Spettacolare — Restaurant in Bengaluru

Secreted within the relatively tranquil by-lanes of Indiranagar's Stage 2 lies Spettacolare.

An ostensibly ambitious culinary outpost which aspires, with no small measure of gastronomic gravitas, to transport its patrons from the familiar topography of Bengaluru’s urban sprawl to the gustatory heartlands of Italy. Its name, redolent of theatrical flourish and evocative of grandeur, sets a tone that the establishment, alas, struggles to sustain.

Aesthetically, the restaurant makes a mediocre first impression. With its understated wooden interiors, ambient lighting, and thoughtfully arranged seating, the space manages to oscillate. Albeit gently, between cosy intimacy and convivial comfort. It is well-suited for both romantic interludes and amicable reunions. One is even treated to the artisanal theatre of pasta-making, with fresh sheets of dough metamorphosing into elegant ribbons of fettuccine or delicately thumb-pressed orecchiette. A spectacle more delightful in theory than, regrettably, in final delivery.

The menu, unapologetically vegetarian and commendably inclusive of vegan alternatives, seeks to distil the essence of Italian cuisine through house-made pastas, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, and a scattering of regional Italian street fare such as panzerotti. And yet, despite these promising overtures, the experience, like a symphony played on a slightly untuned violin; fell disappointingly flat.

To address the elephant in the trattoria: while the ambition is admirable, the execution leaves much to be desired. The service or rather, the conspicuous lack thereof; was marked by inattention bordering on indifference. Dishes arrived neither with alacrity nor with the precision expected of a kitchen that claims to make each plate to order. What we sampled was uninspired, verging on insipid, and betrayed a curious inability to deliver either robust flavour or culinary finesse.

Add to this the logistical tribulations endemic to Indiranagar. Namely, the Sisyphean task of locating a parking spot. And one begins to question the practicality of patronage. And while one could, with philosophical indulgence, overlook slow service in the pursuit of slow food, what one cannot forgive is the cardinal sin of underwhelming fare presented at a premium price point.

In summation, Spettacolare may well be a case of nominative overreach. A title that promises theatrical splendour but delivers, at best, a middling monologue. It is a restaurant where promise outpaces performance, where polish fails to conceal mediocrity, and where one visit, alas, suffices. A second, one fears, would only confirm the first.

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🍝🇮🇹 Magnifico! A Culinary Journey to Italy at "Spettacolare"! 🇮🇹🍝

Prepare yourself for an authentic Italian gastronomic experience like no other! "Spettacolare" is a true gem nestled in the heart of the city, enchanting diners with its warm ambiance, impeccable service, and, most importantly, an extraordinary culinary adventure that transports you straight to the picturesque streets of Italy.

From the moment you step foot inside, you are greeted with a charming blend of rustic and modern décor, exuding a sense of sophistication that complements the overall Italian theme. The welcoming smiles of the staff make you feel like an honored guest in a cozy Italian trattoria.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the food! Prepare to have your taste buds dancing with joy as you embark on a tantalizing journey through Italy's diverse regional cuisines. The menu is a masterpiece, thoughtfully curated to offer a delightful array of traditional Italian dishes, each made with love and a genuine commitment to authenticity.

The flavors are so fresh and vibrant; you can't help but be transported to the sun-soaked landscapes of Puglia.

Next up, indulge in their handmade pasta dishes that showcase the artistry and dedication of the chefs.

But the culinary adventure doesn't stop there! Whatever your preference, you'll be treated to a harmonious blend of flavors that pay homage to Italy's culinary heritage.

As for dessert, brace yourself for a divine treat. The tiramisu is an absolute dream, striking the perfect balance of mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a hint of cocoa, leaving you wanting more with each heavenly spoonful.

Pair your meal with a glass of exquisite Italian drink recommended by their knowledgeable sommelier, and you'll truly feel like you've stepped into an Italian ristorante where time stands still, and every bite is an enchanting experience.

In conclusion, "Spettacolare" is a haven for anyone who craves an exceptional Italian dining experience. The passion and dedication of the chefs shine through in every dish, and the warm ambiance and attentive service elevate the entire experience to unforgettable heights. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or seeking a delightful culinary escape, this Italian restaurant will undoubtedly leave you with memories to savor and cherish. Make a reservation today and embrace the...

One of the best Italian places I’ve ever been to. I think I’ve been there almost 5-6 times in the last 6 or so months, and every single person I’ve taken with, has loved the place and I think that’s saying something.

The limone sauce (lemon butter) and brown butter sauce pastas are a must try. As someone who likes spicy food, I did not expect much but was blown away. The arrabiata / pomodoro / red sauces are amazing (coming from a biased red sauce fan), and so is the pesto. The gnudi is very similar to a gnocchi, and considering how rare it is it to find in Bengaluru, would recommend people to try it here if they haven’t before.

If you’re a fan of thick pizza crust, get the Romana pizza. If not, go for the Naples one which is a thin crust variant. (I may be wrong, check with the servers) My personal favourite is the Nduja, which is pretty simple as it’s just a margherita with nduja paste. But I think the best part about this place is how they make even the most simple dishes mind-blowing.

I tried the scamorza sandwich, and requested it to be made spicy (I asked to add bird’s eye chillis from another sandwich they had). While it does feel a little expensive for the dish you get, I thoroughly enjoyed the cheese in the sandwich and the bread. It’s probably my love for this place talking, but I liked it!

The panzerotti (basically a calzone / a stuffed pizza) is a pretty decent starter, although nothing too crazy. Worth a one-time try.

On the dessert menu, highly recommend their Italian hot chocolate and seasonal granita. The hot chocolate is hands down the best chocolate I’ve ever had and the thicccccc-est I’ve had anywhere else. Not a big fan of their bombolini, which I found a bit too bread-y, with not as much filling. The tiramisu is great, but was a bit strong for my tastes.

Overall, a very authentic Italian place that does not specifically adjust itself to fit the Indian palate. I should probably get paid by them for how much I rave about it to...