Tuscan lagoon tradition

The Orbetello Lagoon is a coastal lagoon in Tuscany, in the Maremma region of Grosseto. Its extension is about 27 km². The average depth is about one metre, the maximum does not exceed 2 metres. It is separated from the sea to the west and east by two strips of land about 6 km long (the sandy Tomboli della Giannella to the NW and Feniglia to the SE) and to the west by the Argentario promontory. Come discover the real tuscan lagoon tradition!

The waters of the lagoon are rich in prized fish such as sea bass, bream, mullet and eel.

In the past, Orbetello’s economy was based on exploiting the lagoon and fishing. Today this activity, which was once handed down from father to son in the families of fishermen, is managed by I Pescatori di Orbetello. The fish is processed locally or sold in many markets in Italy and abroad. The production of mullet roe and the preparation of sfumate eels, eels smoked with the addition of spices and chilli peppers, which are undoubtedly the typical dish of the local cuisine, are highly prized.

Orbetello was the capital of the Presidium State of the Kingdom of Spain (acting as a fortification to defend the strategic possessions of central Italy between the 16th and 17th centuries). The art of processing fish according to techniques handed down by the Spaniards, skilled fishermen and navigators, who put into practice the best fish preservation techniques to ensure food during long sea voyages, probably dates back to that time.

Even older is the production of Bottarga, which, as some municipal writings (1414) testify, was paid to the Camerlengo in exchange for fishing rights over the Orbetello lagoon. For these reasons, the fishermen of Orbetello are the heirs to a long tradition in the art of fishing and fish processing.

Fish preservation techniques and traditional recipes are jealously guarded. Smoking, marinating and salting are still carried out using ancient methods; over the years these methods have remained substantially unchanged.

Today the company has a twofold objective: on the one hand to safeguard the lagoon environment, and on the other to create a quality finished product. This is why they guarantee quality for all their production from the Lagoon – both fresh and processed fish – and have always respected the principles of excellence, sustainability and traceability of the tuscan lagoon tradition

The Tasting Centre was born out of the desire to give a precise connotation to the tasting of fish products from the lagoon, and has evolved in the setting of a completely restored 19th-century stable, lapped by the lagoon, where we will bring to your table the tastiest dishes based on fish freshly caught in the lagoon waters and dishes prepared according to the ancient recipes of the fishing tradition of this part of the Maremma. The kitchen and dining room are staffed by members of the cooperative, and the menu includes specialities with mullet roe, shaded eel and bonito of theTuscan lagoon tradition.

Lunch menu

Appetizer:

Mixed crostini

First course:

Gnocchi with mullet and olives

Water (1/2 litre per person), wine on tap (1/4 litre per person)

Price per person €35

 Dinner menu

Appetizer:

Mixed croutons, Chickpeas with smoked mullet, Vegetable mousse with botargo, Marinated eel

First course:

Spaghetti alla chitarra with sea bass ragout

Second course:

Fillet of Celeta (high quality mullet, caught in the lagoon) with battered vegetables

Lemon sorbet

Water (1/2 litre per person) wine (1 bottle of local wine for every 2 people)

Price per person €55

The Tasting Centre is located on the Orbetello Lagoon, a short walk from the centre and 10 minutes from Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole. You can reach it by your own means or by booking a private and/or shared transfer through Civitatours.

Menu prices are:

• Lunch menu €35 per person
• Dinner menu €55 per person