18 Delectable Dining Haunts in Cosenza, Italy

My luscious list of 18 delectable dining haunts in Cosenza, for when you next travel to this fabulous undiscovered city in southern Italy.

Food glorious food…

If you’re a foodaholic, then Cosenza is definitely the town for you – food here is amazing!

The passion for food in Italy is an obsession, especially in Calabria.

Fresh and seasonal produce creates deliciously mouth-watering traditional dishes that have evolved through centuries whilst influenced by the many cultures that arrived in Cosenza.

Grown throughout the region, the chilli is one of Calabria’s emblems and used in many classic and rustic dishes.

This list of 18 haunts – not in any order – is by no means complete. As I discover more restaurants in Cosenza, I’ll post another list in the future to share with you.

Tip: This article is now available as a mobile app on iTunes and GooglePlay. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.


1. Osteria San Lorenzo

This is definitely one of my favourite restaurants in Cosenza as the food and service are always excellent.

Tagliere, Osteria San Lorenzo, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

On Piazza G Mancini 23-24, this beautiful medieval building is tastefully furnished and exudes a lovely ambience whilst you devour a banquet over several hours.

The Tagliere for two (€20) is more than enough…

Tagliere, Osteria San Lorenzo, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

…as the main meal.

Tagliere, Osteria San Lorenzo, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

When a Calabrese waiter advises that the ‘Tagliere is large’ it certainly will be large!

It’s not necessary to order the Primi of fresh Lagana con Ceci (pasta and chickpeas).

Lagana e ceci, Osteria San Lorenzo, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

Or, the Secondi of grilled beef with a light accompaniment of fresh seasonal vegetables.

Grilled beef, Osteria San Lorenzo, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

On another visit, the light stuffed veal Involtini – a local dish – with thick potato wedges and greens is too much after the massive Tagliere.

Involtini, Osteria San Lorenzo, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

Overseas relatives order the grilled meats for two – a meat coma.

2. La Calabrisella 2.0 – Pizzeria Rosticceria Proseccheria da Asporto

Venture along Corso Mazzini admiring the open-air MAB Museum (Museo all’Aperto Bilotti) with beautiful sculptures gracing this long pedestrian space. And, when you finally feel peckish, duck down Via Molinella 10/12, just off the Corso.

Tables and chairs placed under large sun umbrellas await. La Calabrisella 2.0 is another place to enjoy a feast.

Tagliere, La Calabrisella 2.0, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

Order the traditional Tagliere for one and the side of chips. Don’t order anything else as there’s enough food that trickles out to feed a ravenous army.

Tagliere, La Calabrisella 2.0, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe
Popular also as La Calabrisella is a pizzeria and these are sold whole or by the slice. Be warned, this is a total carb overload!

Tagliere, La Calabrisella 2.0, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe
Wash down your carb feast (€12) with a bottle of crisp regional Rosato (€13).

3. La Prosciutteria Firenze

This is not your typical restaurant but it’s a gorgeous meeting place to savour scrumptious foods with a Tuscan feel.

Tagliere, La Prosciutteria Firenze, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

The high-quality food is amazingly fresh – put this one on your list. Check out the menu and start salivating: La Prosciutteria Firenze, the Tagliere is divine and the restaurant also offers succulent BBQ meats.

4. Tavernacolo Cosenza

Recently opened, this funky tavern on Corso Mazzini 159D offers two-level seating indoors, laneway dining, and also pleasant outdoor seating on the Corso.

Tagliere, Tavernacolo, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe
Photo credit: Tavernacolo

Super friendly and attentive staff serve the Aperitivo Classico on lava stone or indulge in a freshly-baked Focaccia filled with local salami or Prosciutto.

A plethora of regional wines gracing the wall and boutique beers are available for dinner or your special event.

5. Apart

Another haunt near the Corso on Via Calabria 12, Apart is pricier than other restaurants although the quality is consistently good – shared many meals with overseas friends at Apart.

Tagliere, Apart, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

Shaved zucchini and crispy bacon accompany a traditional Calabrese Fuselli pasta, as does Fileja with Calabrese sausage in a rich tomato sauce.

Pasta, Apart, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe
Photo credit: Loredana Jewitt

A creative flair adorns staple dishes.

Pasta, Apart, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe
Fresh anchovies with cherry tomatoes tossed through Tagliatelle creates an appetising lunch.

