Osteria Abazia
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Osteria Abazia is another favourite of mine. A small superbly-located family-run osteria very near the ancient Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, the food is simple, seasonal and wholesome.
Piazzo San Zeno is one of Verona's grand piazzas but, located just outside the old town, it attracts a fraction of the tourists who flock to Piazza Bra or Piazza Erbe. It's worth paying a visit, if only to see the magnificent Basilica (the Piazza also hosts a monthly antique market and there is also an award winning gelateria, Zeno Gelato e Cioccolato). There are several dining options available on the piazza, but for my tastes and on my budget, Osteria Abazia, the last building on the left in front of the great Basilica, is a good choice. There is no written menu but always a decent selection of traditional favourites and seasonal specialities. When the sun is out you can sit outside, just yards from the Basilica and take in the comings and goings of the Piazza. In the winter, the interior is cosy and welcoming, while the rich smells emanating from the small kitchen tantalise the tastebuds. Today I had tortellini filled with monte veronese cheese and radicchio, a classic autumnal dish using the best local ingredients. Served with bread and water and followed by a strong coffee, the bill came to €12.50. |