Ristorante Al Girarrosto — Restaurant in Loro Piceno

Be aware the stewardship of this restaurant changed around the middle of 2023 and significant changes took place. It is better to disregard review prior to then as it is a whole new experience. The new chef originally came from Loro Piceno and has returned to his roots. I have to say, for the first few months whilst the food was good, albeit relatively unsophisticated, the high prices and particularly the wine did not match the expectations of locals who had frequented the restaurant on a regular basis under the old owners. I maybe wrong but I feel the chef misjudged the climate in which he took on the establishment. We nevertheless ate there a couple times since the changeover and were happy with the food but understood that some found the prices a bit high. Last night 14/2/24 though everything had changed when we arrived for a special Valentine's evening fish menu. Not only was the price very vey reasonable, considering the chef had really demonstrated his skills with a meal that could only be described as *fine dining, but the extensive wine list was also commensurate with the surroundings, service and overall quality. All courses were beautifully presented with flavour combinations that worked and the ingredients treated sympathetically. Unhurried service - We arrived about 8.45 to a complimentary glass of prosecco and left about 11.15 after an excellent 5 course (set) menu. at 40 euros per head. Add to that we had a good bottle of wine (and I had a digestivo) the Total Bill was 107 euros. My one minor criticism was the Turbot whilst perfectly cooked and on a bed of spinach with a saffron veloute contained a *lot of bone and a fin having been portioned like fish steak. I would have preferred a smaller piece cut on the fillet which is normally how flat fish like Turbot is normally prepped. Nevertheless we really enjoyed our evening as did all the other diners we spoke with. The a la carte menu will possibly be a little more expensive item by item but on last nights showing we can't...

My family and I have been holidaying in Le Marche for 18 years and we discovered this gem of a restaurant about ten years ago. It quickly became our favourite and remains firmly so. The food in this region is always of a very high standard but somehow, at Al Girarrosto, they consistently deliver what we think is the best food in the area. The antipasto is generous, simple but delicious and typically features melon with meats, cheese with honey, and various crostini. There are always several pasta choices, including vincisgrassi (local equivalent to lasagne made with chicken), ravioli with lemon butter and my favourite, agnolotti. The meats are also very tasty and you can tell have been slow cooked with care. The desserts are fabulous and in my husbands opinion include the best panna cotta in the area! The restaurant also has a great feel, being in an old monastery with vaulted ceilings and the service is second to none. I have recommended this restaurant many times and suggest you give it a go! I believe that it is closed...

The ambience is truly beautiful, with spacious vaults in original brick and the owner is courteous and offers good service. The menu is delivered orally, which could be problematic for non Italian speakers, but I'm told there is a written version. There is a classic antipasto of cold cuts and cheeses and a wide selection of primi piatti. We chose the polenta with sausage and porcini mushrooms and it was delicious! The choice of second courses is more limited and when we went there was no sign of the spit-roasted meat one expects from the name 'Girarrosto'. Our sweet and sour pork was tasty, the sides gave a choice of cicoria (a bitter spinach like leaf, not to be confused with chicory) or salad. The dessert menu is either tiramisu (very good) or a version of trifle, which is actually sponge with cold custard. I would recommend this restaurant for the excellent value and gorgeous building, but the dining experience...