We chose this restaurant for lunch after a tour of nearby Villa Carlotta because of its great reviews here and elsewhere, and because they have gluten-free pizza. We were not disappointed - it was one of the nicest meals we have had in Italy. We sat outside in front of the restaurant, between the sidewalk and the restaurant, as opposed to the terrace between the sidewalk and the street, which seemed too close to the car traffic. The weather was a perfect September day. Our waitress, Lisa, was sweetness personified. She patiently let us practice our Italian with her with a smile on her face. Lisa helped my wife design the gluten-free pizza of her dreams, with roasted vegetables for toppings and just a little mozzarella on top. It was one of the best gluten-free pizzas she has every had. I tried a piece, and the crust was every bit as good as the "regular" pizzas I have been eating here in Italy.
We shared a mixed green salad that was the best we have had so far in Italy. It was a delicious mix of all types of small young greens - no ordinary lettuce here. And it was huge, as most "side salads" we have ordered have been. I had spaghetti with oil and garlic, which also was delicious. This was one of several vegan or vegetarian choices on the menu.
After this lovely lunch we didn't want to leave, so my wife had lemon sorbet for dessert, and I ordered a caffè americano. The Italians always present their coffee in a very attractive way, but this was the best I have seen so far. I received: one cup of espresso; one small pitcher of hot water, so that I could dilute the espresso to my desired consistency for caffe americano; one small pitcher of soy milk, also steamed, so that I could add as much soy milk as I wanted (per my request) without cooling the coffee too much; and of course a small cookie to eat with my coffee. So civilized! read more