I always make sure to eat at Calabria Bella because I had a great experience there on my first trip.

Every dish is fresh, simple and delicious. You can’t go wrong with a pasta dish and the Calabrese antipasti board. Huge variety on the board. On my recent trip I dined there twice and had veal, fried fresh mushrooms, and a bean dish. Simple dessert of tartufo from Pizzo, or figs drenched in liqueur. I swear the waiter has been the same man I have seen there every time over the last 10 years. He’s so friendly and helpful, always suggesting what they have in fresh and helping choose a wine, etc.

The location is simply divine, tucked into the piazza right beside the Cathedral of Cosenza. If you’re lucky you might even hear choir practice while you’re enjoying your...

Tried the filetto do vitello alla piastra, and a tomato salad. I had a dessert, fighi secchi con sanbucca. The grissini were a little stale. However everything else was awesome. The veal was well cooked, tasty, and so tender. The tomato salad was simple and delicious. Tomato, onions, olive oil, and salt. My wife had the oven chicken with potatoes. The chicken was good and the potatoes amazing. The dried figs with sanbucca. I like both item individually, together they are excellent. I never had this...