Quattro Passi — Restaurant in Massa Lubrense

My opinion comes with all the subjectivity it deserves. After all, who am I to judge the hard work of an entire team, a great chef, and a family pouring their heart and soul into Quattro Passi? I’m just a North American chef who’s had the chance to dine in several Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. So yes, my feedback is shaped by my own background, my palate, and my personal expectations.

It was a beautiful evening. The meal was elegant and, in my opinion, truly reflected the chef’s Italian roots, memories, and love for local ingredients. Everything was well-executed and carefully prepared. Still… I must admit that, at times, I missed that spark, that emotional “wow” moment that leaves you speechless or moves you in some unexpected way. Maybe I just didn’t fully understand some of the culinary messages…could be.

Overall, I tasted good dishes, but very few that I would describe as truly outstanding or memorable. Service was also very good, but I felt that connection between the kitchen and the guests wasn’t always fully there. As a diner, I crave context… stories behind the ingredients, details about the wine pairings, a glimpse into the “why” behind each dish. Unfortunately, I found some inconsistencies: different tables seemed to get different levels of explanation. I even overheard interesting details about dishes I had already eaten, shared with tables that arrived after me.

And then… the desserts. Perhaps it was just the offering that night, but I found them surprisingly simple..not bad at all, but definitely not what I would expect from a three Michelin-star experience. I understand that Italian desserts are often more restrained and less elaborate by tradition… but I still hoped for a little extra creativity or technical flair.

That being said: I ate well, I drank well, and I had a genuinely nice time. But deep down, I left with a small sense of disappointment, simply because I was hoping for something even more unique and emotionally striking at this level.

Again, who am I to judge? This is just one chef’s humble and personal opinion, shaped by taste and...

My first visit to Quattro Passi was all the way back in 2002. I took a cooking class with Chef Antonio Mellino which was insightful & educational. Since then, we have visited nearly every year because of the warm hospitality offered by Antonio & his wife, Rita, & have enjoyed delicious food & ambiance overlooking the sea. We were unable to make the trip last year but returned a week ago to find a renovation of the rooms which is simply spectacular but, better yet, delicious, innovative & creative food thanks to Antonio & Rita's son,Fabrizio Mellino, who is extremely talented & understated in his approach to gourmet cooking. Basic pasta dishes linger on the palate & stay in the memory long after the plates are cleared. Chef Fabrizio knows how to cook simple grilled fish & vegetables which tasted like the best we've ever had. Everything is so fresh as if it were just caught or picked that day, which we're sure it was. On top of this, fabulous desserts which finished off a delightful experience. The dining room overlooking the sea makes this the absolute best EVER & we've been all over the world. Book your room & restaurant reservations now for next year. The word is out about Chef Fabrizio & Quattro Passi - soon you won't be able to get in because they'll be filled...

We were expecting much better food experience from a 2 Michelin star restaurant. I agree with most of 1-2-3 star reviewers from the past that this place is trying to sell you something that it is not on a menu and at the end of the day you are getting well served and prepped local cheese, raw and cooked fish with pasta that you can get in most of the local places for 1/3 of the price. When you are entering 2 M star place you expect to see food that being cooked and prepped with intricate details that could not be reproduced in another non star places otherwise what’s the point - we are not paying for the past ability to gain 2 M stars but for a chance to experience its over and over. Best part of the meal was there artisan bread.

On a positive note.... definitely a 1-2 M star service - no issues with that part and good appropriate ambiance for the place that would be charging you €300-350 at minimum for a table for 2.

Nice selection of Italian wines from most of the wineries around Italy with appropriate pricing ranging from €50-500 for the most of there bottle with a few exceptions that go as high as 5000-15000 per bottle.

If you want a very good service with good selection of wines this place is for you, but if you are trying to experience 2 M star food - it’s...