**Formentera Takes Center Stage on Little Big Italy**
### Why Formentera Was Chosen
The crystal‑clear waters, white‑sand beaches and laid‑back vibe of Formentera made it the perfect backdrop for an episode of *Little Big Italy*. Host Francesco Panella wanted to see how Italian flavors survive far from home, and the island’s three beloved restaurants gave him plenty to taste.
### The Contenders
| Restaurant | What Makes It Special | Location |
|————|———————-|———-|
| **Bocasalina** | Elegant spot near Es Pujols beach; focuses on fresh ingredients and beautiful plating. | Steps from the sand |
| **Chezz Gerdi** | Lively seaside venue known for a fun atmosphere and top‑notch dishes. | Right on the Es Pujols promenade |
| **Café del Lago** | Cozy lagoon‑front eatery run by a welcoming family; serves solid Mediterranean‑Italian fare. | Overlooking La Savina lagoon |
### The Local Judges
– **Silvia** – Owner of the long‑standing real‑estate agency Laffittacase; a true Formentera institution.
– **Marco** – Veteran designer, beloved for his friendly nature and deep island knowledge.
– **Velia** – Massage therapist with a restaurant background; confident and well‑spoken on camera.
Each judge picked a restaurant to champion: Silvia backed Café del Lago, Marco chose Chezz Gerdi, and Velia rooted for Bocasalina.
### How the Challenge Worked
1. **Ex‑pat dish** – A plate prepared by an Italian living on the island.
2. **Chef’s signature** – The restaurant’s standout recipe.
3. **“Voglia d’Italia”** – A spontaneous Italian‑themed request from Panella.
After tasting, the judges gave points for taste, presentation, and authenticity. The scores were incredibly close.
### The Verdict
– **Bocasalina** edged out Chezz Gerdi by a single vote.
– Both Bocasalina and Chezz Gerdi tied on food quality; the deciding factor was Velia’s stronger answers to Panella’s Italian‑cuisine questions.
– Café del Lago put up a great fight but fell just short of the top spot.
### Why Formentera Won Too
Beyond the tasty competition, the island itself stole the show. Spectators got sweeping views of turquoise bays, hidden coves, and unforgettable sunsets—forcing everyone to agree that the real winner was Formentera’s breathtaking scenery.
### Conclusion
The episode proved that authentic Italian cooking can thrive even on a tiny Mediterranean island. Bocasalina’s win highlighted skillful technique and true‑to‑home flavors, while Chezz Gerdi and Café del Lago showed that Formentera’s dining scene is rich and diverse. Most of all, the island’s natural beauty made the whole experience feel like a dream—perfect for any teen who loves food, travel, and a good story.
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*Reference:* [Source](https://formenteranews.it/formentera-lottimo-ristorante-bocasalina-ha-vinto-la-puntata-di-little-big-italy-girata-sullisola-ma-anche-il-chezz-gerdi-e-il-cafe-del-lago-non-hanno-demeritato-sfida-avvincent/)
Images Credit: formenteranews.it