Jen & Massi's Wedding
Things to Do
What to Eat & Where to Go
Because the real reason you came to Italy was the wedding, and you didn't think at all about food, site-seeing or...the food... This part of our website should help you plan activities (and meals) in your downtime. Here you can find our recommended restaurants in the area, as well as information on day trips. Note: We have dined at 99% of the restaurants in Cattolica, so if there is a spot that looks yummy to you, but didn't make our list, ask us why.
Cattolica & Around - Restaurant Suggestions
- Cico's: One of our favorite restaurants, and site of the "welcome" dinner; seafood carbonara and alici (anchovies) are a must - Il Faro: One of the fancier seafood spots, at the end of the pier w/ amazing gamberi, vongole and cozze - Eccome No: Jen's favorite seppie con piselli; plus cones of fritto misto - Dove C'era L'Aquila: Basic, but good pizza - Roma Caffe: Best aperitivo ever (copious amounts of free snacks, with cheap drinks), but in Misano (a bit north of Cattolica) - Caffe Pascucci: Great for aperitivo, sit outside (in town's center, not by the beach) - Bandannas: Surfer-themed beach bar, aperitivo - Trattoria Del Porto: Fishermen love it here, bad service, great food - Gelso / Mandorlo: Don't waste time on any other gelato in Cattolica; Gelso & Mandorlo are sister shops, and the BEST - Mura: Cute cocktails - I <3 Piadina: Massi's fav naughty piadina stand - Il Capriccio di Gola: Jen's fav naughty piadina stand - Le Vele: Fish, dessert, and a Michelin Star on the sea
Bologna
Bologna is known as "la grassa" or the fat one for obvious reasons - the food is top notch. Ragu, stuffed pasta and mortadella all come from this magical place. But, no visit is complete without inhaling green lasagna at l'Arcimboldo. Other foodie suggestions: Vecchia Malga (aperitivo), Da Cesare (meat), del Rosso (ragu). Other than food, the city also houses beautiful churches, portici, and the oldest university in the western world (University of Bologna, where Massi graduated from). After a big lunch, you should hike through the portico San Luca to a hilltop overlooking the city. If you spend a night in Bologna, Jen recommends the Grand Majestic Hotel (along with Jen, Princess Di, Gloria Estefan and many other celebs love this place). Its full of history, antiques, frescoes and even roman ruins. Jen knows the PR manager, so reach out if you're interested in a stay or tour. Overall, Bologna is a bit gritty, but its unique architecture and over the top gluttony make up for it.
Rimini
Rimini is one of the bigger towns in the area, about 20 min north of Cattolica. While it is known for its beaches during the summer, the town's cobblestone center, signature arch, main piazzas and beautiful churches are our favorite part. There is also a very unique and colorful borgo (i.e. ancient town) across the Ponte di Tibero, Massi's favorite bridge built by the Romans; both are perfect for instagram. Rimini is also home to vibrant bars / nightlife, and one of Jen's favorite restaurants: La Mia Mamma. Most interestingly, Rimini is where the Questura (i.e. local immigration office) is that Jen visited 100x last summer while applying for her European citizenship.
Ravenna
Ravenna is a city known for its mosaics, about 1 hour from Cattolica. As a UNESCO world heritage site, the city's churches and religious buildings that house these mosaics are breathtaking. For a 3 hour private guided tour, contact Cinzia Fabbri (cinziafabbriravenna@gmail.com), cost is ~80 EUR. Cinzia was quoted in a NY Times article about Ravenna, and is a lovely guide who confidently managed the copious inquiries Mrs. Coppolino had on our tour: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/01/travel/ravenna-italy-glittering-still.html
Castello di Gradara
In the area of Rimini, where Cattolica and the wedding are being held, there are said to be at least 20 castles. Gradara is very near to Cattolica and, besides from being a castle that visitors can tour, there is also a properly walled city full of cute shoppes and restaurants. While we are a bit partial to one of the other castles in the neighborhood, we love Gradara too and think it is worth a trip (especially since it is so close!)
Fano
Fano is where Jen was living and tutoring English when she met Massi in August 2016. Believe it or not, at their first meal Jen was going to order something Massi didn't approve of...Massi suggested she try the seafood carbonara, and things started going pretty well from there. The spot of the first date was Taverna del Ghiottone, which we'd recommend and is a 5-minute walk from Fano's Police Station, where Jen was living with the Seretti family at the time. Aside from sentimental value, Fano is a very cute fisherman-like town, complete with 2 historic arches, beach front restaurants and some of the best gelato around (Maki gelateria, where the flavors change regularly based on seasonal ingredients). Its a great place for a long passeggiata (i.e. a stroll, often occurring post a large meal), and to kill an afternoon.
San Marino
San Marino is technically its own country within Italy. This seems a bit silly, but it is kind of like a wealthier version of Delaware in the US (i.e. it is a tax haven). The city center sits high on a hill, with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, mountains and sea. There is also a classic castle that visitors can visit and climb. The restaurant of the Michelin star caterer, Righi, who will be serving at our wedding, can be found in the main piazza (Piazza della Liberta). We also recommend the restaurant in the Cesare Hotel for lunch. Both spots have incredible views of the nearby hills.
Acqualagna
Acqualagna is where you can have a full meal of tartufi (aka truffles) for about 30 euro per person. It's a bit of hike from Cattolica (over an hour), but worth it for an afternoon of deliciousness. The town is very small, and essentially consists of a truffle museum, truffle shoppe, and 7ish truffle restaurants. While I am sure they are all good, Osteria Braceria is great and so is Ristorante Pizzeria Il Tartufo (which is the only one open on Tuesdays). For a full truffle experience, you should definitely get the "assorted" antipasto (all of the restaurants have a version of this, it is essentially a sampler of all appetizers with truffles --- the best part will be the eggs!), pasta with truffle, and finally a secondo (meat) with truffle. If you can't make it to Acqualagna, rumor has it that truffles may make an appearance on the wedding menu - so no worries!
Loreto
Loreto is a marvelous hilltop town that is home to the Basilica della Santa Casa (ie: the Basilica of the Holy House) which is a shrine of Marian pilgrimage. The basilica (and town) is known for enshrining the house in which the Blessed Virgin Mary is believed by many Catholics to have lived. It is said that the same house was flown over by Angelic beings from Jerusalem to Tersatto (Trsat in Croatia) before arriving at the current site. The complete Basilica is beautiful, and makes for an interesting 1/2 day-trip. Guides can be hired in English to explain the story, history and art of the town.
Outlet Prada
The Prada Outlet in Marche is not super close to Cattolica, but worth the adventure if you'd like to do some serious shopping. Within the same outlet complex, there are also Tod's and Hogan outlets. Because of its location (in the middle of an industrial area), these outlets are not frequented by many tourists. Closer to Cattolica (about 20 min north), there are also Sergio Rossi and Giuseppe Zanotti outlets near those designers' factories. If you do purchase something, make sure to show your passport so that you can receive your VAT (tax) refund when leaving the EU (this will entitle you to another ~20% back on anything you purchase by stopping by "Global Blue" refunds in your departure airport).