Italianino — Restaurant in Coimbra

I don't usually review restaurants but I felt I had to review this one so that fellow solo travellers don't go here and experience what I felt. I was invited by one of the waiters to sit out front on one of two outdoor tables since the restaurant was largely empty - it was a lovely table. But another waiter (I presume manager) then insisted that I sat at an indoor table shoved right at the back of the restaurant on a far worse table, which was clearly just because they didn't want a solo diner out front wasted on one of their nicer tables. When I gave them the benefit of the doubt and clarified that I really didn't mind being outside, she said that she thought it would "be better" if I was inside and would not let me move back. There were also other indoor tables that were a lot nicer but more visible to the outdoor area / front. I felt really patronised and just generally confused by this whole interaction. So I wouldn't recommend this place to other people travelling by themselves. I did not eat the food although it looks like it would have been great. I've never done this before but I felt so upset by the whole thing I got up and left. Being a young female traveller you have to be pretty tough and stand up for yourself in instances like this, so I'm glad I left when my gut told me I wasn't welcome, but I find that restaurants are usually very supportive so was disappointed by the whole affair. I ended up in a much nicer and friendlier Italian down the hill and had no regrets...

Incredible Italian restaurant hidden in Coimbra. It’s been months since I’ve had great pasta, and Italianino did not disappoint. They make all their pasta fresh, and you can tell. We ordered the bruschetta as a starter, which used homemade pizza dough as the base and had a creamy gorgonzola drizzle. We then went on to share the lasagna and the ravioli stuffed with apricots. Wow! The lasagna was fresh out of the oven, and one of the best we ever had. I also need to highlight the warmth from the staff. The owner came over to our table and told us the specials of the day. You can tell he was excited about them too. Our waitress was also incredibly friendly and helped us with our decisions between dishes. The one employee who really stood out was Gabri. He was in and out between buildings and catered...

Our hotel recommended this restaurant to us for dinner but we couldn't get in. We stopped by for lunch the next day. The food is so fresh and full of flavour. I wish I had a larger stomach to fit it all in. We had the pesto pasta and a pizza. Amazing. We started with the arugula and buratta salad. Wine was delicious , the atmosphere warm and inviting. I assume it was the owner would stop by periodically to check on the tables. I would love to come back to try dinner. Also, the staff were amazing. It is so inspiring to see how they help each other to ensure the guests are taken care of. We didn't order the lasagna but it looked amazing as well. If you're in Coimbra, go to this...