Ristorante Leone Felice — Restaurant in Erbusco

We booked a dinner for 4 people to celebrate my birthday. The restaurant is located in the beautiful L’Albereta hotel. Unfortunately already at the greeting we faced the first disappointment. We specifically asked for a table outside, but we were told by rather unfriendly host that tables outside are reserved for hotel guests. He tried to accommodate us at some side table, not the nicest, but I appreciate the effort. We had to eventually move inside because of the rain and here again, we got a rather dark table at the back of the restaurant while other guests got the tables by the window. The food was good, but the mood was already destroyed by the poor hospitality. Also, the attention to service wasn’t great. We got our pre-dinner cocktails almost together with the starter. Totally improper for a restaurant of this level. The sommelier wasn’t interested at servicing us at all. Once we got our bottle of wine, together with the main dish (way too late) nobody was serving us anymore and we had to pour the wine on our own several times. Again, not a problem, but not acceptable at this type of restaurant. Since it was my birthday, I got a little candle in my desert. Cute. But I got disappointed when I saw 2 other tables also celebrated their birthdays and got an extra cake with a candle, which didn’t look like they specifically ordered. So I assume our table just didn’t get it. I think we were treated worse than others. Finally, when we were paying, the lady, who I assume looked like a restaurant manager, asked us how was the dinner and I said not really great, she just ignored it. To sum up, the place is nice, the food proper, but the service, specifically from a more senior staff, leaves a lot to desire. We planned to stay at the hotel next time when we visit the Franciacorta region, but after the visit at the restaurant, we will probably...

Disappointing Experience Despite a Good Atmosphere

As someone born and raised in Italy, I had never encountered racism in my own country—until I visited this place. I went for dinner for two, full of expectations, but sadly left deeply disappointed and offended.

We ordered lamb chops and beef and polenta tacos. When the waitress took our drink order, the person I was with chose a glass of their house wine. As an athlete who doesn’t drink alcohol, I politely asked for sparkling water. Shockingly, the waitress responded, “Oh, so we are cheap, okay.” I found this statement not only rude, but entirely unacceptable—especially in the country I’ve called home for 28 years without ever facing this kind of discrimination.

When the food arrived, it added to our disappointment. I had specifically asked for rare lamb chops, yet they were served well done. The beef tacos were average at best. We also asked for a wine list to explore more options, but were never provided with one; instead, the waitress simply brought a glass without any consultation.

To make matters worse, no one came to check on us during the meal. We had hoped to order something else, but felt so overlooked and disrespected that we decided to cut the evening short. We paid for the meal and left—abandoning our plan to stay at the hotel afterward.

It’s a shame because the atmosphere of the place was actually quite good, and it had the potential to offer a lovely dining experience. But the service and attitude we encountered completely ruined the evening.

I would not recommend this establishment based on...

Nested in l’Albereta, a splendid Relais and Chateaux domain, this is a real gem for those looking for a more casual yet refined experience.

Leone Felice offers a seasonal menu that evolves in harmony with nature. The ingredients are sourced directly from their own gardens, orchards, and the rich variety of herbs that grow on the surrounding hills.

The quality of the vegetables is outstanding — every dish bursts with freshness and flavor. Their vegetarian options are particularly memorable: the eggplant with stracciatella is delicate and perfectly balanced, and the tomato risotto is simply unforgettable.

On the wine menu they do propose a great local selection, with for example a handful of amazing franciacorta.

The dining room features a large glass wall and panoramic terrace with breathtaking views over the Franciacorta amphitheater — from the nearby vineyards to Lake Iseo, Monte Isola, and the Prealps beyond.

A truly beautiful setting to enjoy...