Fifty years, three changes of hands.

«A grand old lady the people of Ravenna had been missing for two years.»

The trattoria was born in the mid-Seventies, a few steps from Porta Adriana. It was called Trattoria da Tommaso, then Il Rustichello: the touch of Erminio, his pasta still served in the pan it was tossed in, the cappelletti that carry his name.

After two years behind closed doors, in December 2025 the lights came back on: Emanuele Bello, born in Puglia, picked up the legacy and added his name to the sign. Bello al Rustichello. With him came the flavours of golden Puglia: the bombette, capocollo from Martina Franca, grandma Nella's focaccia.

A few gentle touches — warm lights, cosy corners, wines by the glass and cocktails for aperitivo — and the dining room is ready once more: seventy seats, and dishes that still arrive at the table straight in the pan, the way they always have.

Faces you'll get to know.

In the dining room and in the kitchen we are a small family: alongside Emanuele there are Gianluca, Roberta and Teresa. The old way: whoever welcomes you today will recognise you tomorrow.

Throw open the windows to the salt-laden wind
that echoes the song of an ancient land;
here, old capital, among the pines,
where the hills lean down to kiss the sea
and salt is poured into the quiet air.

Among fragrances of bread and ancient voices,
at the Rustichello the time of friendly stories rises again,
where Ravenna throws her harbour open
and far-off tales drift in from the sea.

From golden Puglia, olive trees and vines,
to these old walls and the fruit of the pines,
stories of hands and hearts entwine —
of slow fires, of wine, of sweet loves.

In every dish settles the taste of the heart,
an echo of feasts, of laughter and life,
that warms the soul and suspends time
in the embrace of an honest house.