By Paola Butera
Bread, wine, friendship. This deeply reflects this territory: authentic like the bread that comes from the earth, robust like the wine, and sincere as friendship should be. It is also the name chosen by Marco Scassellati and Emiliano Fiorentini to bring to life a long-nurtured idea and enterprise.
Their bond has accompanied them through intense experiences both in associative environments and work, followed by the discovery of extraordinary food and wine cultures that enriched their vision and fuelled their desire to create something fulfilling not only for themselves but also for the community. They wished to unite dreams, heart, and roots in the simple yet profound essence of bread, wine, and friendship.
This need to fill an inner void translated into a project aimed at offering the city of Gualdo Tadino what was still missing. Thus was born Pretesto, a modern osteria where every detail is carefully considered.
Here, local identity – characterized by quality and tradition— is celebrated: simplicity does not mean superficiality; rather, it forms the foundation upon which a sensory experience is built that first captivates the eyes and then delights the palate.
Pretesto tells the story of Gualdo Tadino and Umbria with a contemporary perspective; ceramic and stone walls evoke history and tradition while finely presented platters convey familial warmth. Marco shares: “Emiliano and I come from a farming tradition common to many residents of Gualdo Tadino, where cured meats are prepared at home.” He manages all aspects of the establishment comprehensively and adds: “We wanted to elevate our project. So we envisioned an osteria offering excellent products in a modern and welcoming environment capable of attracting all age groups.”
Every product results from rigorous selection: from cured meats – including artisanal pork ham produced by local butchers and mortadella chosen among top-quality options with low fat content without preservatives or colorants – to supplier companies that are all small Umbrian businesses with short supply chains; only rarely do they extend beyond regional borders. The wines served by the glass are also carefully selected to ensure variety and quality; for beers, they focus on local offerings with Birra Flea – a local artisanal producer – allowing them to provide high-quality draft beer. Moreover, olive oil and preserves are meticulously selected products always prioritizing excellence.
Yet surprises do not end here; indeed, they have initiated a small production of aromatic preserves made with wild garlic – a herb with a delicate flavor ideal for seasoning cheeses, soups or flavoring oils – and all these products are used in their kitchen as well as available for sale. The true highlight? The aperitif-dinners!
“We are open every day except Wednesday: during daytime we offer quick lunches while evenings are dedicated to aperitifs and dinners in an intimate setting accommodating about thirty guests. In winter we also have a glass ‘bubble’ right in front of the venue allowing us additional seating capacity.”
In August they will celebrate their first year since opening; accompanied by their platters paired with a carefully curated selection of wines, craft beers, spirits such as gin, bitters, and grappa – while maintaining essential aperitifs like spritz or americano – they firmly believe this is the path they wish to preserve: embodying the authentic spirit of a wholesome osteria.
Therefore, Il Pretesto represents much more than just an establishment: it is an enhancement of local typicity
reinterpreted creatively to pay homage to tradition while offering something new and exclusive.
Info: Pretesto, Corso Italia 33 · Gualdo Tadino (Pg) / Bookings: Tel. 353 4703 863 / Opening Hours: Mon to Thu 10:30- 23:00 · Fry to Sun 10:30 – 00:00. Closed on Wednesdays.