La Taverna di Via Stella

La Taverna di Via Stella is a traditional taverna at Via Stella 5/c in the Centro Storico of Verona, in the Veneto region of northern Italy. The lane is a short walk from Juliet's House and the Via Mazzini shopping street, so the taverna draws visitors exploring the most popular part of the old town. The kitchen serves classic local plates and aims at a homely, traditional experience. The menu is anchored in the dishes that have defined Veronese cooking for generations. Pastissada de caval, a horse-meat stew braised slowly in red wine and often served with polenta, is the emblematic main course of the city. Bigoli, the thick Veneto pasta, is served with traditional sauces, and bollito, a platter of boiled meats usually accompanied by pearà, a peppery sauce of bread and marrow, is a winter staple. The selection offers a sense of how Verona eats away from the pizza-and-pasta menus of the tourist streets. The room has the character of a taverna: rustic furnishings, close-set tables and a convivial, chatty atmosphere. There is no dress code, service is relaxed and noise levels rise at busy times. The drinks list is regional, with Valpolicella and other Veneto wines by the glass or bottle, suited to the rich food. Prices are moderate, which fits the traditional style and the central position. Reservations are recommended, particularly at dinner, at weekends and during the summer season when the Arena opera festival brings large numbers of visitors to the city. Opening hours should be confirmed locally, as they may change through the year. The taverna's location in the middle of the old town puts it near Piazza delle Erbe, the Arena and the Adige, so it works as a convenient stop between sights, and a good option after visiting Casa Giulietta for those who want to leave the busiest streets behind.