Enoteca La Formica In Monfalcone

22/06/2025: This bar is portrayed by German journalist Stefan Maiwald in his book "My Bar in Venice" as an authentic bar in Grado. I read the book and recently visited the bar. For a small lunch, I called it "un pranzo." Perhaps several people had read the book, because the bar was packed with tourists. This is hardly surprising in June in Grado, especially since the bar is only 100 meters from the main entrance to the beach. By 1 p.m., only a few dishes were left on the daily menu. That's OK, too, and speaks for freshly prepared dishes. I opted for sour sardines. Sardines are usually very good in Italy, even from the can at the supermarket. You can't go wrong with that. With olive oil and bread, it's a tasty, light lunch. Not so at da Pino. There were a considerable number of sardines on the plate, but certainly not olive oil. But they were swimming in some kind of oil. I suspect sunflower oil. In any case, they were a disappointment, and that's putting it very politely. My stomach didn't have a good time after that. I've enjoyed many canned sardines in extra virgin olive oil. The staff were quick and friendly, but (despite the many pictures on the wooden walls) it was a tourist restaurant, and not cheap. So I think the 3 stars is a fair rating. Just average tourist fare in Grado. I didn't see much authenticity other than a regulars' table with what appeared to be locals. It's not a must-try. There are much better bars near the beach.

20/05/2025: A very pleasant restaurant, a bit off the beaten track. Excellent local food and wine.