La Tagliatella — Restaurant in Valencia

My wife and I had been meaning to try La Tagliatella for a while, and finally did so yesterday — mostly because we were hungry and trapped in CC El Saler, Valencia.

We regretted it almost instantly.

Problem #1: Upon entering, we were greeted with… absolutely nothing. Several employees were loitering around, chatting among themselves. One was sipping from her personal water bottle. None — zero — showed any interest in welcoming us. We might as well have been ghosts, and not the friendly kind.

Problem #2: The seat covers. Full of sweat marks and stains. Not exactly the “appetizing” kind of patina one looks for in a restaurant.

Problem #3: Not enough waiters for the number of tables. The few working were clearly overwhelmed, which meant our food took ages to arrive. When you consider the quality (or lack thereof) — basically pre-cooked pasta mixed with industrial sauce — it’s just shameful.

The Food: Let’s not sugarcoat it — it wasn’t good. Period.

We shared a starter — can’t even remember the name — six toasted breadsticks with assorted toppings. They were dry, overcooked, and tasted like freezer burn. We nibbled the least awful parts and left the rest. The waitress didn’t ask why. Probably because she already knew.

Then came the mains: some kind of tiny pasta (they were out of tortellini, which should’ve been our cue to run) for me, and tagliatelle for my wife, both with “Carbonara” sauce. Given it’s a chain, we weren’t expecting artisan pancetta and free-range eggs — just something decent. We didn’t even get that. Both pastas were undercooked — and no, not al dente, more al crunchy. They were buried under a thick, gloopy sauce dotted with a few sad, rubbery bits of lard pretending to be bacon. The flavor? Think budget airline meal meets public school cafeteria in the dodgy part of town. Edible, technically, but not enjoyable in any known sense of the word.

We left most of our food untouched, paid, and escaped. Nobody asked how the meal was — though to be fair, that sort of concern didn’t seem part of the La Tagliatella ethos.

Now, full disclosure: I’m a foodie. A foodie who occasionally enjoys slumming it with some greasy, guilty pleasure junk food. But this wasn’t junk food — it was just junk. Bland, soulless, and served by people who’d clearly rather be anywhere else.

Was it the worst meal we’ve ever had? Probably not. But given that La Tagliatella is a massive chain all over Spain, it’s a mystery how this operation survives. For roughly the same price — about €15 per pasta dish and €9 for the sad “starter” — you can get a genuinely good meal almost anywhere else.

The one redeeming feature? The beer was cold. Then again, this is Spain — getting a bad beer here would be a genuine culinary miracle.

So yes, we’ve decided on a new family disciplinary tactic: if our son messes up at school, he’s getting dinner at La Tagliatella. That’s how bad it was.

(Para los que no hablen inglés: comida mala, servicio peor. Si quieren pasta buena, vayan a otro sitio — aunque sea un chino con...

Nestled in a cozy corner of town, this Italian restaurant offers a culinary journey that delights the senses.

To start, the baked tortellini appetizer was a savory delight. Each bite offered a perfect blend of flavors, leaving a lingering satisfaction on the palate.

Moving on to the main course, both the burrata and pasta dishes were exceptional. The creamy, indulgent burrata melted in the mouth, while the pasta dishes boasted authentic Italian flavors and impeccable presentation.

Beyond the culinary delights, the service was attentive and friendly, adding to the overall dining experience. The staff's knowledge of the menu and willingness to accommodate requests made the meal even more enjoyable.

Additionally, the restaurant's ambiance and view added to the overall charm. Whether dining indoors or enjoying a meal al fresco, patrons are treated to a welcoming atmosphere and picturesque surroundings.

In summary, this Italian restaurant offers a gastronomic experience that exceeds expectations. From the delicious dishes to the impeccable service and charming ambiance, it's a must-visit destination for any lover of...

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