La ristobottega — Restaurant in Málaga

Our group of 10 visited this restaurant on a Friday evening, and we encountered several service issues that tested our patience. Due to the limitation of the booking system online, we have to split the booking into 2 tables. We arrived at the restaurant on time and ended up sitting separately in 2 tables - six ladies at one and four men at the other.

Service Delays - At our table of six, we waited over an hour for our food after the bread was served. During this time, we learned that our original waitress was off duty, leaving a young waitress to take over. Meanwhile, our friends at the other table had already finished their meals, while we had not even received our starters. To add to our frustration, we noticed that the same dishes we ordered were being served to customers who arrived after us.

After finally finishing our meal, we requested the bill. Although the young waitress acknowledged our request, she continued with her other tasks and did not bring the bill. After waiting, we asked another passing waiter, who promptly retrieved the bill from the cashier—something that took only 10 seconds.

We couldn't shake the feeling that the delays were deliberate. Throughout our 10-day tour of five cities in Spain, this was the only dining experience where we did not receive a smile from the staff. Unfortunately, the quality of the food was overshadowed by the poor service.

Despite this isolated incident, we still enjoyed our time in Southern Spain and plan to return to the country in the future ; yet not this restaurant...

Unfortunately not a good experience. Was brought the wrong dish, and when pointing it out that I ordered the pasta with pears and ham, the waiter insisted that the pasta al pesto that I received was indeed pasta pears and ham. (I was confused as well 🤔).

Luckily his colleagues corrected the mistake, but I had to wait 20 minutes, while my date’s pasta had arrived.

We ended up having to eat the two dishes separately, which could’ve been quite awkward.

To complete it, the check: I was being charged 6 euros for a peroni red, while on their menu that figured as 3.25 euros. As I pointed it out, the same waiter that couldn’t identify the dish I was served, said that “maybe it’s more expensive because it’s the red version”. But he also said that if I really wanted he could check for me… OF COURSE?! I mean, it’s on the digital QR code menu that you attached to the table, I checked myself.

Overall, ignoring the wrong served dish, which can happen and is okay, I felt like I had to first argue and convince the waiter that “there’s no prosciutto here, it’s pesto.”, while I also had to pay attention to what I was paying for, which is never a good feeling.

Luckily I had only a peroni red, not 5. But I would’ve been probably happier, even tho oblivious, with 5.

Also note: I wouldn’t serve (stale) bread (which costs 2 euros if I’m not mistaken), without us asking for it, especially if we are eating two plates of pasta.. that just...

La Ristobottega: A Taste of Italy in Málaga Nestled in the heart of Málaga, La Ristobottega is a culinary gem that transports diners straight to the charming streets of Italy. From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance and tantalizing aromas set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The menu at La Ristobottega celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine. Freshly made pasta steals the show, with options like silky tagliatelle al tartufo and hearty gnocchi gorgonzola. Each dish is a symphony of flavors, carefully crafted by skilled chefs who take pride in their art. Start your meal with the creamy burrata, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with cracked black pepper. For the main course, the risotto ai frutti di mare bursts with seafood goodness, while the classic margherita pizza satisfies with its thin crust and vibrant tomato sauce. Pair your meal with a glass of Italian wine or a refreshing Aperol Spritz. The attentive staff ensures that every guest feels like family, adding to the overall warmth of the experience. La Ristobottega is more than a restaurant; it’s a love letter to Italy. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving authentic flavors, this hidden gem delivers. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹 Note: La Ristobottega’s address is Calle Cañón, 3, Málaga, 29015. You can reach them at +34...