A taste of tradition and craftsmanship in Reggio Emilia
In May 2014, Cooperativa Clandestina was born, a project founded by Mario Lanzone, Claudia Ronzoni, and Paolo Fraternali Orcioni. This worker cooperative manages Osteria Popolare Tabarin, a restaurant located in the charming Galleria Santa Maria, in the historic center of Reggio Emilia, in the Emilia-Romagna region.
The Osteria stands out for a menu that celebrates authenticity and craftsmanship: fresh bread, homemade pasta, delicious desserts, and many other specialties carefully prepared in-house. Tabarin’s atmosphere is designed to be welcoming and convivial. The interiors, adorned with warm tones, invite relaxation, while the outdoor seating in the Galleria Santa Maria provides a unique and picturesque dining experience. The Osteria’s mission is clear: to offer an authentic and informal experience where every guest feels cared for.
However, there is one condition: you must leave the rush at the door. Express cooking and artisanal preparation take time, and especially on weekends, the pace is intentionally relaxed to ensure quality. The menu is crafted to be shared, fostering moments of conviviality among guests. Starters, for example, are perfect for sharing with others.
Here’s an example: “I’d order some gnocco to pair with Sant’Ilario prosciutto!” (a delightfully sweet and perfectly aged ham). “I’d go for some crispy fried polenta cubes too,” which are excellent when paired with aged gorgonzola, or “I’d try some sautéed wild chicory,” perfect for topping a piece of gnocco and enjoying it like a sandwich. There are so many tempting options, like fried sage leaves, fried zucchini blossoms, and chizze di erbazzone (little ravioli filled with greens and Parmesan, fried to perfection). And have you ever tried our patate brutte?
These are boiled potatoes with their skin on, fried, and seasoned with salt and oregano from Monte Pollino—a must-try treat! The pasta section pays homage to Reggian culinary tradition with dishes like handmade ravioli and cappelletti, while also leaving room for creativity, making every dish unique. Even the wine list is carefully curated, dividing labels by region of origin and offering a selection of Italy’s finest wines.
Great care is taken in selecting ingredients: only certified Italian flours and eggs from free-range chickens raised in Ligonchio, in the heart of the Reggian Apennines. Updates, such as daily specials and new wine selections, are shared directly on the osteria’s blog. Each post goes beyond merely describing the dish, including details about the ingredients, preparation, and recommended pairings. For international guests, the website also offers an English version of the menu (accessible via the QR code at the bottom of the page).
Osteria Popolare Tabarin is open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and for lunch on weekends. Don’t miss out on a unique and authentic culinary experience: the handmade dishes tell a story of tradition, passion, and personality, increasingly rare to find.
