Il Poggio Del Cardinale

I was in the neighbourhood and researched some restaurants for a lunch time visit. I found Il Poggio del Cardinale as a recommendation and booked a table for 2 at 13.30 on the 1st of May (a bankholiday) We arrived at the scene and found the gate to the restaurant locked, as if it was not open for dinner. After ringing the doorbell we were admitted after having been twice asked if our table was booked. We were seated in the anteroom which was laid out for another table of 10 and a table for two. As we were not offered a menu we went by the owner's suggestions and decided on antipasti consisting of mixed seafood such as squid, octopus and prawns, presented with finely sliced strips of courgettes and carrots. The food was perfectly prepared and the portions were generous. To follow we choose two different secondi piatti, mine consisted of 8 grilled king prawns and the other dish was that of grilld sepia (cuttlefish). We also ordered 2 salads as a side dish. Dessert was a slice of home-made pastry with chantilly cream and mini strawberries, to be shared shared between us and I requested an extra plate and fork. On checking the bill at home I noticed that I was charged for 2 desserts !! The toilet facilities are as basic as can be and for a restaurant with such a good reputation for food, this important facility let the overall standards down. I must also mention that the owners, both husband and wife, did at no point during our lunch-time dinner interact or asked if everything was OK, either about the recommended wine or the dishes in general, notwithstanding that the food was excellent in its quality, preparation and presentation. Basic client acknowledgement and interaction goes a long way and it makes the customers want to return. In this case.....

Little, calm place for family lunch/dinner! fresh seafood- tuna, lobsters, shrimps, squids, octopus e.t.c.! delicious desserts, high class restaurant !!!

A place with a slightly retro atmosphere and gastronomic offer in presentation, but very solid in technique and in the excellent choice of raw materials, especially fish, which proves to be of great, uncommon quality. All the dishes chosen proved to have an intense and well-defined flavour, with a traditional, simple but well-characterizing approach. The homemade desserts are also excellent. Prices in line with the quality of the raw material.

WoW WoW WoW these are the words you will say to every dish you have before your eyes once you have the pleasure of eating in a restaurant of such quality as that of Poggio del Cardinale in San Giorgio a Cremano. Apart from the great professionalism and quality of the service thanks to Mimmo and Sasà, the quality of the food and their presentation is simply excellent. I go there every time I can and enjoy it as always, so what are you waiting for... go and enjoy it too and tell them that Antonio sent you!

The best service the best food