02/09/2025: As a reviewer (and food enthusiast) who's always looking for new places to try, I often rely on online reviews to discover hidden gems in the area. This time, the positive reviews of Bar Raniolo 1977 in Caltagirone caught my attention, especially for their self-service lunch buffet. The idea of a quick but tasty meal convinced me to stop by.
The Lunch Experience: Highlights and Highlights
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The buffet offered a good variety of dishes, and I must admit, I started off on the right foot: the lasagna was truly remarkable. I could taste the quality ingredients, and the flavor was balanced and satisfying. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm faded almost immediately. The rice was flavorless, the eggplant completely lacked salt, and the meat was average; I've had better.
But the real disappointment came with the arancini. I figured that, being a Sicilian restaurant, at least the arancini would surprise me. Instead, it turned out incredibly dry. The texture was good, but the lack of moisture drowned out all the flavors, making it almost inedible. I also wanted to try the gluten-free arancini that were available: a brave choice, but the result was, quite simply, disgusting.
A glimmer of hope: the pastry shop
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The only truly positive note came unexpectedly from the pastry shop. We decided to try some desserts I'd never seen before, and I was pleasantly surprised. They were delicious, fresh, and carefully crafted. They weren't "exceptional," but they certainly made a huge difference compared to the rest of the food. If I were to return, it would be for the pastry shop alone.
Service and cleanliness: the sore points
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The staff was friendly and helpful, always ready to lend a hand. However, there is one area that needs improvement: cleanliness. Despite the nature of the place (a self-service bar), the tables and floor looked neglected. A little more attention in this regard would make a big difference.
Another annoying detail was the air conditioning. We reported it, but were told it was on full blast, even though the air was anything but cool. Small details that, when added together, impact the overall experience.
Final Verdict
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Considering the overall experience, I can't give Bar Raniolo 1977 a rating higher than 3 stars. While the pastries and lasagna are noteworthy, the disappointments with the rest of the buffet and the arancini, combined with the lack of cleanliness and service, weigh too heavily on the final rating.
I don't think I'll return for a full lunch, but perhaps in the future for a quick coffee and dessert.
31/08/2025: Beautiful bar, well-organized, friendly staff, and the food is also good in the service area...
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