Discovering Italy's Hidden Treasure: Buon Ricordo Plates
If you've ever traveled through Italy — really traveled, not just rushed through the tourist spots — you know that some of the most magical discoveries happen when you wander off the beaten path. A tiny trattoria tucked down a cobblestone alley. A family-run osteria where the nonna still makes pasta by hand. These are the places where you taste the real Italy.
And if you're lucky enough to dine at one of these special restaurants, you might encounter something truly unique: the Buon Ricordo tradition.
What is Buon Ricordo?
Buon Ricordo translates to "Good Memory" in Italian — and that's exactly what these beautiful ceramic plates represent.
Since 1964, the Unione Ristoranti del Buon Ricordo (Union of Restaurants of Good Memory) has celebrated Italy's regional culinary traditions through a charming custom: when you order a restaurant's signature dish at a participating Buon Ricordo establishment, you receive a hand-painted commemorative plate as a keepsake.
Not a souvenir you buy. Not something mass-produced. A genuine ricordo — a memory — of an exceptional meal, lovingly crafted to commemorate that moment.
The Artistry Behind Every Plate
Here's what makes these plates so special: each one is hand-painted in Vietri sul Mare, the picturesque ceramics town perched on the Amalfi Coast. For centuries, Vietri has been the heart of Italian ceramic artistry, and these Buon Ricordo plates carry on that proud tradition.
Every plate features unique artwork that tells a story — the restaurant's signature dish, local landmarks, regional symbols, or scenes from Italian life. No two designs are alike. Each one captures the essence of a specific place, a specific dish, a specific moment in time.
The golden era of Buon Ricordo was the 1970s and 1980s, when the tradition flourished across Italy. Plates from this period are now highly collectible, each one a window into Italy's culinary past.
Why Collectors (and Italy Lovers) Treasure Them
There's something deeply romantic about Buon Ricordo plates. They're not just decorative objects — they're tangible memories of Italy's dolce vita.
Imagine: a plate commemorating spaghetti alle vongole from a seaside restaurant in Positano. Another celebrating osso buco from a Milanese trattoria. Each one represents a meal, a place, a story.
Collectors love them because:
- They're authentic pieces of Italian culinary history — Not reproductions, but genuine commemorative plates from real restaurants
- They're beautifully hand-painted — Traditional Amalfi Coast ceramic artistry at its finest
- Each tells a unique story — A specific restaurant, dish, and region of Italy
- They're conversation starters — Every plate has a tale to tell
- They bring Italy home — A daily reminder of Italian travels and culinary adventures
- They're increasingly rare — Vintage plates from the '70s and '80s are becoming harder to find
As The New York Times noted in their feature "Lots of Italy, on Many Collectible Plates," these plates have become treasured collectibles for Italy enthusiasts and design lovers alike.
How to Display Buon Ricordo Plates
One of the joys of collecting Buon Ricordo plates is displaying them. Here are some beautiful ways to showcase your collection:
- Gallery wall — Create an Italian-inspired wall display in your kitchen or dining room
- Plate stands — Display individual favorites on shelves or mantels
- Mix and match — Combine plates from different regions to tell your Italian travel story
- Kitchen décor — Hang them above your stove or dining area for authentic Italian charm
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Special occasions — Some collectors use them for serving at Italian dinner parties
The Perfect Gift for Italy Lovers
Looking for a meaningful gift for someone who loves Italy? A Buon Ricordo plate is so much more than a decorative item.
It's perfect for:
- Italy travelers who cherish their memories
- Food lovers and home cooks passionate about Italian cuisine
- Collectors of Italian ceramics and vintage treasures
- Anyone decorating an Italian-style kitchen or home
- People who appreciate authentic, handcrafted artistry
- Those who dream of slow travel through Italy's hidden corners
Unlike generic souvenirs, a Buon Ricordo plate carries history, artistry, and soul.
Starting Your Buon Ricordo Collection
Whether you've dined at Buon Ricordo restaurants during your Italian travels or you're discovering this tradition for the first time, collecting these plates is a beautiful way to celebrate Italy's culinary heritage.
Each plate you add to your collection is like adding another chapter to your Italian story. A memory of a meal. A tribute to a region. A piece of la dolce vita to treasure forever.
Explore our Buon Ricordo Plates Collection and discover authentic vintage plates from Italy's finest restaurants — each one a hand-painted treasure from the golden era of Italian dining.
Buon Ricordo — Good Memories from Italy. 🇮🇹🍽️