Although Trattoria Ferrari has been around forever in Pavia, just opposite Santa Maria di Betlemme in Borgo Ticino, because it is the ‘other’ side of the river to the town we’d never really considered it.
Its interiors a typical high-end trattoria style with relics from country life such as the odd rusty yoke and copper dishes decorating each room. We actually sat under the stuffed head of a wild boar which was, I suppose, better than sitting right in front of it for the whole meal.
If you are a fetishist of this sort of ambience then you’ll love it, personally I’m not a big fan as it reminds me of old ladies’ houses and rising damp. However each area has its traditions and this is a typical trattoria interior if that is what you are looking for.
The menu is very long, traditional and delicious although they have a tendency to favour colourful pasta (black ravioli, purple gnocchi).
Menu: http://www.anticatrattoriaferrari.it/template.php?pag=35525
I can vouch for the prawn ravioli served with basil and ‘pachino’ baby tomato. They are blackened with ‘nero di seppia’ and absolutely mouth-watering.
Below is one of these large ravioli split in half to show you its creamy interior. Forgive the photo quality but they really deserved more than just a mention!
After this Mr Towers and I shared a plate of frogs’ legs. These are served fried with lemon here in Pavia and are a bit like eating chips. Although it was nice to have this typically ‘pavese’ dish after at least 5 years since I last tasted it, I rather regretted eating a fried dish just before pudding.
Fortunately the Baci di Dama I chose were individually wrapped in aluminium so I was able to take some home for breakfast the next day.
The baci di dama, a round nutty biscuit with a layer of hazelnut cream in the middle were just as they should be: moist and nutty and clearly freshly made.
Atmosphere: Oldy-worldy
Food: Couldn’t find fault with it if I wanted to
Price: Dinner for two with wine c.a.60 EUR
Would we go back? Slightly put off by the interior (not my style) but drawn by the tantalising menu so yes
worldnosh 