Osteria dell'Orologio — Restaurant in Comunità Montana Parco Alto Garda bresciano

I almost never write recommendations, but that was a total failure, never experienced something like this. The waiter who guided us to our table was a crude, expressionless young man, he haven't even handed us the menu the way he's supposed to do (opened and directed to the guest) he just threw it on the table. But the waitress was even more absurd: We got the restaurant as recommendation for good sea fish from our hotel, which we wanted to order, but i wasn't aware they only serve wine. As i ordered something else, she rolled her eyes and started to tell me they "also have a lot of open wine" and that "there are three kinds of wine: red, white and frizzante." I thought she was joking, she explained that to someone from the Wachau. No sommelier, no recommendations, not even a wine card, what kind of osteria is that? My partner urged me to leave while i tried to order, and the waitress said to her "Don't get angry". That was the point where we just left, i ordered a glass of Pinot Gris but cancelled it immediately after.

They use contrived methods to act like an upper class restaurant (like classical music in the background), but the prices (and other guests) were more a €€, I think a €€€ rating is too high, there was no significant price difference to e.g. the Gallo Rosso.

The wine selection was relatively large, but don't expect something like the Wine Library in the Chedi.

We are very happy that we spent our evening somewhere else, and left this tactless...

Ok we need to talk about this family run restaurant in Saló.

For starters the interior and atmosphere takes you back a few centuries, even though it only opened in 2008 under this family ownership as we were told. It’s designed really thoughtfully and it definitely brings homey vibes.

Then the staff. You’ll be greeted by the owner and his wife and served by their two sons and some other family friends. We’ll talk about food a little later but the chef is also a family member, the owner’s brother.

The wine! Expect an extensive list of 1000+ labels, from amazing Italian wines to beautiful Champagnes and the rest. It’s a goldmine! Owner’s son Felipo is very knowledgable and passionate about it so talk to him if you need any good reccos.

Now the food. Amazing all round but there’s one thing that we can’t stop talking about.. their Strawberry Panna Cotta! OMG this something out of this world. We came back the second day just for that (and some more wine). Go make yourself a favor and try it for yourself.

Also, there’s pictures of the legendary football (soccer) player and now manager Pep Guardiola all over the restaurant. We were told that this restaurant has for years been his regular Monday dinner spot and that he’s now a personal friend with the owners.

I’m sure he had been coming back for that Panna Cotta!!

Go and...

Osteria dell’Orologio is a traditional, antique taverna in the heart of the historical centre of Salo. After many years of walking past this restaurant I finally walked in last year and had a dining experience which left me regretful that I hadn’t tried it sooner. The food, the décor and the mood of the of the place gave a feeling that you really were experiencing a taste of authentic Italy. Although there are not many tables (which means you need to book early to avoid disappointment), there is a warm and cozy atmosphere. The service is fantastic, you are left alone to enjoy yourselves without interruption, but ‘cameriere’ seem to have an uncanny sixth sense to arrive exactly when you need them. The place looks expensive but it really isn’t and is definitely worth a visit if you are in Salo. If you want to sample the atmosphere before you book why not pop in when you pass for a ‘bicchiere di vino’, they have a fantastic selection of local wines as well as from other...