On a beautiful evening before the sunset you can see the mountain tops from your sidewalk table.

My first day, my first meal in Tivoli I tell the attentive and friendly server Veronica that I want to eat what the local people eat. I want to feel part of their culture through food.

She says that Carbonara is a typical pasta dish, but that the chef’s special summer creation with de-shelled mussels, mild peppers, cherry tomatoes and a mix of fresh herbs is also extraordinary…and she was spot on! The mussel dish was memorable!

One of my other favorite foods is lamb. The Sheep Skewers were small chunks of lean lamb grilled to perfection. In my opinion, when you try to get fancy with lamb, it detracts from its beautiful natural flavor. Again compliments to the chef for knowing how to showcase these fine fresh mussels and this fine cut of lamb.

William was also very attentive to every need. Both he and Veronica recognized me the next day when I passed by the restaurant at lunchtime. That’s the level of personal service that brings customers back…in fact I’m having dinner there again tonight as I write this review.

PS I add a photo of tonight’s delicious Octopus dish to this review…if I could give you a 6th star, I would!