Coste Ghirlanda - Officina — Restaurant in Pantelleria

I don’t like to give bad reviews to local businesses, in fact I don’t think I’ve ever left a review- however, I’d like to save someone else from potentially a long drive with a very disappointing result. Let’s make a list of pros and cons. Pro- singular: -the location is absolutely magical and done with style and taste. Cons- plural: -there was no lighting in the ‘aperitivo area’ -75€ for four glasses of wine and a tagliere. This would be acceptable if the wine was explained to us so we knew it’s origin etc and then we could justify the wine being €15 a glass. The food was terribly scarse (There were only 3 small pots of pickled bits and pieces and 5 small slices of bread) we could assume this food was probably made in house, which is to be appreciated, however nothing was explained to us. -the service was incredibly substandard for a place like that. Although she was very sweet, unfortunately the waitress speaks Spanish. (I speak Italian and was with italian friends). when we quickly finished and went to pay, the hostess did not even say a word to us. Very unwelcoming and intimidating.

When we finally left, a friend asked ‘how do the owners of this place sleep at night… they are thieves!’ To which I replied ‘they sleep very well and comfortably in a bed of other people’s money’

One star would...

My second favourite restaurant in Pantelleria island. Considering how the island offers nice sea views pretty much everywhere, they have been able to create a unique atmosphere in the internal valley. You are surrounded by the vineyards in a quiet and green environment. You can enjoy an aperitif before moving to the proper restaurant where a short and daily update menu is offered. The wine list is short too and based on their own wines only. The staff is helpful and they speak several languages. The relaxed atmosphere is enforced by a very poor internet service to make the experience even more enjoyable. Food very well cooked and served. ...

Don’t bother going all the way there, food was very disappointing and so is the service - we had a better food and service at local trattoria. Upon arrival we sat down and notice the glasses were really dusty and dirty and so the cutlery. Nice location but that’s about it, the menu had 9 items and nothing amazing. As main course I took the sea bass fillet that was meant to be served with seasonal vegetables: the fish a small fillet and was overcooked and unseasoned and the veg was 7 cubes of aubergine at 28€ you’d expect better!!!! The jug of water alone was 6€!!!!!

REALLY...