Osteria della Cipolla Rossa — Restaurant in Tropea

Our family all agreed - this was a “once in a lifetime” experience - we were hosted by Chef Romy and her husband Michele (a fabulous host!) to enjoy a meal cooked in their kitchen, based on traditional foods historically enjoyed by those living in poverty in Italy. The thing to remember about this experience is that it IS an experience, you are being hosted by a gracious Italian family in their home, and it is delightful. Highly recommend making reservations well in advance, as they only host 2 or 3 tables per evening, and shop that day, cooking a pre-fixe vegetarian meal using only local products and produce which do not require refrigeration or technological equipment. Check their website for information, as I believe they only take reservations via email or phone during certain hours at this time.

The goal of their menu and style is to teach us something about the region, the culture, where the food comes from, the science behind the land and food, and the conditions and history of the people who ate this kind of food many years ago. As they put it, this food experience is “something very simple that takes away form to give substance”.

Waiting for us on the table was a detailed history of the food and region, written very kindly in English for us by Michele, so that we could learn about what was being prepared for us. Much of the menu revolves around the famous sweet red onion of Tropea, which only grows in the sandy soil there (also Michele’s hometown).

While the menu varies day to day, we started with fried onion and herb pancakes, which were stunningly delicious. Then we were served spaghetti with spring onion and chili pepper, followed by Stroncatura, which is a type of pasta made originally from the waste of the pasta making process, which was illegal for many years but now a celebration of the fortitude of the poorest Italians. It was served with chili peppers and breadcrumbs and anchovies. Our last savory course was an Arab Caponata, reflecting the middle eastern influences on the region.

We had tons of fun around the table, enjoying the delicious food while the waves crashed on the beach right next to us, and our host Michele chatted with us and got to know us and our kids.

For dessert, Chef Romy did things with cottage cheese I’ve never imagined! She made a sweet curd out of it, served with a black crumble and almonds, and paired it with a delicious dessert wine. With amaro to finish it all off as a digestif, and some time to enjoy the company with our hosts and grab a picture, it was a perfect evening in all. Such a great and welcoming experience to cap off our time...

This is the reason, why I give “only” 4 Stars if I really like a restaurant: There has to be one star left for those truly memorable places that stay on your mind for good. To me, the Osteria della Cipolla Rossa is one of them. Im in love with the concept to not offer a menu, and instead serve whatever the season and the daily inspiration brings. I can honestly say that I hardly ever enjoyed food that much. Everything was just perfectly coordinated, so that – even though the food wasnt fancy – there was a perfect harmony between all the ingredients. In addition, the place is in the center, still quite and cozy. Since there are not many tables, and are seated only one an evening (this is why they don`t point out a waiting time as criticized in one review), I highly recommend reservations in person.

Restaurants wie “Osteria della Cipolla Rossa” sind der Grund, warum ich „nur“ 4 Sterne vergebe, wenn es mir irgendwo gut gefällt. Manche Orte haben das gewisse Extra, was einem in Erinnerung bleibt und einen weiteren Stern verdient. Ich finde das Konzept großartig, keine Essen à la carte anzubieten, sondern spontan das zu servieren, was die äußeren Umstände und die Inspiration des Tages mit sich bringen. Ich kann aus ganzem Herzen sagen dass ich Essen selten so sehr genossen habe. Alles war perfekt aufeinander abgestimmt. Die Zutaten waren zwar einfach, aber mit einer solchen Raffinesse zubereitet, dass eine absolute Harmonie entstanden ist. Auch der Ort selbst ist sehr schön – zentral, aber doch ruhig und gemütlich. Es gibt nur wenige Tische, und diese werden nur einmal pro Abend vergeben (das ist auch der Grund, warum man keine Wartezeit angeboten bekommt, was in einer Bewertung kritisiert wurde). Spontan einen Tisch zu bekommen ist daher sehr schwierig. Ich empfehle, persönlich vorbeizugehen und den Chef nach...

HI Michele and Romana , Maria Sorry we have not written earlier. Back in the UK and very busy

Just wanted to say that our night with you was one of the (if not the most) amazingly beautiful culinary experiences of our lives.

From the moment we arrived , we were made so welcome.

Your stories, explanations of everything we tasted, Calabrian culture and history were fascinating , inciteful and wonderful

The wines were incredible, as was the pairings with the most delicious but humble food.

Simply blew our minds, how incredible simple foods done with love and passion can taste and look.

The attention to detail, taste, combinations were just world class but more than that so real , so embedded in Calabria and with heart

We cannot recommend you more . We have been to some incredible restaurants around the world but this will remain unforgettable and we will remember your warmth, hospitality, wine, food and love forever.

Hopefully we will meet...