Grill - Cernobbio

Last night we dined at Veranda (also at Villa D’Este) which was exquisite. Their less formal Ristorante Grill, where we dined tonight, was a revelation. 1st Mai... read more Last night we dined at Veranda (also at Villa D’Este) which was exquisite. Their less formal Ristorante Grill, where we dined tonight, was a revelation. 1st Maitre ‘D Rodio Massimiliano’s warm welcome was a precursor for the culinary excellence with service to match, which followed. Informal doesn’t mean that standards are below those at Veranda...not at all! The cooking at Ristorante Grill is first class and the dishes are all beautifully presented. Our evening had started with drinks on Villa D’Este’s gorgeous terrace, with their resident pianist adding to the atmosphere of this world class hotel. The Grill then proceeded to exceed all expectations. I’m rarely so impressed...the restaurants and service at Villa D’Este really do achieve perfection. This brilliantly managed hotel have the most amazing staff throughout. Not only The Grill but the entire property is ‘state of the art’ world class, ultra professional hospitality...with a welcoming smile. We ended our evening at the hotel’s superb bar entertained by a trio of musicians who certainly complemented the wonderful dining experience. Sadly, I usually notice every error in every hotel and restaurant I visit...and very rarely do I find perfection. Tonight, I found it. Every member of staff excels. It is amazing to behold. The Grille, along with the entire property, is a temple of excellence and for management to achieve this level of hospitality is no mean feat. I’ve visited most of the top hotels in France and Italy. Villa D’este is the very best there is and I find it incomparable. The elegant guests compliment the restaurants and the entire property. Observing the staff in the restaurants and bars is the equivalent of enjoying truly well rehearsed theatre. An extraordinary property.

Delicious, wonderful service as always. Despite an unexpected thunderstorm, the service was attentive and elegant. Risotto was exceptional. read more Delicious, wonderful service as always. Despite an unexpected thunderstorm, the service was attentive and elegant. Risotto was exceptional.

Dinner with a wonderful view in a most romantic setting. We've had tagliatelle with truffles and a variation of mushrooms, accompanied by bunch of champagne! Be... read more Dinner with a wonderful view in a most romantic setting. We've had tagliatelle with truffles and a variation of mushrooms, accompanied by bunch of champagne! Best birthday dinner ever.

Grill is slightly separate from the main hotel building of Villa D'Este and has a slightly dark frontage and the lightning is a bit dim, but the overall experie... read more Grill is slightly separate from the main hotel building of Villa D'Este and has a slightly dark frontage and the lightning is a bit dim, but the overall experience was very good. The food was good, though not exceptional for the price which is quite high. I think I could have got a ribeye steak of comparable quality for significantly less elsewhere Red in St Peter Port for example, but no that handy for Lake Como) but you do pay a premium for being in Como at Villa D'Este. The wine list is good but again expensive. Expect to pay €200+ per head and more if you like wine. We drank wine by the glass which allowed a wide with starters and a red with main which worked well. They have the best ever dessert wine available Donnafugata Ben Rye, a passito from Pantelleria an Island between Malta and North Africa, not, as the sommelier insisted, in Sicily). Try it is you can. It is a little glass of amber heaven.

The food was delicious, I had the short rib and it was perfect. There was a dog in the restaurant that was crying and barking which was strange. Great wine list... read more The food was delicious, I had the short rib and it was perfect. There was a dog in the restaurant that was crying and barking which was strange. Great wine list BTW