To our readers: Paperjam's editorial team are spending Thursday and Friday in Dudelange, meeting the political, social and economic players in this municipality of 22,000 inhabitants. This article is part of that special series.
Dudelange and the Italian community have a long history. A little out of the way, the former industrial district even took the name of Italy. So if you're looking for a special treat on International Italian Food Day, which aims to promote and preserve the authenticity of Italian cuisine, Dudelange is the place to be.
There's no shortage of Italian restaurants here, with around ten in the town (see below), each with its own atmosphere and specialities. But there is another place that also offers the basic specialities, but with a healthy dose of originality. For while the essence of Italian gastronomy lies in simple but quality food, Squisito (which means 'exquisite' in Italian), doesn’t shy away from exploring far more unexpected combinations of flavours.
Its manager, 25-year-old Thomas Aprilante, works here with his family. He has taken over from Chiara and Ronny, who opened the delicatessen in 2021. Last year, they decided to open another outlet: Squisamente, a salumeria, in Limpertsberg. In Dudelange, Squisito has remained.
Wines, pastas, sauces, sweet treats, cheeses, cold meats and ready-to-eat takeaways: from starters to desserts, there's something for everyone. Thomas Aprilante sources its produce exclusively from Italian producers. Of course, he uses pecorino romano for his carbonara. But he is also keen to offer more original products, to help diners discover other facets of the Italian terroir. "We also offer pecorino with wine, orange, saffron, pistachio," he says, giving this sheep's milk cheese with its powerful flavour a softer, fresher or tangier note.
A must-try cheese, according to Aprilante, is "Blù di Buffala or its variant, Blù, matured with wine". The former is mild, creamy and slightly sweet, while the latter has a more intense flavour with a hint of red wine. Still in the cheese department, the traditional ricotta also has its lemon variant, which is slightly tangy and ideal for desserts!
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Italian restaurants in Dudelange
Antica Bari
A family restaurant with a dining room that can seat up to fifty people, Antica Bari is all about tradition. From Tuesday to Friday, a dish of the day is offered in addition to the traditional menu featuring pizzas, meats, risottos and pasta in all its variations.
Where? 28 rue de la Fontaine.
Rucolino
Healthy food and real wine. So says its slogan in Italian. The menu is as bold as the concept. Pizzas, vegetables, pasta with local produce wherever possible, and fresh seasonal produce. No meat, but a good glass of wine. Don't miss the Bombaccia, a closed focaccia filled with mozzarella and a variety of vegetable pestos (beetroot, artichokes, carrots, dried tomatoes, etc.).
Where? 15 rue du Commerce.
Gigi l'Amoroso
A fine Italian place in the Italian Quarter, celebrating its thirtieth anniversary in 2023. As well as the classic pizzas, there are a few white pizzas and the Pizza Gigi l'Amoroso: tomato, mozzarella, sausage, capers, olives and tabasco. The restaurant's menu includes Italian favourites and a wide selection of pastas.
Where? 98 rue Tattenberg
Mamma Mia
Open for twenty years, Mamma Mia has a spacious and friendly dining room. The menu offers Italian and French specialities (antipasti, thin-crust pizzas, fresh pasta) as well as a selection of homemade desserts. It also offers a home delivery service.
Where? 27 place de l'Hôtel de ville.
Restaurant Pizzeria Garibaldi
Pizzeria Garibaldi offers a wide range of pizzas, as well as pasta, meat and other dishes that sometimes go beyond the borders of Italy. During the lockdown, the restaurant set up a delivery service and offers takeaway dishes. That service that has continued ever since.
Where? 59 rue Gaffelt
Read the original French-language version of this news report /