Grano — Restaurant in Bucharest

I finally arrived at Grano on Sunday to enjoy a nice lunch with my friend. We booked via ialoc a table in advance, as we were aware of the high demand and limited tables. Anyway, I chose the ravioli with truffles and leek and parmesan sauce and an Aviation cocktail. My friend opted for the rosemary pan-fried potatoes and the insalata mista together with a non-alcoholic drink with mango. First of all, we found a bit judgmental the waiter's reaction at our order by not using the right tone saying "that's all?". If we wanted an approval, we would have asked it. Secondly, after waiting for more than 15 minutes for our drinks, I was unpleasantly surprised to realize that the Aviation cocktail was not properly made. Normally, the Aviation cocktail should contain maraschino liqueur (cherry flavor) and Violette cream. What I have received was a transparent cocktail, a combination of gin and squeezed lemon juice (45 RON). However, I must say that the pasta was brilliant - tasty and very nicely balanced. However, the portion was... ridiculously small for 75 RON. Shame! Moreover, the insalata mista orderd by my friend, 34 RON, was an ordinary salad (bought from the supermarket, most probably) with 3 diced cherry tomatoes. Shame again! We were very disappointed about the overall experience or perhaps we just had... too high expectations. We will not return nor recommend Grano.

Update: I would like to add one more star and edit my comment. Yesterday I received a call from the manager of this restaurant and I am very pleased to see the reviews are taken into account. After this discussion I am more inclined to give a second chance, as I can clearly see there is a will for...

We spotted a table for two on their interior terrace, so we took it after talking to a waitress.

It was 7:30 PM on an August Saturday evening and it was crowded. Just how I like it. The music was low, the tables were close to each other, but the ladies next to us kept their conversation on a low voice, so it still felt like an intimate place.

The pasta were good. I ordered ravioli with truffles and my boyfriend some pasta with saumone they didn't have anymore, so he chose pasta quatro formaggi. They also ask if you want bread and parmesan alongside, but we didn't. I think it was free, but I don't know for sure.

They have a summer cocktail selection. I ordered the watermelon cocktail which was unexpectedly soury-sweet. Good, icy, but too intense on the watermelon syrup and lemon juice. The Aviator cocktail tasted like lipstick/rouge (like the one you find in your grandma's drawer - old, with a certain scent, but good quality) - I think because of the combination between gin and lavender syrup. My boyfriend liked it though, found it interesting.

The serving was fast, the waitress was nice and it was a place with a nice vibe. I mean at the terrace inside.

They have 2-3 tables in front of the restaurant, as well, but it doesn't seem so intimate there. And also they have tables inside, but they also have products to sell there and it didn't feel like a restaurant to me - on the inside. People were everywere, so others seem to enjoy those arrangements.

Oh, and the price was ok. For two cocktails and two meals we paid close to 200 RON.

For me it was worth going there once...

Grano is one of the better Italian spots in Bucharest, with a cute terrace that has a nice cozy but modern vibe to it. We were a party of four so we split a bunch of food and drinks and the service was always eager and helpful, especially with details about the food.

We had the burrata and the Tagliere Misto as appetisers, both delicious, with a golden start to the truffle asiago (?!) I think it was, a great cheese paired with a glass of prosecco. I had the Cavateli Pesto Basilico as main course and it was very tasty, had a great bite to it, perfectly al dente. The basil was fresh and the pine nuts were a perfect combination. I tasted the Spaghetti Carbonara as well which were served impeccably, traditional recipe, but the main star of the whole dinner were the roasted potatoes which were quite amazing to say the least. Definitely worth ordering one or two servings for the table just to constantly snack.

The dessert was the most underwhelming part of the evening. Although not bad, it didn't quite reach our expectations and it was probably the only reason I wouldn't give Grano a 5 star review. I would however like to come back to Grano to try more of their pasta and their little...