La Corniola

The story

La Corniola: Modern Italian Cuisine in Pescocostanzo, Abruzzo – Michelin Recommended

La Corniola: An Authentic Journey Through Abruzzo’s Flavors

In the quiet of the Abruzzo highlands, on the edge of the historic village of Pescocostanzo, La Corniola offers a sensory experience rooted in nature and tradition. Founded by Chef Concezio Gizzi, his sister Lucia, and his wife Barbara Di Geronimo—who oversees the dining room—the restaurant is a family affair built on refined hospitality and honest, innovative cooking.

The restaurant’s philosophy is a direct reflection of the surrounding landscape. Every dish is the result of a meticulous selection of local ingredients, chosen in respect of the seasons. Traditional Abruzzo recipes are reinterpreted with elegance and contemporary technique, never losing their original soul. Two on-site vegetable gardens provide herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers that bring freshness and personality to the plates, maintaining an authentic connection with the land.

The Michelin guide recognizes La Corniola for its "seasonal and fragrant" Abruzzo cuisine with a modern touch, praising its elegant yet sober dining room. Identità Golose calls it "one of the most fascinating contexts in the region," highlighting dishes like potato gnocchi with lamb ragù and artichokes, and fettuccelle with beech-smoked butter and bottarga.

The menu changes with the seasons and the chef’s creativity. Guests can choose from a la carte options—such as the selection of Abruzzo black pork salumi from a Slow Food presidium, or the "cazzarelli" pasta with chickpeas from the garden—or opt for a tasting menu. The "Menu of Tradition" includes pecorino in tempura with cooked must, the signature "cazzarelli," lamb with potatoes, and dessert. For a broader experience, the chef proposes a five-course menu. All pasta is handmade daily, and a gluten-free option is available.

The wine list, curated by Barbara Di Geronimo, spans Italy and abroad without forgetting the best of Abruzzo. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable, with stone walls and a setting that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Here, dining is a way to sync with the rhythm of the seasons and the timeless charm of Pescocostanzo.