Hobbit Risto pub — Restaurant in Pizzo

During a recent trip to visit family in Calabria, I had the absolute pleasure of eating here in Pizzo. It’s cozy spot just out of the piazza run by the incredibly talented duo, Andrea and Vanessa. This small, welcoming restaurant became one of the highlights of my visit, you could really tell there was a passion for food and fresh produce!

I had the swordfish panino, which was cooked to absolute perfection. It was tender, flavourful, and complemented by the choice of salad fillings. My dad opted for the spaghetti in tomato sauce, beautifully fragrant with basil and delicately balanced in flavour. It was simple yet refined, showcasing how just a few quality ingredients can truly shine. My mum was tempted by Andrea’s mention of freshly caught octopus that morning and went with the octopus salad. I had a taste, and it was sublime perfectly cooked, tender, and complemented wonderfully by the crisp, fresh salad.

To finish, we all enjoyed coffee, and Vanessa kindly surprised us with slices of cherry torte. It was a perfect ending to a great lunch. The torte was sweet, light and beautifully crumbly in texture and it left us all with big smiles on our faces!

I had such a lovely meal that I convinced my parents to return with me once more before I left. This time, anchovies were the star! Freshly prepared that morning by Andrea. I had them lightly fried in a seasoned batter with a tomato side salad, a dish that was light yet bursting with flavour. My parents enjoyed them in a pasta dish, with pasta handmade by Andrea and Vanessa themselves. Both dishes were delicious, fresh, and a true showcase of their understanding of balance and flavour, the very essence of Italian cuisine!

And yes, we finished with that same lovely torte!

Andrea and Vanessa are not only skilled chefs but also genuinely warm and welcoming people. Dining at L’Hobbit Risto Pub felt like being invited into a family home for a loving cooked meal. I’m already looking forward to returning next time I’m in Italy. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Pizzo. This place is a true gem and serves as a reminder to wander off down the backstreets for some food from...

What can I say except excellent all round! Great home made food, ask to see what Andrea has fresh in that day and fantastic cakes made by Vanessa. An exceptionally welcoming and talented young couple! Just off the main piazza with a raised eating area so you can enjoy your meal and watch the world go by.. well priced and perfect! ...

Durante la visita a Pizzo, ci siamo imbattuti tra i vicoli, nel ristorante pub L’Hobbit, gestito con passione e grande professionalità da Andrea. Un’autentica scoperta! Siamo rimasti colpiti dalla sua cordialità ma soprattutto dalla qualità dei piatti, in particolare l’ottima frittura di pesce, croccante, asciutta e ricca di sapore, degna delle migliori tavole marinare. Gli spaghetti, poi, sono stati un vero trionfo di gusto: cottura perfetta e condimenti equilibrati, con ingredienti freschissimi che parlano di mare e tradizione. L’accoglienza è stata calorosa e familiare con un tocco di originalità per la location in un corner di una viuzza in salita. Come baresi, abbiamo un palato esigente quando si parla di pesce — e possiamo dire con certezza che L’Hobbit non ha nulla da invidiare ai ristoranti della nostra città. Complimenti ad Andrea per la passione e la qualità che mette ogni giorno nel suo lavoro. Torneremo sicuramente! E lo...