An Italian Highway Stop to Remember: Fratelli Corso and Mozzarella di Bufala in Capalbio
Highway stops are usually just functional breaks — a quick refuel, a coffee, maybe a sandwich before hitting the road again. But in Italy, even a service stop can turn into a culinary discovery. Especially if you happen to pull over at Fratelli Corso, a gourmet gem tucked away along the Via Aurelia near Capalbio in southern Tuscany.
I must have driven past this old gas station at least a dozen times before. Sometimes I was in a rush, other times I passed by after closing hours. But a couple of weeks ago, luck was on my side: the shop was open, and for once I wasn’t in a hurry. I had time not only to browse but also to chat with the two owners, brothers Andrea and Francesco Corso.
From Gas Pump to Gourmet Destination
Francesco’s story begins far from Tuscany, in Campania — the region famous for its legendary Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP. During his military service in Porto Santo Stefano, a Tuscan port town, he often returned home to the south, always bringing back suitcases filled with the finest mozzarella to share with his fellow servicemen.
The cheese itself is a national treasure. Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP is crafted exclusively from the fresh whole milk of Mediterranean water buffalo. It’s soft, creamy, and delicately elastic, made with artisanal methods passed down through generations. Even the name “mozzarella” comes from mozzare, the act of hand-cutting the curd into small, rounded portions.
One day, while driving back north, Francesco spotted a closed-down gas station along the Via Aurelia. The idea struck instantly: what if this place could become a showcase for the mozzarella he loved so much? Together with his brother Andrea, he bought and restored the building. That’s how Fratelli Corso was born.
What You’ll Find at Fratelli Corso
Today, the former gas station is a warm and welcoming deli and café, beloved by both locals and travelers. The shop offers freshly baked bread, regional meats, olive oils, wines, and dairy products. But the highlight, of course, is the buffalo mozzarella — delivered daily and sold the Italian way, unrefrigerated, to preserve its authentic flavor and texture.
During my visit, I tasted not only the mozzarella but also their delicious caprino goat cheese and the traditional salty bread they source from Campania. Each bite was proof that this stop is more than just a convenience — it’s a genuine culinary experience.
Location and Practical Info
Fratelli Corso is located in Monte Alzato di Capalbio (Grosseto province), directly on the Via Aurelia SS1 at km 134.4. Opening hours can be checked via their Google Business profile — and if you find the doors closed, just give them a call.
A Stop Worth Slowing Down For
In Italy, even a highway stop can tell a story. At Fratelli Corso, a disused gas station was transformed into a gourmet destination, where tradition, quality, and passion meet. Next time you’re driving through southern Tuscany, don’t just rush past. Slow down, pull over, and let a bite of mozzarella transport you straight to the heart of Campania.