First opening its doors in 1922, La Capanna di Eraclio is the epitome of a true Italian trattoria, and the restaurant has been a part of chef Grazia Soncini’s family since 1946. For three generations La Capanna di Eraclio has drawn inspiration and ingredients from Emilia-Romagna’s green and bountiful countryside to create a menu dedicated to both seasonality and regionality.

Grazia and family are always the first to select the finest fish from the local markets. Within two to three hours of being caught, these fresh ingredients are transformed into an array of delicious fish and seafood dishes – think eel fresh from the nearby river Po, roasted over an open fire, served alongside the northern Italian speciality of creamy white polenta, or delicate flounder, accompanied by sweet-roasted tomatoes and a delicious hit of salt from olives and capers. The menu exudes these simple yet delicious traditional combinations, from a typical antipasto of Anchovy fillets marinated in vibrant lemon, to a primo of homemade Tagliolini pasta, squid and courgette flowers, finished with a dolce of Cherries steeped in spiced red wine. The menu not only draws on the sea but the land as well, with only the finest quality in-season game making it into the rustic dishes.

Not only is the menu brimming with authenticity and tradition, but so is the restaurant itself. Located in the rural reaches of northern Emilia-Romagna near the tranquil city of Ferrara, La Capanna di Eraclio harks back to times gone by. The restaurant is full of country charm, with black and white family photographs hung alongside paintings of the surrounding countryside and souvenirs from the family’s past. The tables are adorned with crisp, white handmade tablecloths and dotted with carefully arranged classic Italian tableware. This theme carries through to the sun-dappled terrace where you can enjoy a relaxing meal under the shade of interweaving grape vines. It feels as if this restaurant is frozen in time, taking you back to a simpler age free from the hustle and bustle of modern life.