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Overview & Highlights

Located in the picturesque heart of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Cuore Nero Food and Relax offers an exceptional dining experience that beautifully marries authentic Italian flavors with a warm, intimate atmosphere. This charming restaurant is a true gem for lovers of refined, locally-sourced cuisine, with a particular emphasis on dishes elevated by the luxurious and aromatic white truffles native to the region.

Step inside, and you’re immediately embraced by a cozy, atmospheric dining area where genuine hospitality meets rustic elegance. The welcoming smile of the staff, especially the lovely lady who greets every guest like an old friend, sets the perfect tone for an unforgettable meal. The ambiance feels both relaxed and special, inviting you to savor every bite and linger over conversation.

The menu is a true celebration of Abruzzo’s culinary heritage, skillfully crafted by the passionate Chef Fabrizio, who sources fresh, seasonal ingredients locally. His signature dishes capture the essence of the land—from a delicately cooked aubergine flan enriched with rare white truffles to the tender sage-crusted lamb that melts in your mouth with every forkful. Diners often rave about the lentil soup, a simple yet profoundly satisfying dish made from lentils harvested in the nearby fields, embodying the purity and depth of regional flavors.

No meal at Cuore Nero would be complete without indulging in their exquisite homemade desserts. The tiramisu here is legendary—creamy, perfectly balanced, and evidently crafted with love and precision. Seasonal fruit pies, baked fresh daily, add a delightful sweetness to the dining experience, tempting even the most discerning sweet tooth. It’s easy to see why guests wish they could return each day just to enjoy these culinary delights.

Wine lovers will appreciate the thoughtfully curated selection, including gems like the crisp, refreshing Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, which pairs effortlessly with the rich, textured dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a casual traveler seeking authentic regional flavors, Cuore Nero Food and Relax offers a feast not just for the palate but for the soul—a place where every bite tells a story of passion, tradition, and the natural beauty of Abruzzo.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself enchanted by this outstanding restaurant on the outskirts of town. From the light, fluffy fried zucchini that delights with every crispy bite to the delicately spiced pastas, the dining experience here is consistently praised for its quality, creativity, and heartfelt service. Cuore Nero Food and Relax is not just a meal—it’s a memorable journey into the depths of Italian culinary artistry that stays with you long after the last bite.

Comforts & Conveniences

Service options
  • On-site services
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards

Where to Visit

Visitor Testimonials (468)

Restaurant review. What a find! A charming restaurant with a warm, friendly welcome from the lovely lady. We went straight to the table in this small, atmospheric dining area. The menu has many tasty dishes, many with white truffles, which we just had to try. Out shred first course was a beautifully cooked aubergine flas-with truffles! My main was tender sage costed lamb and my darling wife had absolutely delicious pasta with, guess what, truffles!! Chef and his team run a very good kitchen here. The house wine is delicious. We intended to have a glass each but it was so flavoursome we had the bottle.....at €13! For us Irish, this is an absolute bargain. We would for certain return.

Magical location in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, and beautiful restaurant. Awesome authentic food and locally sourced. Loved it!

Chef Fabrizio cooks excellent food. I didn’t stay in the hotel but I had lunch while walking around Santo Stefano. I had a tasty lunch of lentil soup. The lentils are grown locally. Perfect soup. For dessert I had tiramisu which was absolutely heavenly. I wish I could eat there every day. There was a variety of pies with seasonal fruits that the chef had made just hours ago. I wanted to try but I was too full.

Delicious local dishes for a fair price. If you want your tastebuds to experience an amazing truffle based cuisine this is a must visit. Food was made with high quality fresh products. Both starters and desserts were incredibly good. Amazing place for dinner in Santo Steffanio di Sessanio.

Restaurant Review Only. 4.5 would be a more accurate score. Very delicious lunch, that satisfied our crew of 3 hungry Cammino Gran Sasso hikers. Welcoming and helpful staff. Nice ambiance. My primi of Chitarrina was perfectly cooked and seasoned. My mates' were happy with their pastas as well. Great selection of wines, we chose a delicious Cerasuolo d/Abruzzo. Definitely, one of our favorite meals of the whole trip.

We ate at the restaurant. I had pasta and my wife had lentil soup and both tasted fabulous!! We also had tiramisu for dessert which was excellent. We spoke with the chef, Fabrizio. He makes all his own recipes, makes specialty desserts and truffles. He is truly passionate about his craft. Eat here if you are nearby. You will not regret it.

Located on the outskirts of town, we went here because it was the only place to get a table. It had gotten a bad review on Trip Advisor. We were pleasantly surprised. We were treated really well, even though we had only salads and I got the fried zucchini, which was light and fluffy like a sopapilla popper. The strudel was also really good, like apple pie. We will return tomorrow for some real food.

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