La Cantina Del Mago - Latera

We returned to this little restaurant 12 years after our first visit as my husband had such wonderful memories. It's a tiny little place run by Riccardo and his uncle, both of whom are wonderfully welcoming. They do everything from growing the produce on their...More The food is fresh and expertly prepared, and the atmosphere is unique as the restaurant is located in a cantina below street level. The mixed appetizer platter was wonderful, with the best prosciutto we've ever had. Meat is grilled on a fire, right in the dining room. The owners seem to love what they do and it shows in the food. The menu is verbal and limited, but there is enough variety of dishes that vegetarians can easily have a good meal here. We keep going back.

Latera is not a touristy town though the old town is very cute and surprisingly empty at night. La Cantina del Mago is at the end of the old city (3 mins walk from the car park). I went there because i stayed at the...owners (Riccardo) Agroturismo and he suggested i try it. I didn't know what to expect and know maybe 5 words in Italian, not enough to understand what i ordered (from his uncle Gino who knows even less English) but it was SO good! Indeed I was in an adventurous mood but every thing i got was just great! Starting from the house plate of crostini/antipasto, the pasta in aubergine/eggplant and sausage and the pannacotta in honey and cinnamon and a glass of wine. It all cost only 18€. Not to mention the great personal service and laughs trying to understand the English names for everything I ordered and more. What a treat!

We returned to this little restaurant 12 years after our first visit as my husband had such wonderful memories from that time. It's a tiny little place, run by Riccardo and his uncle, both of whom are wonderfully welcoming. They do everything from grow the...produce on their farm, cook, and wait the tables. The food is fresh and expertly prepared, and the atmosphere is unique, as the restaurant is down in a cantina below street level. The mixed appetizer plate was wonderful, with the best prosciutto we'd ever had. Meat is grilled on a fire, right in the dining room. The owners seem to love what they're doing and it shows in the food. The menu is verbal and limited, but there are enough different dishes that vegetarians could easily have a good meal here. We'll definately be going back again and again.

Latera though pretty isn't a tourist town. And the Cantina is out at the end of the village. But what a reward for those who make the effort! Inspired home cooking from a truly talented chef, and if you haven't got a smile on your...face when you eat the food, you'll have one when you get the bill! Make sure you call first out of season they only open if there are reservations!

From the first dish to the primi, secondi and wine food was excellent and the atmosphere too.