Reale

The story

Reale Castel di Sangro: Three Michelin Star Modern Cuisine by Niko Romito

Reale: The Creative Engine of Niko Romito

In the Abruzzo town of Castel di Sangro, Reale functions as both a restaurant and a creative laboratory. Chef Niko Romito describes it as the center and engine of his universe: “a true research and experimentation workshop on matter and taste, where all my projects come to life.” The kitchen studies raw ingredients to capture their deepest essence, developing complex transformation techniques to deliver flavor in a pure, synthetic, and incisive form. This is modern cuisine that aims not just to satisfy, but to provoke thought and open new paths.

The story of Reale began in 2000 in nearby Rivisondoli, when Niko and his sister Cristiana took over the trattoria their father Antonio had opened. They quickly developed their own vision of cuisine and hospitality, rooted in the territory and tradition but radically innovative. Early recognition came from the industry, with a first Michelin star in 2007 and a second in 2009. In 2011, the restaurant moved to the Casadonna complex, where it continued to grow and eventually earned its third Michelin star in 2014—a testament to the relentless research and innovation that define the kitchen.

Cristiana Romito, general manager and maître d’hôtel, shapes the dining experience with a philosophy of natural, horizontal hospitality. She believes in welcoming guests with ease, without rigid hierarchies or invasive protocols. Her team is built on flexibility, collaboration, and complicity, ensuring service that is smiling, welcoming, and without frills. The goal is to leave each guest free to modulate their interaction, whether they prefer few words or a deeper explanation of each dish.

The tasting menu changes seasonally, spanning both historic dishes and new creations. The wine cellar, located in the former stables of Casadonna, holds over 5,000 bottles from more than 1,300 labels, predominantly Italian and European. The selection also includes artisanal cocktails, bitters, and fermented drinks. Reale remains the pulsating heart of the Niko Romito universe—a place where every day brings new research, and from which the creative impulses for all his projects are born.