While staying in Verona, we found a family-owned restaurant that served typical Veronese food. It…read morewas a white linen joint that didn't blink at our four kids rolling in at 7 PM.
We really liked the food, and we loved the staff: mom and daughter were in the kitchen, dad was behind the bar and pouring the wine, and son was waiting tables, translating English, French, and German (that we heard) into Italian. Plus, he has a sharp wit and a keen sense of humor.
We decided to go back the next night because (a) we really liked the food and wanted to try more of the menu, (b) we wanted some of the other family to experience the joint and (c) we weren't enamored with the other options in Verona. When we walked in, the son, Andrea, at first looked surprised and then got a huge grin on his face. We now felt like friends.
The third night, we convinced the whole crew go back to the restaurant. When we walked in, he welcomed us warmly until we said, "28?" Fortunately, two of the families were unable to join us, so we only took up about a quarter of the restaurant.
We tasted everything on the menu, including the specials. It was all great. By the third night, dad was actually smiling when he came around to help the Americans with their drinks. On our way out, mom and daughter came out of the kitchen to say goodbye, and Andrea gave us a hug. We now felt like family.
If you ever find yourself in Verona, I highly recommend this place. We will certainly be going back.