Pasta, Apart, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe
Thin grilled beef slices topped with Rocket and shaved Parmesan, decorated with a Balsamic glaze and virgin olive oil.

Grilled beef, Apart, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe
Photo credit: Loredana Jewitt

6. La Locanda Ristorante Pizzeria Pinseria

On Vialle della Republica, La Locanda is another favourite restaurant.

To give you an idea of how good this restaurant is, I never order Gnocchi as none I’ve tried in any country including Italy comes close to my mother’s or grandmother’s Gnocchi.

Although pleasantly surprised on ordering Gnocchi at this restaurant. The sauce tastes very similar to my grandmother’s – high praise indeed, although the Gnocchi isn’t as featherlight soft. Guess it’s hard to replicate en-mass commercially. The divine Pinsa won’t disappoint.

7. Antica Pizzeria

On Via Vittorio Veneto 62 in the old town, think I found the best pizza in Cosenza.

Not expensive and incredibly good pizza served in a basic ambience. Check it out for yourself and let me know if I’m exaggerating.

8. I Sapori del Vicolo

Off the Corso down a cosy alleyway (Corso Mazzini 149/f), this tiny restaurant offers outdoor seating only. A piccolo (small) Tagliere (€14) is more than enough for two people and the local house wine is well-priced at €8 for 1 litre.

Tagliere, I Sapori del Vicolo, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

Excellent service from lovely staff accompanies good food.

9. Ristorante Calabria Bella

If you find yourself in the Centro Storico again, then wander next to the Duomo.

This restaurant ensures great service and luscious traditional meals made from the freshest ingredients.

You will be looked after very well.

10. 1930 Pub

Visit tiny Via Idria 31 lane for your fix of juicy hamburger and yummy freshly-made potato skins or chips – wash your meal down with a glass of icy-cold boutique beer or Calabrian wine.

Great service in a cosy ambience surrounded by eclectic memorabilia from the 1930s of course.

Hamburger, 1930 Pub, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

11. Osteria dal cugino

If you feel like a short drive south of Cosenza to Dipignano, then check out the Osteria dal cugino for delightful genuine Calabrese food in a family ambience, with very accommodating staff.

Cheeses, fresh pasta, Prosciutto, Sopprasetta, bread, and loads more are made in-house and delectable.

12. Carlo Quinto Pizzeria Gastropub

A quick drive south of Cosenza until Via Specola, 29 sitting atop of a hill in the tiny village of Laurignano, the boisterous and very busy Gastropub isn’t the cheapest around. The food is excellent (pizza €8+, Secondi €7+).

Exposed timber beams, stone arches, and many separate sections make up this restaurant.

13. Ristorante Orientale

If you live in Cosenza and need the occasional break from delicious Italian food, then head to Via Adolfo Quintieri 16, for good fresh Sushi and Asian meals. All you can eat for €19 and hot meals are included, this is not a buffet but each dish is made to order.

Considering where in Italy we are and how difficult it is to find Asian ingredients, this restaurant is excellent.

Sushi, Ristorante Orientale, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

Hailing from Australia and especially living in Brisbane, we’re spoilt for top-notch Sushi at very cheap prices. Pleasantly surprised at the quality and enough to return several times.

I need to try a couple more Sushi restaurants that have popped up over recent months.

14. Delizie

On Corso Mazzini 3/8, excellent friendly staff serve mouth-watering pastries and savouries made in-house – gelato is also made for the summer months.

Lunch and dinner meals are also available.

Semi-fredo, Delizie, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

15. Caffe Italia

Along Luigi Fera, 98/100 and decked out with loads of nautical memorabilia, enjoy excellent service and delicious savouries, and of course, the coffee is also good.

The cafe’s heavy timber beams and chunky ceiling feel as if you’re inside a wooden boat. Hundreds of alcohol bottles adorn the bar and around the cafe.


Gelato of course

To finish off any excellent meal, gelato is a must and it seems that every corner of Cosenza boasts a gelato shop.

This may be a slight exaggeration but if you consider that most of the bars make their own gelato in the summer, then it isn’t far from the truth.

16. Don Peppinu

Think I’ve found the best gelato in Cosenza and I’ve tried many although, on Corso Mazzini 242, this Sicilian gelato bar is excellent. Great portions (€2+) and friendly service.

17. Le Vele caffè

This gelato bar offers indoor and outdoor seating on Corso Mazzini 288. And, is very close in quality to Don Peppinu although Le Vele makes unusual gourmet flavours and is a little more expensive.

