Historic 15th-century wine cellar in Ravenna serving traditional piadina Romagnola and local wines in a magnificently frescoed medieval interior. A must-stop in Ravenna.
Ca' de Ven at Via Corrado Ricci 24 in central Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, is one of the most atmospherically distinctive eating and drinking spaces in the entire region. The building dates to the 15th century and the vaulted interior retains its original frescoed walls—painted in vivid earth-tone figural compositions—giving the space the grandeur of a museum alongside the informality of a neighbourhood wine bar. The house speciality is the piadina Romagnola: the flatbread of Romagna, cooked on a griddle and folded around traditional fillings that reflect the local larder. Squacquerone cheese with wild rocket is the most popular combination, a creamy-sharp contrast that exemplifies the simplicity of Romagnola cooking. Prosciutto di Parma with fig, or crescentine with local salumi, complete the short food menu. The wine selection is the other draw: the enoteca function means dozens of Romagnola and Emilian labels are available by the glass or bottle, with Sangiovese di Romagna and Trebbiano among the most honest representations of regional viticulture. The combination—magnificent medieval space, simple excellent food, well-chosen local wine—makes Ca' de Ven a compulsory stop for visitors to Ravenna, particularly those whose itinerary also includes the Byzantine mosaics at the nearby Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner and does not require reservations for most services.
Signature dishes
- Piadina con squacquerone e rucola — €7
- Piadina con Prosciutto di Parma — €8
- Sangiovese di Romagna by the glass — €4
Good to know
- Known for
- Best piadina in Ravenna in a magnificent historic cellar
- Hours
- Tue-Sun 11:30AM-2:30PM, 6PM-10:30PM; closed Mon
Location
Via Corrado Ricci 24, 48121 Ravenna
44.4174, 12.2016 View on map
Highlights
- Magnificently frescoed 15th-century medieval cellar, one of the most atmospheric eating spaces in Emilia-Romagna
- Piadina Romagnola with squacquerone and rocket—the quintessential Romagna street food elevated by its extraordinary setting
- Extensive selection of Romagnola wines by the glass, including Sangiovese di Romagna and local Trebbiano
- Located on Via Corrado Ricci, minutes from Ravenna's UNESCO-listed Byzantine mosaics
- A true enoteca function: dozens of regional labels available to taste alongside food
Tips for visiting
- Order the piadina con squacquerone e rucola—it is the archetypal Romagna combination and the kitchen's best expression
- Visit for a late lunch after the Byzantine mosaic sites—the location makes it a natural midday stop on a Ravenna cultural itinerary
- Ask the staff about the day's wine recommendations; they can guide visitors through the Romagnola DOC landscape with genuine knowledge
- The frescoed room at the rear is the most atmospheric space—ask to be seated there if available
- Dinner is less busy than lunch; evening visits allow a more leisurely exploration of the wine list
Accessibility
Ca' de Ven occupies a historic 15th-century cellar building. The main entrance on Via Corrado Ricci has a step threshold and the interior includes a vaulted ground-floor space. The historic structure limits full wheelchair accessibility; guests with mobility needs should call ahead to assess suitability.
Frequently asked questions
What is piadina Romagnola and why is Ca' de Ven known for it?
Piadina is a thin, unleavened flatbread cooked on a hot griddle that is the defining street and casual food of Romagna. Ca' de Ven serves it in a setting of unusual grandeur—a 15th-century frescoed cellar—making the combination of simple food and extraordinary architecture a distinctive experience.
Do visitors need to book a table at Ca' de Ven?
Reservations are generally not required for lunch. Dinner can be busier, particularly on weekends and in summer; booking ahead is wise for groups. The wine bar area can be used without a reservation.
Is Ca' de Ven suitable for a full dinner or just snacks?
The food menu is deliberately simple—piadina, salumi, and cheeses rather than a multi-course dinner. It is ideal for a substantial snack or a light meal accompanied by regional wine, not a formal dining experience.
Where exactly is Ca' de Ven in Ravenna?
The address is Via Corrado Ricci 24, in the historic centre of Ravenna. It is within a few minutes' walk of the Basilica di San Vitale, the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, and the central Piazza del Popolo.