Il Mannarino Bergamo — Restaurant in Bergamo

First of all, this is a 4-star review that almost turned out to be a 1-star review.

Overall, going here was a great experience and I can warmly recommend it - but I can also warmly recommend having the courage to point out to the staff if you're unhappy with the food or feel like something is not as you ordered it.

More specifically: after a very friendly and helpful explanation by the (English-speaking!) staff behind the counter, we had ordered our steak medium rare (as recommended).

The starters were great and so was the house wine and the baked potatoes, but the meat arrived very rare (in fact, bleu). It took us a bit to realize, but as this cut was not really one that you would typically eat rare/bleu, we at some point gave up chewing and pointed out the issue to the table staff. She said "no problem", suggested to "cook it more", took the meat and brought it back - this time, sadly, soaked in oil that had a slightly overheated/burned taste.

We were rather unhappy at this point, but after calling the staff again, the guy behind the counter fully acknowledged the situation and made sure that we got a perfectly cooked alternative cut that made us very happy again. I really appreciate that he went out of his way to offer a great dining experience and save the situation. The digestivo did the rest.

Obviously, the place is on the pricier side but considering what you get, it's really worth it. The only thing I am still thinking of is whether they use virgin olive oil to cook their steaks, which would explain the taste of burned oil in the original steak we had - as it is not really made for a high...

Very unhelpful, intolerant and rude attitude from the staff !!! We went there for a good steak 🥩 and we tried their suggestion - the highest-priced steak for 72€/kg. The steak itself was good indeed, well prepared as it should be medium-rare. However, the mashed potatoes we had as a side dish didn’t taste like they were made from real potatoes.

Overall, the food was okay, but I am leaving a negative review because of the staff’s attitude. They made it very difficult for someone visiting their restaurant for the first time and unfamiliar with the concept and variety of steaks. You have to order everything — meat, side dishes, wine, etc. — at the door (each from separate menus) before being seated at a table.

The man at the cash desk didn’t speak English, and he lacked the patience, politeness, and willingness to explain anything. He became visibly frustrated because we didn’t immediately know what to order, as he wanted to put everything on the bill quickly and move on to the next customer 😑. After that, some of the staff were laughing and apparently discussing us in an inappropriate way. So either prepare yourself in advance with the menu and different types of steaks and meat in general or you risk the possibility of our unpleasant experience.

Hopefully, this review prompts some changes! The atmosphere of the restaurant is otherwise really nice.

Unfortunately, this was my worst restaurant experience in Italy so far and possibly ever!...

Visiting Bergamo without stopping by Mannarino Bergamo would be nothing short of a crime it was hands down the best steakhouse ever! You get to choose your preferred cut of meat, side dishes, and wine mamma mia, what an experience! The meat is cooked exactly to your liking, the seasoning is spot on, and after the meal, we were treated to a refreshing limoncello shot.🤌

The restaurant’s interior was stylish and elegant perfectly balanced without being over the top. Each table had a bread basket ready, and before our main course, we were served delicious bread with a minced meat filling. The quality of the ingredients was outstanding, and the exceptional customer service made the experience even better the staff was friendly and attentive from start to finish.

On top of all that, Mannarino Bergamo is in a fantastic location, making it easy to find and perfect for a great dining experience.

We would have eaten even more, but unfortunately, we discovered this place after already snacking beforehand. That being said, the price-quality ratio was excellent.

Bergamo and Mannarino truly left...