A Pignata

Dining at this restaurant makes a drive up the winding mountain roads worthwhile. A Pignata is as authentic as it gets, when it comes to local terroir specialties. If you haven't experienced rustic traditional cuisine, this is a must. The owners have created a convivial farm-to-table restaurant that is modestly priced and just plain fun. You might find yourself elbow to elbow with anyone from well-heeled locals from Porto-Vecchio to agricultural families who live down the road.

The portions are large, so be prepared for a long afternoon of tasting. After the homemade charcuterie, some of the most outstanding simple grandmotherly recipes include the Corsican peasant soup, oven-baked caramelized lamb, cannelloni stuffed with brocciu, and chestnut flour cakes with nuts.