Staying in the area on holiday, I was excited to see the online menu for this restaurant which had two dishes I really enjoy: Burrata & Tonarelli Cacio e Pepe. I normally eat earlier than when the crowds start showing up and saw that the...restaurant’s web site said it opens at 17:00.
I arrived almost at 18:00 and they were rushing about setting up tables outside, plus glasses and silverware for all the tables. I asked if I could eat now and they said I certainly could and kept pushing me to eat “al fresco” when it was over 32c (90F). I opted to eat indoors where it was cooler. I was seated in front of a service area, and they had hip-hop music blasting on a blue-tooth speaker set on the counter right in front of me. Whilst I am not a fussy or demanding diner, I was rudely treated as a “nuisance”.
Finally, I took matters into my own hands and carried my water and glass and moved to a quieter, better location towards the back of the restaurant (still the only patron), ignoring the waiter's “prego…prego” attempt to get my attention. The burrata was ok but adequate, I’ve had better. A small basket of bread was brought to me which was full of stale stones that were supposed to be fresh bread (see pic - the green isn't mould, but pesto sauce when I attempted to use it as a "scarpetta" [sop up the sauce from the plate with bread]).
By the time my Primo Piatto of Tonarelli Cacio e Pepe arrived, I was already well annoyed with the whole situation and immediately asked for the bill so that I could leave as soon as I finished eating.
Upon leaving, I did let me feelings be known and said if they were indeed not yet opened, I would certainly have waited until later. They said they opened at 17:30. Upon leaving, I saw the neighbouring restaurants full of dining patrons – a sure sign of where to go; and this place still quiet at 19:00 – a sure sign of where NOT to go.
So, if in the area, patronise the neighbouring restaurants. They seem to be doing something right and this place something terribly wrong.More