Kamastra

Kamastra Review

This family-run restaurant on the main square in the Albanian-speaking village of Cìvita (6 miles from Castrovillari), nestling on the slopes of Monte Pollino, serves Italian cuisine with an Arbareshe (Albanian) twist. Don't be put off by pronunciation difficulties, but opt for strangùle me 'neneze (cavatelli pasta with wild nettle grasses) or the even more challenging kangariqra kothra e ve (scrambled eggs with peppers and pigskin). The atmosphere is country-style and relaxed, with master-of-ceremonies Enzo Filardi imparting local information and exuding bonhomie in abundance. To complete the Arbareshe experience, you can always rent rooms in private homes in town at very reasonable prices—ask at the newsagents' on the main square.