The story
Perched on a hilltop in Cagli, Trattoria il Poggio offers sweeping views, friendly service, and generous portions at fair prices. Its signature “Carbonara Gigante,” however, divides opinion: reviewer JustUs notes it’s “more a pasta with sausage than a true carbonara.” The tiramisù and olive ascolane are decent, and the house-made grappa al peperoncino adds a fiery finish.
For those not seeking a purist carbonara, the trattoria’s rustic charm and scenic outdoor seating make it a worthwhile stop. JustUs recommends it as a pleasant meal in the Marche countryside—just don’t expect the classic Roman version.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2024.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 4 dish mentions say about the food
The tiramisù is the undisputed star, earning rapturous praise for its silky, coffee-soaked perfection. Overall, the food delivers a warm, rustic embrace of authentic Italian comfort.
“This tiramisù is actually good. It's made with cream (panna) instead of mascarpone, and the savoiardi are only at the bottom, but it's still enjoyable. The flavor is nice, though it's not the classic version. I'd say it's a pleasant surprise.”
What creators say
1 creator has covered Trattoria il Poggio. Most active: JustUs
Trattoria il Poggio offers a beautiful hilltop view and a fair price for large portions, but the famous 'Carbonara Gigante' is more a pasta with sausage than a true carbonara. The tiramisù and olive ascolane are decent, and the service is friendly. Worth a visit if you don't expect a real carbonara.
Dishes mentioned
Carbonara Gigante
I have to say, this pasta is good – the pasta itself is al dente, fresh, and the seasoning feels freshly made. But it's not a carbonara. They use sausage instead of guanciale, and the cheese is not pecorino; it's some kind of mix that's neither Parmesan nor pecorino. The texture turns into a frittata after a while. If they called it 'pasta with sausage', I'd happily pay €9 for this portion. But don't call it carbonara. The price is fair, though.
Tiramisù
This tiramisù is actually good. It's made with cream (panna) instead of mascarpone, and the savoiardi are only at the bottom, but it's still enjoyable. The flavor is nice, though it's not the classic version. I'd say it's a pleasant surprise.
Grappa al Peperoncino
I tried the medium spicy grappa and it was insane. I could barely breathe after just a tiny sip. It's incredibly hot, way too much for me. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're a chili fanatic. The strong version must be dangerous.
Oliva Ascolana
The olive ascolana was decent. Probably frozen, but of good quality. The filling is interesting with mortadella, boiled meats, lemon zest, nutmeg. It's not as good as the handmade ones I had in Ascoli, but it's still tasty and the price is fair.
