When our Life In Abruzzo group visited MOM, the acclaimed vegan restaurant in the scenic Gran Sasso hilltop town of Fano Adriano, we were completely bowled over. So much so that MOM instantly earned a place in our Top 5 eats in Abruzzo – and it’s easy to see why.
From the moment you step inside, MOM feels like a breath of fresh air. The space is beautiful, light, and cool — perfectly designed for a relaxed tasting lunch with friends or an extended family gathering. It’s an inviting environment where you can savour every bite without feeling rushed.
Abruzzo’s culinary scene is evolving. Just as the region is turning away from bulk wine production in favour of quality and character, its food culture is following suit. Diners here now crave dishes that celebrate delicate, nuanced flavours rather than repetitive or heavy fare, particularly in the summer. MOM is at the forefront of this movement, delivering food that invites you to truly taste and appreciate every ingredient.
A highlight for everyone at our table was the vegan mozzarella made from creamy cashew nuts — unanimously declared the best we’ve ever tasted in terms of both flavor and texture. Chef Gina’s innovative nod to local traditions was evident throughout the menu. Take the scurpelle (the local dialect name for scrippelle), the thin crepes usually served in timballo or eaten as scrippelle m’bussse – Gina made a wonderful vegan version served with a local chickpea tempeh and new potatoes. Her sourdough bread, foccaccia and breadsticks that accompanied the dishes and were also all excellent and consumed heartily as soon as the bread basket was refilled!
I fell in love with the risotto from her June menu, featuring fresh peas paired with toasted almonds and basil — a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the cocoa strawberry tart if it is on offer. It’s probably the best dessert I’ve had in the entire region. The crisp cocoa pastry was a flawless foil for the juicy sweetness of the strawberries, creating a truly memorable finish.
Another refreshing touch was the selection of locally produced kombuchas available, a lovely alternative to wine, although a tempting fine selection of organic wines is also offered for those who prefer.
It’s no surprise that MOM and Chef Gina di Benedetto have earned accolades from Gambero Rosso. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply a curious foodie eager for something inspiring and fresh, MOM is a must-visit food destination in Abruzzo.
I, for one, will be returning soon.
MOM’s July menu
Author: Sam Dunham
Sam is a freelance SEO content creator and IGCSE Geography and English teacher at Istituto Cristo Re in Rome. She also runs the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, sharing stories and insights about this captivating region.
Alongside raising a teenager, Sam hosts guests at her family’s traditional home, the Little House of the Firefly in Abruzzo, offering a warm welcome and insider tips on local culture, food, and hidden gems.
