Food and wine itinerary in Cilento, the homeland of the Mediterranean diet

The discovery of Cilentan cuisine can only begin in Pioppi, in the municipality of Pollica (SA), home to its ecomuseum dedicated to the Mediterranean diet.


Raffaele Lopardo
4 Min Read
Pane anticato - Cilento ©Foto Anna Bruno/VerdeGusto

The discovery of Cilentan cuisine can only start from Pioppi in the municipality of Pollica (SA) and the location of its ecomuseum on the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean Diet Museum, hosted in the Palazzo Vinciprova is dedicated to the American researcher Ancel Keys, theorist of the Mediterranean diet, who lived in these places fully adopting the Cilentan lifestyle and highlighting the intrinsic peculiarities of typical Cilento products.

It was precisely in this Cilentan location that the American scientist conducted studies on the Mediterranean Diet, which in 2010 received recognition from UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Typical Cilentan Cuisine

Cilentan cuisine is strongly tied to agricultural, pastoral, and marine traditions. It is a cuisine with humble ingredients but with a strong territorial identity.

Karibù in Pioppi

In Pioppi, at the seaside establishment Karibù, which annually hosts the Cilento di gusto event dedicated to the Mediterranean diet and the promotion of typical local products, we recommend savoring the dishes of chef-fisherman Angelo, who skillfully combines sea and land.

His cuisine captures the Cilentan soul in a perfect blend of colors and flavors, daily catch and zero-km produce from the private garden.

Spaghetti con ricciola, Chef Angelo Elefante - Lido Karibù, Pioppi - Cilento ©Foto Raffaele Lopardo/VerdeGusto
Spaghetti with greater amberjack, Chef Angelo Elefante – Lido Karibù, Pioppi – Cilento ©Photo Raffaele Lopardo/VerdeGusto

Agriturismo Anna dei sapori

A few kilometers from Pioppi, in the territory of Castelnuovo Cilento a stop at Agriturismo Anna dei sapori. In the excellent dishes of Cilento cuisine at the agritourism, typical ingredients of the Mediterranean diet, fresh and seasonal, find their place. The products, all zero-kilometer, come almost entirely from the family farm.

The company, born from the family’s farming and pastoral tradition, is driven by a passion for genuine and quality products, cultivated on its own land following principles of sustainability. The owner Anna Nigro, has translated into the company all the principles that led her to become co-founder of the first bio-district in Italy, a virtuous example that is now being adopted abroad as well.

Agriturismo Anna dei Sapori, Castelnuovo Cilento ©Foto Anna Bruno/VerdeGusto
Agriturismo Anna dei Sapori, Castelnuovo Cilento ©Foto Anna Bruno/VerdeGusto

Agriturismo Parmenide

Also in Castelnuovo Cilento, in the Azienda Parmenide you will find on the table products and fresh produce, making the cuisine unique, guiding you to the discovery of ancient flavors. The estate offers various comforts and the accommodation is very functional and well furnished.

Agriturismo Parmenide, Castelnuovo Cilento ©Foto Anna Bruno/VerdeGusto
Agriturismo Parmenide, Castelnuovo Cilento ©Foto Anna Bruno/VerdeGusto

Agriturismo Principe di Vallescura

In the hinterland, a few kilometers from Pisciotta, an ancient village suspended between land and sea, home of the oil and the alici di menaica, in the district Marina Campagna, a recommended stop is the Agriturismo Principe di Vallescura. An old building with a sea view hosts the estate’s restaurant. The dishes offered, typical of Cilento culinary tradition, are all made with genuine and quality products. The use of these zero-kilometer products enhances the cuisine and brings back the flavors of the past.

Fusilli al ragù con cacioricotta - Agriturismo Principe di Vallescura, Pisciotta ©Foto Raffaele Lopardo/VerdeGusto
Fusilli with ragù and cacioricotta – Agriturismo Principe di Vallescura, Pisciotta ©Foto Raffaele Lopardo/VerdeGusto

Gourmet cuisine at the Alessandro FEO restaurant in Marina di Casalvelino

Those who want a more refined cuisine and different sensory experiences must absolutely try the dishes at the restaurant of chef Alessandro Feo. In the chef’s kitchen, products of the Cilento tradition find their exaltation, result of research and combinations that enhance aromas and flavors.

Ristorante Alessandro Feo, Casalvelino - Cilento ©Foto Anna Bruno/VerdeGusto
Alessandro Feo Restaurant, Casalvelino – Cilento ©Foto Anna Bruno/VerdeGusto
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