Agriturismo F.lli Mancini is set in Colledara and a perfect restaurant for those visiting the Corno Grande or san Gabriele. We dream about the texture of their silky ponytail ribbon fettuccine when away from Abruzzo for too long.
One of our favourites here is their interpretation of boscaiola, some would regard this as comfort food but it is always a treat in Abruzzo as what you find as the key components vary as much as the local low-level blond woods and high-altitude pines.
To be honest at Agriturismo F.lli Mancini boscaiola doesn’t change that much each season itself… a sprinkling of mince, peas, mushrooms and truffle, but it’s always good enough to keep people going back for more; that and their ability to deliver a great mixed-leaf salad & carrots with just enough dressing and not too much salt. Abruzzo itself isn’t famed for its salads, therefore when a really fresh plate of variety arrives it should be applauded!
Don’t miss out on their antipasti; absolutely wonderful truffle cheeses and tasty & varied bruschetta. Equally a rare (pun intended) chance for lovers of steaks – they serve them still pink and they cut them so so large that they will satiate anyone used to steak being served by the 10oz measure common in the US. Personally I have grown to love the shepherds’ favourite, “arrosticini”; slim skewers of grilled lamb cubed into bite-size portions, again great at this little agriturismo in Colledara, especially as here it’s served without the usual salt overkill that seems to have caked the meat courses in quite a few of the restaurants in Abruzzo. If you are visiting for lunch and are a wine lover try their house slightly fizzy Cerasuolo, refreshing with a sweet berry and hints of almond flavour it’s light enough not to wipe you out for the rest of the day.
This is all really hearty fare in a relaxed area – it’s not fine dining but family dining, and at lunchtimes expect to see some lorry drivers who know the reputation of the place jump off the A24, San Gabriele exit, for a little bit of traditional home cooking whilst away from the family dining table.
The first time we went here, Free Willy was playing on the obligatory TV that all agriturismi seem to have and it sort of sums up the place – it’s the equivalent of a good Disney film that makes you feel comfortable enough to relax – the service is always with a smile, quite excellent, and a place to go and take delight in something a little bit exotic, big but beautifully presented – the Abruzzo black truffle…
Price – 2 Course Meal, €28 for two people including wine
Value for money – 10/10
Quality of food – 9/10
Contact Details
Agriturismo F.lli Mancini
Frazionene Villa Ilii, 64042 Colledara (TE)
Telephone: 0861698286
Mobile: 328 967 7789
No email or website
Open: Closed Monday evenings & all day on Wednesday
Driving Tip – Don’t worry you won’t miss it – it’s a large yellow farmhouse on your left as you drive into Colledara that is well sign-posted and opposite the restaurant ‘Il Fornace’ on the right.
Roddy Newlands is co-editor for lifeinabruzzo.com, Abruzzo allows him to get his mountain-air fix, & satisfy his passion for pasta & panettone. He works full-time for 
Now if I was in Abruzzo today, I'd quite like to hop on a bus to Rome and see the snow clad Colosseum 
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