Il Frate

Il Frate is a family-run restaurant in Urgnano, Italy, with roots dating back to 1925. Founded as a village tavern by Lorenzo Sala, it evolved into a pizzeria and then a full restaurant in 1987. Today, under the direction of head chef Lorenza Sala, it preserves the home-style Piacenza cuisine tradition inherited from her mother Mariuccia, while incorporating contemporary dishes from a wider regional palette. The kitchen focuses on simple preparation that highlights high-quality local ingredients. Guests can enjoy their meals in elegantly decorated spaces featuring warm, diffuse lighting, light wood paneling, and wooden floors. A historic vaulted brick dining room adds intimate character, complemented by bright renovated rooms offering discretion and table spacing. Outdoor seating is also available in a private courtyard during favorable weather. The restaurant’s fourteenth-century cellar houses a prestigious selection of national and international wines, enhancing the culinary experience. Il Frate specializes in classic Emilian cuisine, with traditional Piacenza and wider Emilia regional specialties. Private dining options in the historic cellar and elegant surroundings accommodate corporate dinners and special occasions, all within an atmosphere that combines historic intimacy and modern comfort.