A Verona institution, Café Carducci is a delightful theater of gourmand life whose history is inextricably linked to that of the Bianconi family, who have lived in the small bistro since 1928, the year of its founding.
Almost 100 years of history and four generations of the Bianconi family today are “captured” in the distinctive interiors that recall the antique literary cafes of the 19th-century, a heritage that has been elegantly highlighted by the architectural rejuvenation undertaken in 2012.
Inside the restaurant, it is still possible to notice the original sign Bar Carducci that was made in the 70ies by Luigi, the father of Pier Stefano Bianconi who today proudly continues the family’s tradition.
The little kitchen is a real gem: after the 2012 restoration, it was turned into an open-plan one, positioned next to the rich cheese counter, where chef Ciro Esposito, with over forty years of experience, delights his guests with daily fresh dishes.
The menu mixes tradition and contemporary creativity by offering recipes that range from beef tartare with poached eggs and mustard to risotto with reduction of Amarone and black rice with scallops, shrimps, and prawn tails in Champagne Rosé sauce.
Café Carducci is much more of a bistro, just perfect at all times of the day: from 8 am you can enjoy breakfast with freshly baked brioches, at lunchtime you can indulge in a delicious selection of French and local cheeses or naturally-aged cured meats, whilst in the evening, when the small tables are dressed up with candlelight magic, you can surprise your plus-one with a romantic dinner.
The well-stocked cellar (over 1,300 labels), featuring several vintages of the area’s most famous wines, first and foremost Amarone della Valpolicella, offers the opportunity to pair cheeses and cured meats with a tasting of wines, also available by the glass.
Book the corner table by the bookshelf and order a selection of French cheeses to be paired with the best Amarone vintage labels and let’s indulge yourself in the magic atmosphere of the Belle Époque.
The Secret
The antique objects and ornaments of the restaurant were discovered by Pier Stefano in a wardrobe in the attic of the house (the family lives just above the restaurant): precious first editions of books, vintage newspapers, etchings, and jewels; a treasure of memories that have found their perfect both decorative and affective display case at the entrance to the restaurant, a tribute to the Belle Époque, whose charm, fortunately, at Café Carducci has never faded.
Useful Info
Café Carducci
Via G. Carducci 12
37129 Verona
Tel. +39 045 8030604
Cheese selections: 7 – 20 euro
Cure meat selections: 5 – 28 euro
First and second courses: 10 – 24 euro
