Taste and flavors of Verona, all around the Colomba d’Oro

The Colomba d’Oro, a historic four-star hotel in the center of Verona, has been a landmark for more than a century in a city famous for being the set of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, for the majestic Arena, a glorious heritage of the Roman empire, but also for its fine food and wine tradition. Veronese cuisine has deep roots that date back to the era of ancient Rome, and then to the Middle Ages, up to the present day; the local products from the hills of Valpolicella and the Lessini mountains are appreciated both by the locals and by visitors from all over the world.

The Colomba d’Oro is the perfect home base to discover the authentic flavors of the city. A few steps from this hotel with bike rental service and private guarded parking, you will find several restaurants and historic eateries, perfect for tasting local specialties. We have selected for you five of the best places downrow, where you can enjoy a lunch or a romantic candlelit dinner, making your stay in Verona an unforgettable experience.

1. Lesso con la pearà

One of the most iconic and beloved local dishes, is the “lesso con la pearà”: it is a simple dish but rich in tradition.

“Lesso” is simply a piece of sliced boiled beef, accompanied by tastings of other meats, all rigorously boiled (one above all the « cotechino », a large slow cooked pork);  but the key element of this dish is a generous dose of a creamy sauce that exists only in Verona: the pearà, made with broth, beef marrow, grated bread, salt, oil and lots of black pepper. This dish is perfect for warming up on cold winter days, but it is so popular among locals that it can be found all year round! If you are curious, we suggest you try it at Ristorante Torcolo, a picturesque and colorful location right across the street, mere stepes away from the doorstep of the Colomba d’Oro, where “lesso con la pearà” is the signature dish, prepared and served with care and refinement.

2. Risotto all’Amarone

This is one of the most representative dishes of Verona’s cuisine, because it is made with three ingredients that come from three different areas of the Veronese territory: the prized Vialone Nano IGP rice, from the plain south of Verona, perfect for creamy and tasty risottos; amarone, an intense and spicy red wine that is the most famous of the renowned wines of Valpolicella, and Monte Veronese DOP cheese, typical of the Lessinia mountains.

If you wish to enjoy it in a special location, we recommend Antica Bottega del Vino, on the main shopping street of Verona. Here the Amarone risotto is a true work of art, to be savored in a romantic atmosphere with fine wines, in a place that preserves the architectural charm of the late nineteenth century.

3. Pastisada de Caval with polenta

Another highlight of the local cuisine is the Pastisada de Caval: a horse meat stew, with onion and spices, slow cooked for a long time in red wine  – strictly Valpolicella wine. This rich and tasty dish always comes with a generous portion of hot polenta, the most classic side dish in local cuisine.

At Trattoria Al Bersagliere, less than 10 minutes walk from the Colomba d’Oro (a short but very pleasant walk, passing right next to the Arena), you can try this and many other traditional dishes (not only the Veronese tradition but also the Venetian one, for example the famous baccalà alla vicentina), cooked with love and passion following authentic family recipes, handed down from generation to generation. Here fine food and timeless charm are a given.

4. Potato Gnocchi

Traditional potato gnocchi (= dumplings) are a pillar of Veronese cuisine: for centuries the Veronese have eaten them to celebrate Venerdì Gnocolar, the last Friday of Carnival, before Lent. They are made simply with flour, potatoes and water: that’s all. They can be served with a topping of melted butter and parmesan, or meat ragù,or  tomato sauce, or even Pastisada de Caval (see above). Where to try this specialty? We recommend the Vittorio Emanuele, an elegant and refined restaurant located in Piazza Bra, right in front of the Arena and therefore less than 2 minutes walk from the Hotel Colomba d’Oro.

5. Pandoro

Last but not least, the traditional local Christmas dessert: Pandoro.

Born in Verona, Pandoro is a sweet and soft bread. It was born in Verona, but soon became a beloved dessert throughout Italy and throughout the world. Its history dates back to 1894, when Domenico Melegatti, founder of the Veronese confectionery company of the same name, registered the patent for this golden star (eight-pointed) shaped cake, designed by the impressionist painter Angelo Dall’Oca Bianca (by the way : at the time the Colomba d’Oro had already been open for business for more than half a century!).

During the Christmas time many local restaurants serve it as a dessert, and during that time of the year you will also find it on the breakfast buffet at the Colomba d’Oro; but if you want to try it as an afternoon snack, we recommend a stop at the Caffetteria Al Duomo. This cafe is located near the Cathedral, almost hidden :  here you can eat the best pandoro in Verona, served slightly warm and accompanied by a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

Winter is the perfect time to visit Verona and discover its cultural and gastronomic treasures, accompanied by a good glass of local red wine. To make your stay even more special, choose the luxury rooms in Verona of the Colomba d’Oro and spend your Christmas holidays in a special place.