Le Franche - Pasta Fresca Bottega Caffè In Settala

11/12/2025: A pleasant evening at the Gauguin Restaurant, a lively venue where background noise is part of the story and the kitchen plays a more convincing role than expected. The peppered mussels arrive steaming hot and fragrant: meaty mollusks, perfectly cooked, aromatic broth... it's a shame the salt is a bit heavy, which detracts from the balance of a dish that could have truly shone. The fried fish is a pleasant surprise: dry, crispy, and well-balanced in batter. The calamari is tender, the prawns retain that natural sweetness that doesn't lie, and everything arrives still hot, which isn't always a given when the dining room is full. The real star, however, is the paella, the house specialty. Rich in composition and generous in portions, the rice is well-saturated with its broth and has a balanced aroma that rivals that of certain "Hispanic" restaurants. Shrimp, mussels, clams, vegetables: every bite speaks of careful craftsmanship and a time-tested recipe. A sweet finale with a classic tiramisu and an intense, creamy, almost opulent pistachio cheesecake. Not for everyone, but decidedly well-made. The service was friendly and hurried—the dining room was packed—but always smiling. The bill was fair. An ideal place for families and groups of friends, less so for those seeking intimacy, but perfect if you want a tasty, hearty, and sincere dinner.

01/12/2025: Business lunch, fast and punctual service, good value for money, recommended