La Corniola - PESCOCOSTANZO

Menu quite limited. Chose fish but was encouraged to change my mind. We had roast guinea fowl which was served with no side dish at all, only salad was availabl... read more Menu quite limited. Chose fish but was encouraged to change my mind. We had roast guinea fowl which was served with no side dish at all, only salad was available. The promised porcini mushrooms were changed to another kind . The minimalist decor is sad . On the positive side the service is good and the wine cellar is well stocked. However on balance We wont return as other places offer more charm and a balanced menu.

Food prepared with passion by the skilled chef/owner. My favorite kind of restaurant. The front of house is adeptly managed by his lovely, personable wife. And... read more Food prepared with passion by the skilled chef/owner. My favorite kind of restaurant. The front of house is adeptly managed by his lovely, personable wife. And the food? Magical. Beautifully presented, and delicious.

Menu quite limited. Chose fish but was encouraged to change my mind. We had roast guinea fowl which was served with no side dish at all, only salad was availabl... read more Menu quite limited. Chose fish but was encouraged to change my mind. We had roast guinea fowl which was served with no side dish at all, only salad was available. The promised porcini mushrooms were changed to another kind . The minimalist decor is sad . On the positive side the service is good and the wine cellar is well stocked. However on balance We wont return as other places offer more charm and a balanced menu.

We've dined at La Corniola twice, exactly one year apart, the last time a few days ago. We returned after a pleasant experience last year and with high expectat... read more We've dined at La Corniola twice, exactly one year apart, the last time a few days ago. We returned after a pleasant experience last year and with high expectations, justified especially considering the simple mention in the Michelin Guide and the elegant and refined atmosphere. It's also for this reason that I allow myself to be picky, something I don't usually reserve for restaurants where initial expectations are lacking; the premise was a given. There have been no significant changes to the basic menu over the past year, so we preferred to choose something we hadn't already tried the previous year. While last year we were impressed by both the appetizers and the first courses, as well as the lamb as a main course, this year only two out of four dishes, between appetizers and first courses, completely convinced us. As a second course, to round out the meal (coming from days of being a bit tired from our efforts at dining, we preferred to avoid structured main courses), we ordered a selection of cheeses that unfortunately fell short, especially considering the price tag—an issue we encountered throughout the menu, but which isn't a particular problem for me. The wine list is appreciably extensive, and while we had no trouble navigating it, the service team could probably offer a little help for those less experienced. The service is young and eager, but a bit hesitant, and could use more training, especially to match the environment, which requires it. On the other hand, the more experienced staff maintains a formal demeanor that is commendable, but could be mistaken for excessive coldness. These last considerations had already come to light the previous year, but they didn't stop us from returning in the hope of finding that extra something, still missing, both in the kitchen and in the dining room, and that makes the difference between a Michelin mention and a first star. This is by no means utopian, considering the very respectable premises, the elegant setting, and a cuisine that understands and respects the raw materials, especially local ones, but which should dare more.

Very fine restaurant with excellent quality throughout! Thank you. read more Very fine restaurant with excellent quality throughout! Thank you.