La Piroga — Restaurant in Levanto

Do not go! Absolutely DISAPPOINTED! After a hike we wanted a quick aperitivo with some pasta. The waitress who appeared to be the boss was unfriendly to the point of becoming rude when we didn't order the priciest things on the menu. Mind you, I asked when being seated of the vegetarian options! Our portion of pasta appeared to have been reduced because we apparently didn't order enough. Taste was good but the atmosphere and treatment ruined the mood, and at that of two hikers who arrived with ober the top happy faces. Might look nice but absolutely WOULDN'T recommend.

Taking the restaurant's reply into account: we stayed half an hour because of the unfriendly treatment and the sun setting, that's why I specifically remember the time we spent at the table. This is not how to treat customers. The table was unoccupied and other tables were emptying out. We ordered aperitivo and food which accounted to over 30 €, not 13€ (which was the mini portion of pasta) because you pay 5 € for service. For one of very few times in my life I'd have liked to give a negative tip. If customers don't feel like ordering two meals and are limited by the amount of seafood due to diet, it still shouldn't change the treatment of staff. Unprofessional and not even apologizing for the inconvenience.. suit yourselves. The pasta was overpriced for the amount we received too - maybe because they reduced...

Price-quality for the food was good; however, the service was TERRIBLE. I called to book a table for 3 friends and Me (I spoke in English) and the women who picked up my call told me that everything was booked for that night, without giving me any other options for times or anything. I told my friends what happened and one of them, who speaks Italian, decided to call and try to book a table. The same women picked up and gave us a table for the time that we wanted. Already making me feel like if I wasn’t welcome there. We arrive to the restaurant and loads of tables were free, why didn’t she want to give me a table? Maybe for the fact that I was clearly a tourist? When the waitress arrived to take our orders, she said in a rude and sharp way to me that she didn’t speak any English, which was a lie, she did speak English and she did understand me when I was talking. It is a shame that the service is so terrible because the food was actually nice; however, I wouldn’t come back or recommend this place. Both women (I am not sure if they were the same, but they were probably) ruined my mood...

Ignore the people whining about anything unrelated to the actual food. The service was lovely, but unfussy. The food was simple and excellent. We went with the fried anchovies, a side salad, the pasta with pesto, and the whole Ligurian fish (in believe it was John Dory). The tiramisu for dessert was airy and creamy, and left us satisfied. Everything was perfectly cooked and unpretentious. Compared to what we ate in Corniglia in Cinque Terre last night... well, there really is no competition. Half a liter of Cinque Terre white, and complementary lemoncina after dinner, really hit the spot. If you aren't looking to charge your phone, someone to hold your hand, or perfect English, then do yourself a favor and eat...