La Torre di Pretoro – Restaurant

“La Torre” was to my knowledge the very first restaurant in the historical center of Pretoro. And what a first it was. Pretoro is a very characteristic mountain town built directly upon the sloping walls of the Maielletta mountain (part of the Maiella range) at approximately 600 meters above sea level. On a clear day you can see the Adriatic over 30 kilometres away.

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Being half Pretorese myself (on my mother’s side), I of course knew what was going on in the town because it was a main reference point when visiting the Abruzzo region. So I was very curious when I kept hearing from friends and family alike that I had to visit “the new place in town” which was restored in 1998. They would carry on with “…all the ingredients are from here, but they don’t cook it normally. Not the way we are used to. They change little things but it makes a big difference. The inside is of stone. They don’t have normal walls. It’s all rock and really nice.” And so on. I thought to myself “Maybe they are just getting carried away because it’s something new.” I must admit in shame that I actually waited 3 years before visiting La Torre for the first time… what a mistake!

Even though there is one serpentine road which runs through the historical centre, most of the town is accessible only by stairs, tunnels and tiny lanes which seem like a labyrinth to someone arriving for the first time. But La Torre is very accessible since you can drive all the way to the top of the town, park your car, and walk the few metres down some (of course) steps to the restaurant.

The only thing giving mention of a restaurant at all are the number of prize winning awards mounted beside the door: Gambero Rosso, Alberghi e Ristoranti, Esercizio Selezionato, Locale del buon Formaggio, Ristoranti d’Italia and last but not least, Osterie d’Italia. Otherwise one couldn’t imagine that behind the sliver of a door is actually quite a large establishment dug directly into the mountain side which has hosted up to 400 guests on its four floors. Upon entering, I immediately knew what everyone was talking about all those years.

The atmosphere is very warm due to the well chosen lighting which either comes from candles or designer lamps, adding a wonderful contrast to the raw and rugged walls. Due to the fact that there are four floors, you don’t notice the real size of the restaurant. The service and the food is impeccable. Concettina D’Innocenzo, the owner and manager of La Torre, is an A.I.S. Master Sommelier and you can therefore expect a variety of fine regional and national wines. In the warm months you can also ask to be seated on the terrace and enjoy the breathtaking panorama during your dining experience.

I notice I’ve gone on and on and still haven’t even reached the topic of the food. Well, needless to say, the menu is seasonal with only the freshest regional ingredients available and cooked to perfection every time. Prices? Who cares. Really!

66010 Pretoro (CH)

Hours of operation:
Open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Telephone: +39.0871.898400
Telefax: +39.0871.898400

Website: www.latorredipretoro.com
E-Mail: info@latorredipretoro.com