Osteria il Ciottolo — Restaurant in Verona

Located in a wonderful spot, along the Mannerist palaces adorned Corso Cavour, facing the 1st Century AD “Arco dei Gavi” roman arch gate as well as the 14th century medieval “Castelvecchio” castle, this picturesque restaurant fits all the requirements needed for a cozy traditional Italian “Osteria”: delicious food, local ingredients and warm hearted service. My menu: Pappardelle all’Anatra (Large, very broad, flat pasta noodles, similar to wide fettuccine w/ Duck; 10.50€), Brasato all’Amarone e Polenta (Braised Meat soaked in Amarone red wine w/ Polenta; 14.80€) and Red Wine (1/4l, 3€). Tip: Here you can try in winter as well as on local holidays and sundays traditional “Veronese” dishes such as “Lesso e Pearà”, a bollito misto (“Lesso” is Venetian for Bollito) with a sauce made from bread crumbs, beef and hen stock, beef marrow and...

I was eager to try the cuisine of Verona, but my experience fell short. The risotto was surprisingly heavy and salty, and I didn’t understand why the restaurant make you buy two portions. The vegetables on the side were completely unseasoned—no salt at all. The donkey & polenta dish was just average.

The service was perplexing. We arrived right at opening and were told we had an hour and a half to eat. Meanwhile, other tables received their three-course meals while we were still waiting for our main. It felt like we were overlooked, and the fact that I’m Asian in a predominantly white setting left me questioning whether there was a bias at play.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend this place for either the food or the service. There are better...

I loved this place, with its fab location by the river, and if you are lucky enough to score a table outside, the view of beautiful Castelvecchio (the iconic old castle) and a piece of ancient Rome in the shape of Arco dei Giavi. Service is excellent, Antonio runs, not only efficient, but also very friendly team. The facilities are some of the cleanest I have seen anywhere in Italy, even some 3 star places could learn here. I think that's super important in these covid times. Then there is cosy vaulted ceiling interiors, and cherry on top, yummy food. Unless you are vego, do try their wonderful salumi, polenta and pickles platter, and my tagliolini con tartufo was similarly simple but wonderful. Don't miss this lovely place on your...