La Plume — Restaurant in Peschiera del Garda

If it wasn't for Google giving out points for detailed reviews, I'd give a rating using only 3 letters... O M G... But as a more detailed review is required... The atmosphere of La Plume is warm and inviting. I must admit that when I walked past this spot the first few nights in Peschiera I thought it seemed a bit pretentious looking but I'll admit when I'm wrong. It felt, to me, to be relaxed and, with the low moody lighting, quite intimate. The service was really great. Each of the staff that waited on us was really friendly and informative. They were attentive without being in your face all the time. And, well... Then there is the food... Some of the best food I've eaten in Garda on this trip and, to be honest, maybe some of the best food I've had in a while full stop. I had the Duck Tortellini with a veal stock sauce to start. It was rich and flavourful. I had the Buffalo steak and fondue sauce for secondi. Hands down the best cooked and best flavoured steak I've had in ages. My partner had an avocado and cod salad to start. Whilst it's not my thing, she said it was really good and refreshing. For secondi, she had spaghetti with cheese, pepper and bacon... That too was super flavourful and the pasta was clearly made in house and was cooked to perfection. For dessert I had a buffalo ricotta cheesecake... Unlike any other cheesecake I've had. It wasn't majorly sweet but it was really light and melted in the mouth. A really nice, light and refreshing way to end the meal. My partner had mango ravioli filled with passion fruit. We were assured before ordering that it wasn't made of pasta and the mango is what formed the 'ravioli'. Again it was really light, fruity and refreshing. I, of course, tried all my partner's dishes too so can confirm they are as good as she said they were. Given the quality and taste of the food, I thought the price was quite reasonable. All in all, I can't fault the place and would have no hesitation in recommending it... 2x starters, 2xmains, 2x desserts, 2x gin and tonics 1x tonic water 1x passion fruit ice tea = €108 (incl. Cover charge for two) A must go when...

Initial impressions were favourable, it was busy and the view was good, ambience at first seemed good. Unfortunately it went down hill quite quickly, the majority of the staff were what we in England would call "drippy", not particularly engaging or friendly. I found a hair in my salad and rather than loudly make a fuss i discreetly called a waiter over. Yes they exchanged the salad but no real apology or effort to make it right, complementary drink or 20% off etc. I declined the bread that is always offered but they still charged a cover charge, i'm aware it's customary to charge regardless? but waiter never said a word, just took the bread away with no friendly nod/warning that we'd still be charged ( note to la plume staff- it's called customer service, generally being attentive/friendly etc, it's how you guys earn tips!). When the bill came i wanted to speak to the manager re the cover charge ( happy to pay normally even if we didnt want it, when im Rome etc,but due to the "hair incident" i was going to suggest waving the cover charge and giving the 5 euros as a tip instead, not that anyone had actually earnt one and not that it was my job to make right the fact i had hair in my salad!,it just so happens my wife and i are very understanding of sevice staffs low pay ( having done it ourselves) and even with average service we usually leave a tip) but instead of engaging with me when i politely asked him to talk to me he just kept repeating cash or card, cash or card and ignoring anything i was trying to say! The food was very nice but the rudeness of the manager ensures i WOULD NEVER GO BACK, disgraceful conduct for a "manager". I actually speak reasonable italian and could have spoken with him in either language so that wasn't the issue, he was just rude...

The worse place ever. We went the 16th of June, there wasn't any waiter smiling, they all had the mask on but no one of them was covering their face above the chin. Waiters if you wear the mask, cover your face otherwise don't use it. After we sat the waiter came to take the order, first of all he didn't know the difference between bacon and guanciale, anyway I asked what he recommended but he didn't know, he said anything. We order 2 penne with bacon and was not good at all, was cold and no properly cooked, I order spaghetti and was not cooked at all, was crunch and you coul break them. I called the waiter not to complain but to do something, he took my plate back and after 5 minutes came back with the same plate saying that the chef said that is good like it is. I asked to warm it up and again after 10 minutes he bring me the same plate but this time was full of water and no taste. I had no cutlery, I asked for cutlery and after few minutes they put a spoon in the other side of the table without infoming us. After all I asked the bill to 3 different waiters but after 15 minutes one of them came to ask if we want the dessert menu. I asked again for the bill and I waited another 15 minutes to pay. After that I was making sure not to leave any tips so I waited for the change another 15 minutes after asking again to 3 different waiters and when finally a waiter brought my change, she through them on the table looking me in the eyes, how professional is that. We had the table booked for the next day but we didn't go. Very bad service and very bad food. If you want to eat Italian food while you are in italy, I suggest to avoid this restaurant....