One summer evening, my fiancée and I had the pleasure of dining at a restaurant in Specchia that stands out for its charming atmosphere and elegant location. The restaurant enjoys a prime location overlooking the famous bridge, a breathtaking view made even more evocative by the lights that adorn the outdoor area.
It should be noted, however, that on the day of our visit, a private event was underway, which made the most scenic part of the restaurant—the famous arches overlooking the bridge—inaccessible. This is a significant detail, as it represents one of the location's strengths and, in my opinion, a significant drawback.
We chose the tasting menu, an ideal introduction and a chance to explore the cuisine's diverse offerings. The menu included an entrée, appetizer, first course, second course, and dessert, and with an addition, we paired it with glasses of carefully selected wines.
The entrée opened the dinner with a delightful surprise: a smashed breaded shrimp on a bed of salad. The dish was balanced, with a delicate yet bold flavor, blending crunch and softness in a harmonious whole. I was pleasantly surprised.
The appetizer included yuzu-marinated salmon sashimi, Venere rice with cucumber and mango salad, and prawns with mint. The flavors were fresh and balanced, with an excellent interplay between the sweetness of the mango and the more savory note of the salmon. The quality of the salmon was noteworthy, very lean and delicate, although served in perhaps too small a quantity (only three slices). The Venere rice, intentionally light on flavor, complemented the fish perfectly. The prawns were tender and well-prepared, but it's worth noting the lack of cucumber on my plate, a detail that slightly affected the overall harmony.
The first course, macaroni with yellow datterino tomatoes, julienned zucchini, shrimp tartare, and basil oil, was generously portioned and had a nice balance of flavors. Freshness and lightness dominated the dish, with shrimp once again taking center stage. Personally, I would have preferred the pasta to be cooked more al dente, but overall, the experience was pleasant.
The second course featured pistachio-crusted tuna with rhubarb mayonnaise and a bouquet of vegetables. The quality of the ingredients was undeniable: the tuna literally melted in your mouth. However, the pistachios were rather inconspicuous, and the rhubarb sauce, as per the menu, was replaced with another, less distinctive sauce. Furthermore, the dish had an aftertaste reminiscent of egg—I mean, the ceramic plate itself. I didn't mention this to the dining room, lest the dish be taken away and wasted. I hate throwing food away, but it's still a detail that slightly impacted the overall experience.
The meal concluded with a homemade dessert, a mimosa cake. While delicious, I found it a little out of step with the more refined style of the previous courses; a more thoughtful dessert would have made the finale more coherent with the entire tasting menu.
The service was courteous and standard, with attentive and helpful staff. However, given the caliber of the restaurant, I would have expected each course to be described and explained at the table, a detail that would have made the experience more complete and immersive. The pairing glasses of wine accompanied the courses discreetly, but didn't leave a memorable impression.
Some details, such as the small portions of certain dishes, the undeclared substitution of some preparations, However, it remains a place that deserves its 5 stars, with still room for improvement to transform an excellent experience into something truly unforgettable.
Alessandra Pioggia
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29 Agosto 2025
10,0
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