Osteria Il Pozzo — Restaurant in Menaggio

I normally do not leave bad reviews for restaurants because I believe that every restaurant can have an “off” night, but in this case I feel like I should write one. This restaurant does not have a wait list, so we joined the line of people waiting outside after we were told to “just come back in half an hour”. After 45 minutes waiting and getting excited, we were seated inside and were forgotten about for our entire meal. We ordered right away, then watched as the tables around us were served their appetizers, then entrees before we received anything. Finally our server brought our appetizers after half an hour, saying nothing but “I forgot”. No worries at all, the appetizer was actually good (prosciutto and melon - hard to mess up). We figured no harm done, but then soon realized we were forgotten about yet again. Tables that were JUST seated received their entrees before us (even if they ordered the same items).

Finally we got our entrees after another half hour with no apology (Ossobuco and Pesto and shrimp pasta) and they were .... okay. Nothing great, we actually didn’t want to finish the Ossobuco and found that we could make a better pasta at home. The polenta with the meat was terrible. Still at this point, I would have given this restaurant 3 stars. But after our plates were cleared, we asked for the dessert menu and were never brought it. After 15 minutes of watching several tables around us eat dessert, we were feeling insulted and asked to pay. Even then we were told to wait.

We were charged almost 70€ for a disappointing meal with no dessert or coffee. We felt annoyed paying the coperto in this case considering we felt like we received zero service. There were many points in our meal where our rating could have been redeemed, but it appears that they never even tried. Disappointing, considering we are not one of those old couples who complains about everything...

Absolutely one of the best restaurants in Menaggio. Popular with locals and tourists alike, our food was amazing with every bite. Fresh pasta & tomatoes, chocolate divine dessert and an ravioli made from scratch.

We were completely grateful to get a table at this busy busy restaurant, I think we saw them turn away five or six parties. Be sure to make a reservation it will be hard to get in.

Ignore some of these nasty reviewers I’m not sure what their deal is - they are totally off the mark. I’ve visited Menaggio nine times and I’ve wanted to eat here every time and last week was the first time I was able 😳

The service was friendly with smiles and suggestions. Family feeling and every table filled up. Great menu too, you can smell this restaurant from the street. You...

Browsed around and snooped for a nice place were to eat.

Hidden in the main square, it is an absolute gem with its terrace, its red bricks arched interiors, antique original documents on display and definitely an osteria worth of the title.

The menu is brief yet researched, with a variety of influences from the northern Italian regions.

The frico was delicious and the ravioli were fine and exotic.

The tiramisu was a 7/10, but it’s like a 9.5 since I am EXTREMELY picky, while the catalana was near to perfect.

The service was exquisite, kind, not invasive and attent-ish.

The atmosphere was super chilled even though they on a 1 out/ 1 in situation since it filled quickly in and out.

The child loved it and will definitely be back and...