While some may ask "why would you go to an Italian restaurant in Germany?" the simple answer is…read morethat when travelling you can only eat so much schnitzel and wurst. So, if you find yourself in Limburg an der Lahn in Germany and you want a wonderful change from the German meals, this is one that will satisfy the most hearty of appetites.
The decor of the place is both unique and historic...the half-timber frame building is absolutely beautiful inside and out...the huge beams leave you breath taken. The menu was offered in English, which amounted a papers stapled on the top left corner, but hey, they made an effort. The Menu itself was a mix of German and Italian food, and from the meals we saw being served, it is unlikely anyone left feeling hungry. In fact, I was concerned that the proprietors were going to try to buy your favour with quantity over quality, but that was not the case. This is not fine dining, rather very nice standard fare - well presented.
I am not able to comment on the German food, but the Italian offering was very much what was expected as our party of five ordered four pizza (the rents shared theirs). While the food was good, I was somewhat disappointed or rather I am extremely spoiled as I expect a wood fire pizza when I go to Italian restaurants. This was cooked in a stone oven, but not with open flames - very good, but not outstanding. The Merlot that two of the five ordered got rave reviews, but when asked for the label or the bottle, it turns out to have been either a local or home brew - they did not have an actual label or bottle to look at - but again, two of the five had the Merlot and raved about it. As for the two of us who had Bitburger Beer...yah, hard to get that wrong...those Bitburgers figured it out long ago - a great pils.
The pizzas ordered were, Margarita, Taverna, Vegetarian, and Prosciutto. So, the report is simple, the Margarita is impossible to get wrong - Cheese and Tomato Sauce (they sprinkled it with Oregano, but it was not bothersome but also not expected nor necessary), the Taverna - a mess of toppings with an egg in the middle - this was mine and it was quite tasty...but again, the oregano is not necessary, the Vegetarian - reported that it was very good, but when the waiter was asked for spicy olive oil, it was not available, and finally the Prosciutto - while there was clearly ham on the surface, the prosciutto was not visible (and yes, I happen to know the difference). It may have been in smaller thinner slices but it was not immediately visible. Everyone was pleased with the pizzas that were ordered but all remarked that the sprinkling of oregano was not really needed. On a further positive note, as I stated, the "rents" were sharing their pizza...they sliced it in four and presented a pinwheel design on two plates for them rather than one plate between them...I thought that was a very nice touch.
Service was good and professional. So, good food, good service in a beautiful unique 14th/15th century half timbre home...This place is definitely a keeper! Total bill was 47 euro - four pizza, two wine, two pils, and a coke.
By the way, this is not a place for someone who a. wants to use the toilet and b. has a problem climbing stairs. The toilets are on the third floor of a very steep twisted staircase. Hand rails are provided, but at least one in our party claimed it was like climbing Kilimanjaro - a bit of a stretch but not too far off.
Two small tables out front as well....does not constitute "outdoor seating". There is no parking...you must walk here.
