Ristorante La Paprika

Centro Storico, Castiglione del Lago (PG), Umbria

• Tel: 075 951813
• Price range: Medium to High
• Closing day: Tuesday

A small family-run restaurant with outdoor seating in the summer months, La Paprika suffers from a rumour that the food is microwaved. Nothing could be further from the truth. The "ping" which has worried some diners is simply the alarm on the dumb waiter which brings the food down from the kitchen above!

In our opinion this is the best restaurant in Castiglione del Lago with a winter and summer menu designed to make the most of seasonal produce. Two dishes carry the name of the restaurant and both are highly recommended. In winter, the "Antipasto Paprika" is a tantalising array of mixed bruschetta, cold cuts, vegetables and lemon-mozzarella. In summer the "Insalata Paprika" echoes it's more robust cousin with refreshing and satisfying mini-mozzarellas accompanied with fresh greens and sweet corn.

Pasta dishes are available with meat, fish and vegetable accompaniments; the gnocchi al ragu is always a favourite at our table. The meat at Paprika is freshly cooked and they will cook it the way you want it (not always easy in Italy where bloody steaks are favoured) but recently Antonio has included a number of sea fish dishes. A cunning little paella is a surprising and tasty starter for two. Follow with giant prawns - either char-grilled or 'al cognac'- or for the more ample appetite a perfectly grilled Orata.

Wine is a passion at La Paprika and there is always an excellent and extensive list to choose from, plus many new additions that Antonio will tell you about with enthusiasm. One local wine we recommend to everyone is Cimbolo, a full-bodied, rich red that is produced just 5Km away and to be found in only a handful of restaurants in the area.

Dining at La Paprika will set you back a bit more than the standard restaurant but the prices are moderate - especially the wines- and the quality excellent. It is the philosophy of the owner to provide good standards- food, wine and service- without overcharging.

Steve Emmett 8th June 2005

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