In Italy, Ferragosto is a celebration of togetherness, sunshine, and above all—good food. It’s a time when families gather under the shade of a beach umbrella or on breezy balconies, bringing dishes to the table that are as generous as they are joyful. While grilled meats and rustic pasta dishes will always have their place, we believe Ferragosto is also an opportunity to rethink tradition, keeping the heart, but adding a new flavor.
Casa Rinaldi’s gourmet Ferragosto menu is full of summer color, bold character, and versatile ingredients you can prepare in advance, serve at room temperature, or pair with a glass of something chilled. Here are four dishes that embody the spirit of the season.
Seared red tuna tataki with chipotle-infused balsamic
Bold, smoky, and made for warm evenings.
Tuna tataki brings a refreshing elegance to the summer table, seared just enough to bring out its buttery richness, yet still light and clean. What elevates this version is a finishing drizzle of Mosto Sacro with Chipotle: our sweet, aged balsamic vinegar with a touch of spice.
It’s not overpowering, just a whisper of smoke that deepens the flavor and makes this dish feel special.
- Pair it with: a citrusy white wine, like Vermentino, and a simple side of shaved fennel and orange.
- Perfect for: aperitivo tables, antipasti platters, or a no-fuss main course when it’s too hot to cook.
Check out the full recipe here.
Gazpacho with burratina alla Genovese pesto, crispy prosciutto and basil oil
A cool dish with deep summer soul.
This isn’t your usual gazpacho. Served chilled, topped with a creamy burratina alla Genovese, a crisp shard of prosciutto, and finished with a drizzle of Casa Rinaldi’s basil-infused olive oil, it’s a dish that brings together the South and the North of Italy in one spoonful.
- Why it works: the sweetness of tomatoes, the richness of the cheese, and the herbaceous oil create a balanced, layered bite that feels both comforting and refreshing.
- Serve in small glasses as a starter, or plate it more generously for a luxurious first course.
Find the full recipe here.
Fregola salad with pesto, mozzarella, chickpeas & basil
Rustic Sardinian pasta meets modern flair.
Fregola, a toasted pearl-like pasta from Sardinia, is a lesser-known gem, and perfect for warm-weather dishes. Its nutty flavor holds up well in salads, especially when tossed with creamy mozzarella, chickpeas, pesto, and fresh basil. It absorbs flavor beautifully without going soggy, making it ideal for outdoor meals or make-ahead menus.
- Don’t be afraid to improvise: add grilled zucchini, a handful of olives, or even some marinated artichokes. It’s vibrant, hearty, and satisfying, without ever feeling heavy.
Here is the recipe step by step.
Squid ink croquettes with seafood
A bite-sized indulgence from the sea.
These crispy croquettes get their striking black color (and rich, savory depth) from Casa Rinaldi’s squid ink, used to flavor and color the potato filling. Inside, there’s a surprise of seafood, tender, briny, and perfectly balanced. Think of them as the summer version of arancini: smaller, lighter, and meant to be shared.
- Serve them warm or at room temperature with a chilled rosé or sparkling wine.
- Perfect for: garden parties, beachside aperitivi, or anytime you want to serve something just a little unexpected.
For the full list of ingredients and steps, follow this link.
Each of these dishes reflects what we love most about Ferragosto: lightness, generosity, and a strong sense of place. The ingredients are simple but chosen with care. The flavors are bold yet never complicated. Most of all, they’re designed for sharing, because what matters most at Ferragosto is who you’re cooking for.
From all of us at Casa Rinaldi, buon Ferragosto e buon appetito!