Ristorante Alfonso in Piazzangelio — Restaurant in Unione dei comuni Media Valle del Serchio

Very disappointing. When we got to the restaurant, we found out that there was a private party for the upcoming elections and no one bothered to let us know. We ordered the porcini ravioli with pecorino and truffle and the pecorino was all you could taste. And it wasn’t even nice pecorino. The desserts were dreadful - we ordered the cheese cake, which had too much salt in it, and the chocolate cantucci, which were rather soft and unlike any cantucci we have ever had. The staff could not speak any English and completely ignored one of the guests at our table who could only speak English, they did not even try to engage in a conversation with her - we don’t expect you to speak a foreign language, but proper manners and kindness speak way more clearly than any language. Also, what is the point of putting natural wines on your menu when the waitress tries to talk people out of buying them? Why were there boxes of wine all around our table?

Considering your website, I was expecting a completely different experience. Plus, if you want to book online, they ask you to deposit 25€ per person...

We were staying in a nearby village and wanted to check out Barga. This restaurant had great reviews - we were especially intrigued by the scallop starter - so decided to go (we is family of 4, which includes 2 high school age daughters). Set in a lovely square, we were immediately greeted by friendly staff and seated outside (as a bonus, a local classical music ensemble was practicing in building next door, so we had lovely music for most of dinner). Proceeded to have a terrific meal that was not much more expensive than some of the more typical trattorias at which we had eaten. Indeed, the scallops were amazing. The egg starter also great. For main course, I had the chestnut honey coated duck which was superb. My husband enjoyed his black ink risotto and the girls enjoyed the seafood pasta. Glass of local red was excellent and we loved the amuse bouche with sip of Prosecco to start. Well...

I was very tempted to only give this restaurant one star, but that would be a Michelin Star. Simply fantastic restaurant, where Alfonso and his business partner Valentina ensure that you are very well looked after. From the beginning the welcome was lovely and a small sample of fine prosecco on the house is a beautiful touch, before an amuse bouche from the chef (Alfonso's wife) to get things started.

The square surrounding is idyllic and they have done well to combine a private space with the outside world. I had the best prawn cocktail of my life as a starter and a very very good chicken followed by Venison main course, coupled with a great red wine.

The food is served on outstanding crockery and every detail of this restaurant shows how proud the owners are of what they have created. I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who finds themselves in this...