Ristorante Alma – Marina di Ravenna, Italy (8/10)
Dec 18th, 2008 by admin
Marina di Ravenna is a small seaside resort on the Adriatic coast, a ten minutes drive from Ravenna. It’s popular with families in the summer months, but in the winter, it’s pretty deserted. There are around thirty restaurants, most of them quite touristy and not very good, according to our Italian friend and chef. Ristorante Alma, specialising in ‘cucina romagnola’ (Ravenna is in the region of Emilia-Romagna) is one of the few exceptions. It was also just across the street from where we were staying (Villa Marina, built by Mussolini’s architect and where Il Duce had an apartment). Over the weekend, we ate here twice, so my review is based on a few dishes.
The decor is simple and plain, and on both evenings, there were only a few occupied tables. The waitress who served us wasn’t particularly friendly, but in terms of basic service, it was fine. Although there is a small menu displayed near the entrance, she actually announces the menu, which changes daily. Fortunately, we were with our Italian friend, who ordered for me both times. I usually like to choose my food, but as he’s a regular at Alma, I placed my trust in him.
Over the two evenings, I had the following:
- tagliatelle al ragu (€6)
- stinco di maiale al forno con contorno (€10)
- zuppa inglese (€3.50)
- cappelletti in brodo
- carne e grille (mixed grill)
Out of all the dishes I tried, the stinco di maiale – roast pork shank with rosemary, sage and garlic was outstanding – the meat so tender a knife wasn’t needed, and so flavoursome. Unfortunately, as I’d just wolfed down a bowl of tagliatelle (delicious ragu, minced by knife rather than machine), I struggled to finish the gigantic portion. In the end, I had to leave behind some meat and most unusual of all, half the potatoes. I did recover sufficiently to have some zuppa inglese, but it wasn’t anything to write about…
Dinner two was somewhat disappointing in comparison. The cappelletti were nice (filled with cheese and meat), but the brodo was too salty. The mixed grill was terrible, with each piece of meat, pancetta and sausage overcooked and dry. I love meat, so this was no fun to eat.
There were incidentally great options for vegetarians. Ravioli filled with ricotta in a butter and sage sauce was lovely, according to the vegetarian husband, who had it twice. He also had a platter of grilled vegetables, along with some heavenly squacquerone cheese, caramelised figs and marmalade (€6) and plenty of warm piadina.
As you can see, it depends on what you order, or perhaps even what time you eat (we ate much later the second time). I’m sure though that I’ll be returning to Alma in the near future, and hope that I catch the chefs on a good night!
Click here to see all the photos at Alma.
10 – Perfection, 9.5 – Sensational, 9 – Outstanding, 8.5 – Superb,
8 – Excellent, 7.5 – Very Good, 7 - Good, 6.5 - Above Average, 6 – Average
All the Italy restaurant reviews on World Foodie Guide
Contact details:
Ristorante Alma
Viale della Pace, 468
Marina di Ravenna
Ravenna
Italy
Tel: +39 (0)544 530 284
Closed on Mondays
