Osteria 1861 — Restaurant in Castellabate

Pretentious, overpriced, terrible service. The staff made us wait on foot in the main room for a long time while they tried to resolve the double booking. They approached us and another pair several times to check the name and the phone number, all with grim, disturbing faces. They finally gave us a table with the same stressed-out attitude as if it was our fault. When I asked, what’s happing, the waiter only replied, “Strange”. They didn’t offer any drinks while we were observing this circus on foot in front of other people. They didn’t even apologise. When we asked if we could change a dish a bit, the waiter responded with a pretentious and tired tone that this was a gourmet restaurant, and it comes as it is. The food was average at best. What should have been caramelised onion was barely cooked, the meet wasn’t any special and didn’t reflect the prices. When we finished, the waiter asked if we wanted a limoncello or a bitter, something you expect as a free digestive in Italy, but they included that in the bill. You may easily find places with much better food and highly...

Best restaurant in the area by far. If you're looking for something a little bit special then this is it. Staff are very professional, knowledgeable and attentive, spoke excellent English, and it was easily the best service we received in a week in Italy. The restaurant is quiet, comfortable and a very pleasant setting for a meal.

As for the food itself - it is is outstanding. We ordered off the a la carte menu - I had octopus to start, the fish and chips was done to perfection and the creme brulee was delicious. I can't remember exactly what my wife had but I tried it and it was also excellent, in particular the pastry on her dessert. In addition to the 3 courses we ordered, there was a complimentary glass of prosecco to start, a tomato soup appetizer, a palate-cleaner of lemon sorbet before the dessert and petit fours afterwards - unexpected and very much appreciated (they were also delicious). For the amount of high-quality food and excellent service we received, €80 for 2 people felt like an absolute bargain.

In short, if you're in the area you should definitely...

This experience was marked by chaotic organization. As for the food, I can't comment much because they clearly need to get their reservations in order before I can comment the quality of their services ;)

A friend from abroad was visiting and wanted to give this restaurant a try. We made a reservation a full 10 days in advance (!), only to receive the cancellation just one day before.

My friend was visibly disappointed, and I couldn't quickly find an alternative for our weekend get-together. What baffles me the most is how they can push away a group of guests who could have easily spent over 600 euros on their establishment on such short notice!!!

The cancellation, in and of itself, isn't the worst part - that can happen anywhere. It's the way it happened that's problematic: a brief email sentence, no apology, and no offer of an alternative date.

I won't be attempting this again because I value reliability, and my time is too precious to be...