La Buca di San Matteo In Genova

We discovered this restaurant by chance, located in a medieval building very close to the Cathedral. Manuel welcomed us even though we hadn't booked. The menu is varied and the wine list is impressive. The service is attentive and prompt, and it was nice to have a table overlooking the kitchen. The dishes are typical Genoese dishes made with high-quality ingredients.

Well, what can I say? I booked the private table, nestled inside a real stone-walled well, to celebrate my girlfriend's engagement anniversary. (If you want to surprise your sweetheart, bring her here!) After a brandacujun entrée and homemade focaccia and bread, we ordered two first courses (typical of Genoa), a beef fillet with truffles (one of their specialties), and two desserts... I must say, everything was SUBLIME and delicious. Not to mention the professionalism and kindness of the staff, especially Samuele, who looked after us from the moment we stepped inside. If you want to dine in that magnificent setting, reservations are a must!

I've been to this restaurant, which, based on both the reviews and the menu on their website, seemed like a nice place to dine. Unfortunately, there were several things that left me perplexed, which, for a place like this with a minimum price of €20 per dish, I absolutely didn't expect. First of all, I made the reservation four days in advance, and yet when we arrived, our table hadn't been set (the positive thing was that they let us choose whether to sit upstairs or downstairs, but we still had to wait for them to set our table). Furthermore, when setting the table, no glasses were set (not a crucial detail, but still, you wouldn't expect it in a place like this). The menu we were given was very different from the one on their website, which, in my opinion, needs to be reconsidered, given that we chose this place based on the menu we found online (aside from a few dishes that remained the same, most of the options were completely different). Once seated, we ordered a bottle of wine, which, once we'd tasted it, was left on the table without an ice bucket or anything to keep it chilled (another non-essential detail, but one that still makes a difference in a place like this). Furthermore, when our orders were taken, I ordered a fried food, but it wasn't available because the fryer had broken shortly before, making it impossible to prepare. Obviously, unforeseen circumstances are possible, but I would have preferred, for example, to have been told immediately that the dish wouldn't be available, or to have been offered a similar alternative, or even to have been offered something as an "apology." Maybe I'm overly demanding, but given that this is a restaurant with prices like this, I would have expected a different level of service and, above all, customer care (especially if it's not the customer's fault). Again, in a different restaurant with lower prices and a different presentation, I wouldn't have had this expectation, but in a place like this, it would have seemed fair. After ordering, we were brought a "welcome" on the house, which consisted of a small piece of pizza that was clearly not fresh, as it was cold and rubbery. A welcome appetizer is always nice, but it should be something worthy of the restaurant; otherwise, it's better not to give anything at all. Once the appetizer (sautéed mussels) arrived, which we'd explicitly been told we'd be sharing, only one small plate was brought, not even a spoon, so we had to ask for them. This, too, is an oversight that can happen, but when combined with everything else, the result is a service that leaves something to be desired. The waiters were never rude or impolite, but I think the management of these small touches, which ensure a restaurant lives up to its expectations, could be improved. The food was good and there were no problems in this regard (we shared a starter and a dessert and had a main course each: one had the first course and the other the second), but I think the service and attention to customer service needs to be reviewed: with more attentive service than what we received, we would have absolutely no problem paying €48.50 (almost €50) per person.

Wonderful place, practically enchanting, very welcoming, especially the staff, all extremely polite and friendly. The food is spectacular, it leaves you speechless. I'm truly delighted with this experience, I would repeat it forever, and I can't wait to return. The waiters were all incredible, but especially the great MIRKO, who entertained us with his kindness.

We had a great time, the food was excellent, and the staff was very kind! Thanks Manuel, we'll be back.

The food is quite good, but the prices are exorbitant; a fried dish, a pasta dish with 2 prawns, and a glass of water cost €61.

I really enjoyed the food, which was certainly of high quality. However, I must point out a sore point regarding the price/service ratio: the €5 cover charge per person seems excessive, as it isn't accompanied by any extras (a welcome drink from the kitchen, sweets, or a selection of special breads) and doesn't even include water, which costs €3 separately. With the dishes already priced at a premium, these additional costs weigh on the overall impression of an otherwise very positive experience.

Excellent service, the waiters were also available to provide a receipt for reimbursement. Extremely efficient. The mandilli with pesto were recommended to us by waiter Matteo. Recommended and very good. The pansotti with walnut sauce were also excellent. Recommended.

We happened to pass by this restaurant and were pleasantly surprised by the place, the food and the courtesy of Manuel and Matteo.

The restaurant is in a great, central location and easy to find. The staff is very friendly and helpful, even explaining the local dishes. We ate really well! They even brought us some slices of bread and focaccia while we waited for our dishes. The price is a bit high in my opinion, but it's worth it. The atmosphere is cozy, but it's too hot inside. I recommend this restaurant.