From the historic venue of the 1930s to the rebirth as a bar-restaurant: the story and energy of Marco Saluto between the Victor Cafe and the Pidocchietto.
A piece of history in the heart of Aprilia
The Pidocchietto is not just a venue: it is a symbol of Aprilia. The building is located in the very city center and is a palace founded in the 1930s, when Aprilia was still a small rural village. In those years, it represented the only place for gathering and entertainment for the few inhabitants: a meeting point that, over time, has become part of the collective memory of the city.
The structure suffered severe damage during World War II, but in 1945 the Mosca family purchased it, giving it new life and making it, for decades, one of the cultural and social hubs of Aprilia. Over time, the Pidocchietto has hosted performances, screenings, events, and even a shoe store before its final closure.
Among the most vivid memories is that of the actor Giovanni Bernando, one of the founders of the Teatro Finestra company, who recounts how performances and artistic activities were produced at the Pidocchietto, enlivening the cultural life of the city. Since December, the rebirth: the building has been restored and reopened as a bar-restaurant, bringing this iconic place back to the center of city life.
A venue that is also a stage today
Today Il Pidocchietto is much more than a restaurant: it’s an experience. Inside, it hosts a small theater where shows, cabaret, and themed evenings are organized. This uniqueness makes it special and allows those who visit to transform a dinner or an aperitif into a moment of entertainment, between good food and culture.
The apericena that captivates
One of the strengths of Il Pidocchietto is its gastronomic offering. Guests find high-quality ingredients, innovative recipes, and well-presented dishes. The apericena is the highlight: rich, varied, and abundant, it is considered by customers to be on par with a quality restaurant. It’s no coincidence that many say it is absolutely worth trying.
The Pausa cold cream: a fresh touch for summer
Among the offerings that complete the venue's selection, the Pausa cold cream is the ideal companion for the hottest months of the year. Easy and quick to prepare (just add water) and to serve thanks to the dedicated equipment, it represents a delicious and refreshing break.
The Pausa cold creams are gluten-free, free from hydrogenated fats, GMOs, and artificial colors, and are available in several flavors: coffee, lactose-free coffee, and coffee/ginseng. A focus on quality that fits perfectly into the philosophy of Il Pidocchietto, always attentive to the needs and desires of customers.
Marco Saluto: two iconic venues of Aprilia
Leading the revival of Pidocchietto is Marco Saluto, an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the restaurant sector. Marco is now the owner of two well-known venues in Aprilia: the Victor Cafe and Il Pidocchietto.
Raised in a family of workers who have always valued contact with people, Marco has transformed his heritage into a dynamic and successful project. Despite the difficulties of the post-Covid period, he continues to manage his venues with energy and vision, turning them into reference points not only gastronomically but also culturally.
Today Il Pidocchietto is also a meeting point for well-known figures who bring shows and moments of cabaret, continuing to be a gathering place for the community.
A piece of advice for the young
Marco knows well the difficulties of the sector and issues a warning to those who want to follow in his footsteps:
“It’s not an easy profession. It requires study, dedication, and a lot of attention. Opening a place is easy, managing it well is another story: it requires competence and knowledge.”
With its history, atmosphere, and quality of cuisine, Il Pidocchietto is today one of the most authentic symbols of Aprilia: a place where the past meets the present, among flavors, culture, and conviviality.
