Il Monticello In Pombia

25/04/2026: Let me start by saying that the place is beautifully renovated and well-kept. Even though it was packed, they took our order in no time. They have a fixed-price menu with various choices of first courses, second courses, desserts, etc. Obviously, it's a trattoria with typical trattoria dishes. And that's fitting. We started with a series of simple but absolutely delicious appetizers. Then, since there were five of us, we opted for a couple of first courses from all the ones offered. Unfortunately, one of them was the old-fashioned kind (maybe it was tagliatelle) with cream and I don't remember what else, but it was really heavy. Heavy, very heavy, too heavy, but good. Oh, and while we were eating, we drank a more than decent bottle of Bonarda and a truly sad local white wine. Anyway, so far, more or less, so good. Being full, at this point we ordered, if I remember correctly, a couple of stews (very good) and three cheese plates (cheese is on the menu as a choice). With the idea... since the menu is a fixed price, we'll split the stew and take the cheese home. And here's where the disaster happens. As soon as they bring us the cheese, we ask for a container to take it home. We ask for it before even tasting the dishes. I'm not obligated to take home leftovers if I want; I can also take home the whole dish if I want. Considering the fixed price. Seeing their surprise at this request, we specify that a clean paper napkin is fine. They were surprised simply because it wasn't supposed to allow anyone to take anything home. Anyway, they bring us a napkin, or napkins, I don't remember. We finish with dessert, coffee, etc., etc., and pay the dues (absolutely fair). So why did I give it three stars and not four? After all, almost everything went well. Because I didn't tell you about one small detail. We arrive, sit down, and read the menu that the price is fixed. Excellent. When they take our order, we order 5 first courses and 5 second courses (the appetizers are pre-determined). Then they tell us: I'll come get the second courses later because you might not be hungry after the appetizers and first courses. And that's absolutely right, because it's bad to waste food. But if you fill me up with appetizers and first courses and then get pissed off or aren't prepared to let me take home a second course that I'll have to pay for anyway... then it seems a bit sneaky to me. I swear, this is the first time in my entire life I've ever taken something home from a restaurant. Obviously, there's nothing wrong with that, but I've never done it before. But as they say: nobody's a fool.

21/04/2026: Everything very good and excellent attention to gluten-free