Ristorante Symposium

Ristorante Symposium sits among the olive groves of Cartoceto, the hill town in the province of Pesaro and Urbino that gives its name to Cartoceto DOP, one of Italy's most prized extra-virgin olive oils. The restaurant has long been a destination for refined Marche cooking, built around the exceptional local oil that appears throughout the menu rather than merely as a condiment. Tasting menus showcase handmade pasta, seasonal truffles from the surrounding hills, and slow-cooked Marche lamb and meats, all framed by the fragrant, slightly bitter character of Cartoceto oil. The cooking is precise and seasonal, drawing on the produce of the Metauro valley and the nearby Apennine foothills, and the wine list is deep in Marche labels and beyond. The setting is rural and elegant, with views over the olive-clad hills, and the experience suits travellers willing to drive into the countryside for a serious meal. Cartoceto lies inland from Fano and is best reached by car. The restaurant also makes a natural pairing with a visit to a local frantoio to taste the oils at source. Independent travellers should reserve ahead, particularly for weekday dinners that may run by reservation only.