Our osteria’s name carries a story of Ravenna. On 6 October 2026, we hosted the presentation of La Zabariona ritrovata, a book by Andrea Casadio, published by Il Ponte Vecchio, with an introductory essay by Eraldo Baldini and a preface by our host, Andrea Rondinelli.

The research behind the name

Who was the Zabariona? Andrea Casadio’s archival research offers a new reconstruction: the innkeeper portrayed by Olindo Guerrini was Antonia Venturi. The book revises the earlier identification as Rosa Betti and draws attention to everyday life in 19th-century Ravenna.

The full Italian title is La Zabariona ritrovata. La vera identità e la vera storia dell’ostessa più famosa di Romagna e della sua locanda. Eraldo Baldini’s introductory essay, La Romagna delle osterie, accompanies Casadio’s historical research.

The presentation at our osteria

Welcoming this book means making room for the story that inspired our name. We contributed to its publication alongside Confesercenti Ravenna-Cesena, with the collaboration of Slow Food Ravenna.

Andrea Rondinelli, the osteria’s owner, wrote the preface and hosted the presentation. The historical research and book are by Andrea Casadio: distinct contributions brought together by an interest in the city’s memory.

A shared name, not the same inn

The historic inn described in the book and today’s Osteria dalla Zabariona are different places and businesses. Our restaurant opened in 2021 at Via Giuliano Argentario 19. Its name recalls that history; it is not a continuation of the 19th-century business or building.

For us, getting to know Romagna also means discovering its people, meeting places and the stories shared around a table. This is the spirit behind our cooking, hospitality and attention to the region.

The book and press coverage

Continue with our story. To discover today’s osteria, explore our cuisine and the menu.