03/01/2025: An evening at the Il Vipore Restaurant
The road to the Il Vipore Restaurant began with one bend after another, surrounded by the darkness of the evening and the silence of the Lucca hills. Starting from Lucca, the journey lasted about fifteen minutes, a journey that requires calm and attention, especially for those, like me, who are not used to driving on such winding roads. Despite some initial hesitation, the panorama glimpsed in the few illuminated sections began to create a sense of anticipation for the destination.
Once we reached the restaurant, the location immediately compensated for every little difficulty of the journey. The structure is welcoming, with a rustic and refined atmosphere. The main room, with the fireplace lit, conveyed a warmth that seemed to invite you to relax and enjoy the evening. The outdoor spaces, visible even in the dark, promised a splendid view during the day, a detail that I could not ignore as I entered for the company's end-of-year dinner.
Dinner
I was curious to test Vipore's fame for the quality of its cuisine, but the experience, unfortunately, did not live up to expectations. With a large group of colleagues, what I had read in some reviews emerged: the restaurant seems to suffer a bit from the pressure of managing large tables.
The starters were good, with fresh and tasty cured meats and cheeses, but already from the first courses a decline was noticed. The pasta was well seasoned, but some dishes seemed hastily prepared. The real slip-up, however, came with the second courses: overcooked steaks and slightly heavy side dishes. The desserts partly saved the evening, with a tiramisu which, despite everything, left a good final flavour.
Service and atmosphere
The staff was courteous, but even in this case the organization seemed to suffer from the workload. A few too many waits and a service that wasn't always synchronized affected the atmosphere of the evening a bit. However, the environment remains one of Vipore's strong points: dining near the fireplace, surrounded by a warm and relaxing atmosphere, was still pleasant.
Conclusion
Leaving the restaurant, as I faced the curves again in the dark of the night, I couldn't help but think that Vipore is a place to experience in another context. It's probably perfect for an intimate dinner or a small group of friends, where the cuisine and service can shine without pressure.
For a company dinner like mine, however, the result was more mixed. It wasn't as memorable an evening as I had hoped, but Vipore remains a place that I would like to try again, perhaps with two or a few friends, to truly discover its potential.
28/12/2024: Few words, super recommended, very nice environment, kind, friendly and helpful staff, fantastic meat, thank you
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