Al Frantoio - MONTELANICO

Walking in to this wonderful restaurant tucked away in the lanes of old Montelanico you might be forgiven for thinking you’d gone back a few years when restaurants were places one went to eat great food ... not, as is so often the case today, places where foodie gimmicks take pride of place. Decor is simple .. well, if you include a stone olive Press in the middle as simple .. and everything is done by hand and without the pressure of time. The antipasti (I lost count how many) were copious and delicious ... from deep fried courgettes, to tomato gratins, to different cheeses ... then on the Primi ... hand made and hand cut tagliatelle with pungent black truffle ... followed by a delicious plate of gnocchi with a deeply flavored tomato sauce ... then on to a Secondo (main course) of rosemary scented lamb in a thick sauce with baby green beans. All was perfection. Next, a plate of piping hot chestnuts as a sort of amuse bouche .. painful to open but so good and so unusual ... and finally a dolce of a Creme Catalan, which again was thick and tasty ... perfect! The staff could not have been nicer or more accommodating .. I was even allowed in the kitchen to take a few short videos .. and the other families there with squealy kids running around just added to the so very typically Italian atmosphere. If you’re passing (maybe in the way to Carpineto) be sure to drop in ... you will be enchanted.

You eat well, with a pleasant touch of imagination. discreet and professional staff. place in the heart of the country, it is very nice. deserves more than a visit.

Excellent restaurant, excellent service and friendly, the pinsa is very good. you eat well and you spend little!

Home cooking, all right! nice owners and very good prices. We'll be back!

Appetizers and pizza excellent, friendly staff