The Zabariona brings together two stories: Antonia Venturi, a popular figure in 19th-century Ravenna, and Andrea Rondinelli’s family, active in hospitality for three generations.
Antonia Venturi, the Zabariona
Andrea Casadio’s archival research identifies Antonia Venturi as the Zabariona portrayed by Olindo Guerrini: an innkeeper in 19th-century Ravenna. Her name inspires our restaurant, but the historic inn and today’s osteria are different places and businesses.
La Zabariona ritrovata
Casadio’s research is published in La Zabariona ritrovata, issued by Il Ponte Vecchio, with an introductory essay by Eraldo Baldini and a preface by Andrea Rondinelli. The book was presented at our osteria on 6 October 2026. Discover the book and our contribution to its publication.
A family story since 1967
On 1 March 1967, Andrea’s grandfather Giovanni began the family’s restaurant story alongside its first cook. In the background of the period photograph are his fifteen-year-old son and the seventeen-year-old woman who would later become his wife: Andrea’s parents.
Today’s osteria, since 2021
In 2021 Andrea Rondinelli opened today’s Osteria dalla Zabariona at Via Giuliano Argentario 19, in Ravenna’s historic centre. The name looks back to the city’s memory; the cooking continues the family story through Romagna recipes, small producers and seasonality.
Research, hospitality and place
Andrea meets producers, listens to local testimony and studies recipes at risk of disappearing. Every guest receives the same welcome: the story begins with the food, not with the fame of the person at the table.
