La Corte Antica Ristorante — Restaurant in Manerba del Garda

If I could give six stars, I absolutely would… but alas, the maximum here is five. And now imagine my surprise when you scroll down and see only one. Be patient — the twist is worth it.

Let’s begin with the obvious: the “Taste of Sicily” degustation menu was nothing short of magnificent. Each dish felt like a story told through the sea, the sun, and imagination. The arancino with squid ink wasn’t just food, it was a tiny narrative about the Mediterranean. The lemon tortello proved that pasta can be poetry. The sea bass was as tender as an Italian serenade. The mojito sorbet refreshed like a summer breeze in Moniga del Garda. Even the music in the dining room played in perfect harmony with the meal.

The wine pairing was another masterpiece. It didn’t overwhelm, it accompanied — like a kind friend whispering secrets. Each glass highlighted the dish it was meant to, with elegance and precision. Honestly, I’ve rarely experienced such thoughtful pairing.

And the staff — wonderful. Especially the young waiter, who, while occasionally checking with his senior colleague, was impeccably polite and attentive. The service struck a rare balance between warmth and professionalism. My wife and I truly felt like guests, not just customers.

Now, for those who complain about portion sizes: my friends, if you walk into a Michelin-level restaurant expecting a mountain of spaghetti bolognese, you’ve clearly walked through the wrong door. If you want your plate to overflow, McDonald’s is just around the corner. Here, at La Corte Antica, you come for pleasure, not quantity. The same goes for waiting times: no, this is not fast food. If you want your meal in under three minutes, Burger King awaits you.

So you might be thinking: “Well then, this must be a five-star review!” But here’s where it gets interesting. Because despite my admiration for the food, the wines, the atmosphere, I must end this with just one single star.

The reason? Oysters.

We ordered eight oysters, at €5 each. A small detail, but details are where the devil hides. The first oyster was fine. My wife enjoyed two that were also fine. But on my second oyster — disaster. Poorly shucked, full of shell fragments, not rinsed. I bit down and felt the grit of shell against my teeth. That is not acceptable — certainly not at a restaurant aspiring to Michelin prestige. Even my wife can shuck an oyster better at home.

I called the staff, explained that oysters are never to be served that way, and said clearly: I will not pay for this. The question came back: “What do you want us to do?” My answer was simple: “Take them away.” That should have been the end of it. The logical, decent response would have been: mistake acknowledged, no charge. But instead?

In the final bill, “in the name of fairness,” they charged me not for all eight oysters, but for four. The ones we supposedly ate. But let’s be precise: one I spat out entirely. If you wanted to be fair, at most you charge for three. And above all, you forgot the most valuable thing: the ruined impression. I sat through the evening waiting to see if you would act like human beings, or hide behind the bill.

You hid. Twenty euros on the check — instead of what could have been generous tips. The total came to €270. And so now, addressing the management directly: you didn’t lose on the oysters, you lost on the details. On the small thing that erased everything else. On the fact that I will not remember you for the brilliant lemon tortello or the wine pairing, but as the restaurant that doesn’t know how to serve oysters.

And for that small detail, you receive my harshest and most deserved...

I learned to look for restaurants a little bit far from the coast and this paid off very well. The entrance leads to an internal court with the actual restaurant; me and my girlfriend were welcomed by the staff which was way ahead of us by holding the door. We kicked off our dinner with some Franciacorta sparkling wine, as well as a welcome treat from the kitchen and bread and butter. We ordered a fish-based entree to share in the form of cannoli which paired surprisingly well with a mango sauce. Next up were a caper-seasoned bass with delicious almond crumbs and a little assortment of vegetables, and a tuna tataki with veggies marinated in soy sauce. Meals were just right in terms of quantity and very tasteful, and of course we couldn’t resist ordering some dessert as well. We were both enthusiastic about the Modica chocolate assortment tray. I already knew what I was getting since i love that kind of chocolate so much that i think there’s no better chocolate in the world. We got also a pistachio semifreddo which despite its dated plating style was so good to eat. We were also offered some homemade lemon and liquorice liquors which we enjoyed very much. Overall an exquisite experience which I highly recommend. Also I wanted to say that for those who don’t appreciate fish that much there are also meat options which seem appealing, from...

The Corte Antica is a restaurant I return to without fail whenever I’m near Moniga, and it has been the setting for several cherished family celebrations. I can’t recommend it highly enough! This hidden gem offers more than just a meal for me, it’s an unforgettable culinary journey, masterfully curated by Chef Biagio.

The menu shines with its seasonal produce and expertly balanced flavors, showcasing both meat and fish dishes while offering delicious vegetarian options that are equally tempting. Each plate is a masterpiece, blending artful presentation with bold yet harmonious tastes, making every bite as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

The experience is elevated further by the staff’s impeccable wine pairing recommendations, ensuring that every sip complements the flavors on the plate perfectly.

Last but not least, there’s ample parking available nearby, making it an ideal choice for delicious and stress-free dining.

I strongly recommend this restaurant, whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a family and friends celebration, Corte Antica promises a setting and menu that will exceed your...