Osteria Del Pescatore — Restaurant in Tropea

We don’t normally dine in restaurants with the 3.7 rating review. Thought we’d take a flyer on this one because it had a nice ambience. Service was very attentive in the beginning as we were one of the first tables there for the evening. We ordered a craft of local red wine and it was served cold. We had to refuse it at ask for one that was room temperature. We started off by ordering tomato, onion, cucumber, and olive salad. We typically start off our meals with a salad. Unfortunately, this one came with way too much red onion, not enough tomato, and the tomatoes weren’t very ripe. My wife had the mixed grill fish, and I had the carbonara. My carbonara didn’t seem to have enough pancetta, although the flavor was OK. Her grilled fish was just OK. During our meal, our ambience was quickly ruined when a local guitarist stationed himself in two spots in the alley and played music while singing and then passing a tray around to collect money. I don’t mind people trying to earn a living, but not while I’m trying to have a nice,...

Positive things first: The food was tasty and even though the portions are rather small, the price of e.g. 10€ for a vegetarian pasta is also comparable low.

On the other hand the fish gnocchi did come with fish bones. Sometimes easily avoided.

Overall I have to reduce three stars:

1. The service did not really pay any attention. They came to the three times to take the order, to bring the food, to collect the plates/bring the bill. No checking in between even though we wanted to order another drink.
2. They enjoy overcharging you. We ordered an Italian beer and received an Italian beer. Once the check arrived they told us it is a local Italian beer and coxts 6 instead of 3€. The waiter made the mistake to bring the wrong beer and the customer has to pay. Or it is the strategy to double charge.
3. Obviously there is a 2€ per person table charge, but as mentioned the service isn't really up to speed. Hence we were charged but did not even receive the bread - which all other tables...

Went there with lower expectations as the reviews weren't the greatest. But we were were pleasantly surprised with very good dishes. Tuna tartare was amazing, mussel soup as well (although a bit too salty) and the sword fish was excellent (best one I had). The house wine is enjoyable and the seating area looks very cozy and inviting. I didn't like the fact they were playing some Italian rap and reggae music that ruined the atmosphere a bit. Staff ok but can be more bubbly, happy and passionate about what they serve and recommend 😁 Overall, I would go back there for...