The story
Tucked into the Umbrian mountains at 1,000 meters, Rifugio di San Gaspare is the kind of rustic refuge that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret. Creators JustUs, who traveled there to eat porcini mushrooms and truffle “nel bel mezzo del nulla,” found a traditional spot serving honest, local dishes in a cozy, family-like setting. The menu leans heavily on Umbrian staples—gnocchi ai porcini, pasta al tartufo, and the classic torta al testo—alongside cured meats like capocollo and prosciuttino.
The atmosphere is casual and scenic, with outdoor seating and a historic building that adds to the charm. JustUs praised the “incredibly honest prices,” which makes this mountain hideaway feel even more inviting. Whether you’re there for the grigliata mista or a simple bruschetta con olio nuovo, Rifugio di San Gaspare delivers a genuine taste of the region without pretense.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2023.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 10 dish mentions say about the food
Reviewers praise the Barbazza as the standout dish, a hearty and soulful triumph. The overall vibe is one of rustic, comforting warmth that feels like a genuine Italian homecoming.
“Barbazza is pork cheek sautéed with Sagrantino wine and sage until the wine fully evaporates. The smell of wine is really strong, but it's beautiful. A gift from the owner, a true local specialty.”
What creators say
1 creator has covered Rifugio di San Gaspare. Most active: JustUs
- JustUsLoved
MANGIAMO FUNGHI PORCINI e TARTUFO nel bel mezzo del nulla in un RIFUGIO a 1000 METRI · @ 0:58
A rustic mountain refuge at 1000 meters altitude, serving traditional Umbrian dishes made with fresh local ingredients like porcini mushrooms and truffle, with incredibly honest prices and a cozy, family-like atmosphere.
Dishes mentioned
Torta al Testo
The torta al testo here is made like they used to, cooked on the embers. Fresh out of the oven, it smells incredible. You can immediately taste the difference: the wood and the embers give it a completely different flavour, it's another level. Hardly anyone makes it like this anymore.
Barbazza
Barbazza is pork cheek sautéed with Sagrantino wine and sage until the wine fully evaporates. The smell of wine is really strong, but it's beautiful. A gift from the owner, a true local specialty.
Gnocchi ai Porcini
The gnocchi with porcini mushrooms are fantastic. The porcini are simply sautéed, with a bit of parsley and garlic, just slightly spicy. The porcini are super fresh, a bomb.
Pasta al Tartufo
Finally a pasta with real truffle! Chopped truffle, you can taste it all. No chemical sauces that leave a nasty acidic aftertaste. The pasta cooking is perfect. This is real, fresh truffle.
Grigliata Mista
The mixed grill includes lamb, pork sausages, and ribs. The ribs are perfect: tender, juicy, salted just right. The lamb is good, though maybe there's a bit too much of it. The embers are perfect, the meat is quality.
