

It is a queer place, reminiscent of a Los Angeles hill-side villa from the movies, right down to the outdoor swimming pool (sadly covered over at the time of our wintry visit) and palm trees, and offers quite nice views into the Vomano valley. Internally Villa Nerina’s restaurant walls are a cheering terracotta red, utilising the sponging technique so popular throughout the UK once upon a time, combined with brickwork, and the tables & chairs a smart dark wood with white table cloths. We were waited upon by two pleasant, smartly-attired (apart from the sneakers) young chaps, and presented with menus, something of a rare occurrence in our Abruzzo dining history.

