Ghiotto Ristorante

One thing I love about traveling is trying local cuisine and trying dishes that I might not otherwise try in America. Ghiotto was recommended to me by the front desk person at my hotel as a great spot for local Umbrian cuisine. As it turns out, it’s up the same hill as Locanda del Podesta and tucked away from the crowds.

For my appetizer, I got one of the weirdest dishes I’ve ever eaten, a stuffed Galantina with Russian salad and mustard. This cold (!) dish featured a chicken stuffed with pork and carrots with mustard dots and a Russian salad that was almost indistinguishable from potato salad except for the peas. The dish’s appearance was completely unappetizing and yet it worked. The cold meat went will dipped in the mustard or scoop with a piece of salad. For my main course, I got one of the off-menu specials, penne with shredded braised lamb. Again, this is not a dish I would otherwise try but I was feeling adventurous. Like so many Italian dishes I’ve had, it was simple and filling. The dish had a hearty stew vibe.