18. La Cremeria

At Piazza Bilotti 8, you can watch scrumptious gelato being made. When this first opened, portions served were large, but smaller portions now that it’s been open for 6-plus months.


My creations

Whilst in Calabria, I’m learning how to make local dishes but still also make the occasional Asian meal for a break. Why not, it’s fun creating right?

Two types of stuffed Gnocchi (shop-bought, I cheated) – Gorgonzola and spinach in a sun-dried tomato sauce, sprinkled with Parmesan.

Gnocchi, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

My speciality – fresh egg lasagne with beef, vegetables, and three types of cheeses. I’ve made this with a few thin slices of hard-boiled egg in each layer – a Calabrese version.

Lasagne, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

Three-coloured Trofiette with crispy fresh seasonal Asparagus and chilli, adorned with shaved Pecorino cheese.

Pasta, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

Two types of stuffed round fresh ravioli – one with spinach and the other with Gorgonzola – tossed in a mushroom and three-peppers’ sauce.

Pasta, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

Smoke salmon Gnocchi with the spiking of fresh chilli.

Gnocchi, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

There are a plethora of dry and fresh pasta variations available – check out this list from Wikipedia although extensive, I know there are more to add. In Australia, supermarkets typically have one aisle for pasta, here in Cosenza, there are three aisles. Pasta to Italians is what rice is to Asians.

Time to get back to creating, eating, and my expanding waistline!


A little on Cosenza

Cosenza, Calabria, ItalyIn case you haven’t heard of Cosenza in Calabria, Italy’s southern region, it lies near the boot’s toe.

The Tyrrhenian Sea, which flanks the Calabrese coast is only a quick 25-minute train ride away. An hour’s drive and you’re in the middle of the expansive Sila National Park, which stretches 74,000-hectares across Calabria.

Steeped in centuries of history, Cosenza’s medieval Centro Storico (historic centre or old town) is one of the city’s precious intrinsic jewels, rendering a dazzling landscape from any angle.

Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, Europe

Centuries of invasions have seen this city recreate itself many times and today, the city is becoming a cosmopolitan magnet.

An abundance of lovely piazzas enhance many areas of the city, creating comfortable gathering places for taking an evening passeggiata (stroll) or areas where children play.

Excellent restaurants serve delicious Cosentine cuisine either with a creative modern twist, or heavenly but timeless dishes of yesteryear.

Check out my recent post on Cosenza, Calabria: Italy’s Undiscovered City where I take you on an in-depth tour of this fabulous city.

Visit Nilla’s Photography for more global images. More posts on Italy.

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46 responses to “18 Delectable Dining Haunts in Cosenza, Italy”

  1. LuLu B - Calabrisella Mia Avatar

    This post made me so hungry! It blows my mind how many food choices there are in Cosenza – there are a few on this list that I haven’t been too – going to have to give them a try! 🙂

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Ha, ha, made me hungry writing this post!
      Seems to be loads of places opening every month in Cosenza…an excuse to try them all… 🙂

  2. gillmorris Avatar

    That food looks amazing Nilla 🙂 and I am not a foodie 😉 x

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      The food in the south is amazing and more traditional than the touristy parts of Italy. 😉 x

  3. Sights and Seas Please Avatar

    I’m salivating! This makes me want to catch the next flight back to Italy!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Ha, ha, that was my intent. 😉
      When were you in Italy? Did you travel to the south?

      1. Sights and Seas Please Avatar

        I studied in Rome for 6 months and have been to Sicily and Naples however I would love to travel further south of Naples and do some more of the coast! Italy is a place I will always be drawn back to, but I love the detail/ picture accompaniment of the dishes you showed!

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Fabulous! What did you study? At least you got to travel around the country.
        Further south from Naples is another world that most travellers leave alone – a good reason to visit. 😉
        Thank you, the food is lush here and very mouth-watering. I’m not great at food photography and still learning.
        Tried to access your site, but it doesn’t seem as though you’re online.

