Trattoria Margherita

The story

Trattoria Margherita: Traditional Abruzzese Cuisine in Pescara

A Family Story Rooted in Abruzzo

Trattoria Margherita began in the countryside near Elice, in the hills of Abruzzo. In early 1961, a group of farmers would gather at the local mill. Between hunting and card games, they created a dish they called “la Mugnaia” – the miller’s wife. Don Cesare Cilli and his wife Margherita saw the potential in that simple, honest plate of pasta, served with a glass of red wine. They opened their home to neighbours, and the tradition was born.

Today, the family’s passion continues under the guidance of their nephew Claudio. He has brought the same rich, old-fashioned flavours to Pescara, where the trattoria now has two locations: the original “Da Margherita” in Elice and “Margherita in Centro” in the heart of Pescara. The cuisine remains faithful to the recipes passed down through generations, always using local ingredients.

The Atmosphere

The restaurant is designed to feel like an extension of the family home. The setting is warm and unpretentious, with an original style that puts the food first. Guests are welcomed into a familiar environment where the staff guide them through a menu rooted in Abruzzese tradition. Whether dining indoors or in the outdoor seating area, the focus is on the pleasure of good food shared with others.

What to Eat

The menu honours the classics of Abruzzese cooking. The signature dish, Pasta alla Mugnaia, is a must-try – a recipe that has been refined over decades but never strayed from its rustic origins. Grilled meats, especially the famous arrosticini (skewered lamb), are a highlight, alongside homemade focaccia filled with local products. For those who want a complete experience, the “Menu Completo” offers a rustic antipasto, a selection of two primi, mixed roast meats, vegetables, and dessert.

Pizza lovers are also well served, with a dedicated menu featuring pizza al piatto. The trattoria’s commitment to quality and tradition has not gone unnoticed: it earned a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026, a recognition of its consistent, honest cooking.

Trattoria Margherita is a place where the flavours of Abruzzo – robust, earthy, and generous – are preserved with care. It is Italian and Mediterranean cooking at its most genuine, served by a family that has been doing it for over sixty years.