My personal highlight: Throwback to my roots and traditions from Calabria discovering a cozy place in Kreis 4, Zurich
The food discoveries in Zurich continue covering restaurants that offer Italian Cuisine from the south. After traditional food from Puglia in May it’s time to move more south towards the heel of the Italian boot. Calabria!
This is the region where I was born, here is where my heart gets emotional.
What food specialities is Calabria famous for?
Extra-virgin olive oil, wines, bergamot liqueurs, peperoncino and jams from Calabria are incomparable. One world famous delicacy is the red onion called Cipolla rossa di Tropea which is mild and a bit sweeter than other varieties. Another speciality is the Nduja. A paste consisting of noble pork meat, fresh cream of red hot chili pepper and extra virgin olive oil.
Chianalea is a place in Reggio Calabria. A pearl where the beaches are turquoise and small fisher houses make you feel remote from the world. Enrico is the owner of the Ristorante Chianalea in Kreis 4. He ist the perfect Calabrian host and cook when it comes to make your soul and belly happy. The ingredients are simple with a genuine taste. All is hand made, so the sweet sour peperoncino jam on the bruschetta or the eggplant pickles.
Experience food & entertainment at Chianalea. The music is on, the staff moves dynamic from table to table. Find a uncomplicated and homy ambience. The path of Enrico’s journey since he came to Zurich is displayed everywhere in the restaurant on beautiful pictures and articles. His love for food & Italy is obvious.
The only restaurant in Zurich where the owner shouts through the megaphone to tell you to lower the voice and enjoy the silence for a moment
Enrico doesn’t shy to remind you by shouting into his megaphone to slow down and relax. He loves to communicate with his guests. Making jokes is an easy way to remind that life is simple! I fall in love with the story he shared driving with his fiancé on a Vespa from Zurich to Sicily!
Signature dishes at Chianalea Restaurant
Enjoy a traditional antipasto plate to share. It’s the best way to get introduced to the culture of Calabria. As a second plate try their pasta with tomato sauce and pork salsiccia. The daily menu varies. Find fish or meat with side dishes as grilled seasonal vegetables. The wine selection is from Calabria, too. Absolutely to recommend is the fruity bit dry red wine called Scilla IGT rosso from criserà.
The pizza is worth trying, too! To end your dinner order a typical digestif called Vecchio amaro del Calabro. This is the moment when you finally should fee a bit Calabrese! It’s a must! Curious to experience it by yourself? Make a reservation here.
The prices are in super relation for what you get. Starters as of 8.50 CHF, main dishes with pasta as of 24 Chf.
Address:
Chianalea, Brauerstrasse 87, 8004 Zürich
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 11.30-14.00 & 18.00-24.00 Saturday: 18.00-24.00