locale caldo, servizio non professionale ma ugualmente corretto e premuroso. carne e pesce serviti in modo semplice ma di prima qualità

antipasto di pesce non all'altezza

Over the last few years I have visited this wonderful, charming and delightful restaurant several times. Having been so impressed with the setting, service and food we (my wife and I) decided this would be the ideal location for our wedding reception(more of that later!) During my first visit I was made to feel welcome like never before (or since) in a restaurant. We were welcomed into the restaurant by the owner, he chatted away with us, told us the menu (it wasn't written as the menu changes on a daily basis with a real emphasis on local, fresh produce - in fact I believe the grissini and bread are baked in house every day.) We decided to go for mixed starters (one family member had the mixed meat cuts.) The quantity and quality of the produce was excellent; a real emphasis was on simple food, well done. Every time we return to La Pineta we have these starters they are that good. Sometimes there is slight varition (depending on what is in season/available.) One constantly changing element of a meal here is the pasta dishes: some of the best (besides home-cooking) I have had in Italy. Dishes have ranged from donkey ravioli to more traditinal Genovese dishes with pesto; all have been exquisite! I don't know where we found room but with the huge grill in La Pineta we couldn't go and not have a selection of grilled meats and fish. Like the starters: simple, good quality produce cooked right! The tiramisu and other desserts look good, however, we always opt for the speciality, the forbidden fruit sorbet. This is the star of the restaurant's menu. Apparantly they forage for the ingredients in the hills behind the restaurant. The outcome - a clean, refreshing and delicious dessert that excites and delights! A great selection of wines, expertly chosen and this venue is really a treat. You're made to feel like the only diners in the restaurant, however it's generally busy (but the spacious and airy layout, with al fresco dinning are deceptive.) After looking at myriad venues that could host our wedding reception we chose La Pineta. We discussed the menu at length with the owner and head chef. Their input was informative and based on a wealth of experience. As a wedding venue the large outdoor area was popular, helped house the DJ/music and the food left Italian, Irish and English guests buzzing with excitement (even 6 months later the lasagne Portofino and roast leg of veal cannot be mentioned by guests without them waxing lyrical and salivating slightly!) For the food, service, setting and value for money La Pineta is likely to remain a firm family favourite.

Not enough toilets (compared with English venues) although this is being very critical and it didn't prove a problem for a wedding party of 100+