      3. Sights and Seas Please Avatar

        I studied film so when I was at John Cabot in Rome a lot of my classes were about Italian filmmakers which was interesting! And that is strange, I am still getting used to the wordpress searching features but I haven’t heard of any issues viewing my site. https://sightsandseasplease.wordpress.com/
        This is a direct link if you are interested 🙂

      4. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Sounds excellent and can see why you want to return!
        Your above linked worked and checked your site out. ☺️

  4. Keith J Avatar
    Keith J

    Great post Nilla and missing you alreay😭

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thanks Keith for the lovely feedback and I’ll be back in no time. 😉 x

  5. Passport Overused Avatar

    that food looks amazing! i would gain 50 pounds living in italy

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Ha, ha, yep, think everyone does that’s not used to this scrumptious food…I certainly have!

  6. karenincalabria Avatar

    Scrumptious! What a delectable post!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you Karen! As you know, Cosenza does have some delectable restaurants! 😉

  7. Felipe Adan Lerma Avatar

    Wow! What an endless feast of possibilities, Nilla! So glad it dovetailed to coffee, gelato and desserts toward the end, lol! And you’re still there? Lucky girl! 😊

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Ha, ha, thanks Felipe and yes, it’s an endless feast!
      Yes, still here… 😉

      1. Felipe Adan Lerma Avatar

        How wonderful! Enjoy! ❤️

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Thank you and I am, will enjoy more delights for you also… 😉

      3. Felipe Adan Lerma Avatar

        Definitely like that! 😊

  8. Lisa Dorenfest ~ One Ocean At A Time Avatar

    You’ve made me very, very hungry with this post, both for the food and for a visit to Italy. The Captain is quite a good chef but this smorgasbord of offerings is far beyond the fare we enjoy on Amandla. Chin Chin!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hey Lisa, this post made me hungry whilst I was writing it!
      You’re not due a visit to Italy this year? Can’t persuade you and the skipper at all with much food and wine? 😉

      1. Lisa Dorenfest ~ One Ocean At A Time Avatar

        Ha! The Captain might come for a visit, but the winds have me sailing in the direction of a job for the next year. But I know you and I will meet someday and I am looing forward to it.

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        What a shame you’re not coming over but if the Captain is around he’s welcome down in the deep south. 😉
        I’m sure we’ll meet somewhere, but for now, I’m off to The Land of Oz on the 1st Feb to renovate.

  9. Valerie Cullers Avatar

    I love your dishes better than what you featured from the restaurants! They seem to serve SO much food!!!!! I’m sure it is all delicious! 😍

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you Valerie! I enjoy creating. 😉
      Yes, they do here in the south and it’s all scrumptious! 🙂

  10. David & Laura Speer Avatar

    I had to stop reading so I could go eat something it was making me hungry

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Ha, ha, it made me ravenous writing this post! 😉

      1. David & Laura Speer Avatar

        Exactly!!!

  11. nitinsingh Avatar

    Thnx to share a master wrks again 🙂🙂👍👍

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you for the great feedback and happy you enjoyed my post!

  12. thetinypotager Avatar

    What a lovely read – enjoyed all the food photography too 🙂

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you and glad you enjoyed the food with me! 😉

  13. Latitude Adjustment: A Tale of Two Wanderers Avatar

    😎! Food porn. Bring it on!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      It certainly is food porn! I wrote another post about food porn in Rogliano – a small village close to Cosenza.

  14. teamfollowthrough Avatar

    All of these foods sound wonderful! I hope to get to that part of Italy one day!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      They are wonderful and my waistline is a testament to this! 😉
      Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

  15. Abirbhav Avatar

    So delectable..!! Thank you for compiling and sharing such an informative post about culinary delicacies in South Italy.. Shall consult this when I visit Italy.. 🙂

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thanks for your feedback! When are you visiting Italy? Are you coming to the south? 🙂

      1. Abirbhav Avatar

        Well, I plan to visit Italy during the Winters next year.. I intend to cover both the Northern and the Southern parts of Italy.. 🙂

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Sounds like a good time to visit as the summer is much too busy and expensive.
        I’ve written over 60 posts on Italy and still going as I’m still here, so check them out for loads of free travel tips. 😉

      3. Abirbhav Avatar

        Oh Yes Madam..!! Surely.. I am checking them up.. 🙂
        Thank you once again for sharing..!!
        Italy has so much to offer.. even a month long vacation isn’t enough for even scratching the surface..

      4. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Great and thank you for your kind feedback!
        Three years isn’t enough! You’ll have a wonderful time but don’t forget the south…

  16. Mohamad Toutounji Avatar

    Very interesting post Nilla
    I hope you enjoyed this wonderful trip in Italy

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you Mohamad! I’m still here… 😉

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