Around the Star area and trying new stuff, I found Lombardi's just by mistake. Wrong turn in Ave of…read morethe Champs and there it was. I have to be honest, this is not my first "rodeo" at this place, but this time I decided to write a review on it. So, this review will be more like an overall one instead of a specific dinner on a specific date.
Let's start with the "first impression". The place is nicely set, and the decoration is phenomenal (at least for my taste). Since I normally dine alone, the bar is my best friend. This place has an "ENORMOUS" bar area, so it is very unlikely you'll not find a seat even in a very busy night.
Personnel are super attentive, not like a place right in front of the street (sorry but you will have to ready my other review on a place in the area).
In my several visits I ordered different things. From the Caesar's salad to the Salmon and many times different types of pasta. I have to be honest, I never been disappointed with any of the plates I ordered there, with the exception of 2. I'll explain.
When it comes to appetizers, I always go with some traditional, Caesar's Salad, Prosciutto & Burrata, Caprese Salad o Carpaccio. From all of these I will recommend everything but the Caprese Salad (and this is one of my favorite plates in Italian cuisine). In this one I have to deviate from my normal way of reviewing things and say, I really don't recommend it on taste but on size and price. Basically, it is not worth what they charge for it when you can get the Prosciutto and Burrata for barely a couple of bucks more. My recommendation: stick with the prosciutto, unless you are a vegetarian.
About main course, I tried they salmon (really good and light if you are not in heavy eating night), Pappardelle, which is the best if you want pasta with meat, Gnocchi, if you are in a "non-protein" night, and my favorite of the entire pile, Tagliolini al Tartufo. I know, is probably the most expensive plate in the menu, but we are talking about REAL BLACK TRUFFLE shaved onto the pasta tableside!!!
When it comes to deserts, I only have once the souffle. Honestly, I did not finish it. It can be my taste, because for me, souffle, the way I discovered and loved in France has to be super fluffy and pretty much dissolve in your mouth, this one was thick and a little bit on the acid side (like it had lemon zest in it). And this constitutes the 2nd plate I did not like there.
I will really love to put a 5-star rating on this restaurant, but I will have to say, in my last 2 visits, I saw a little decline on execution. Just as a sample, my gnocchi were a little overcook. I understand is easy to overcook gnocchi, but a restaurant of this kind, should pay more attention to these little things.
Even though, I will keep on going to Lombardi's although won't be my first choice for Italian in town.
Salute!