Al Ponte - Restaurant Pizzeria Terrasse — Restaurant in Adliswil

Al Ponte has been a long-standing local favourite of my aunt and uncle for over 20 years. The first time they took me was tonight, it turns out 3-4 months after the Italian owner sold the place and retired. The first clues of a change of ownership were immediate - they noticed different tablecloths, non-Italian menu additions, and somehow a less inviting atmosphere, including no more complimentary tasty bruschetta nibbles while we ordered.

The new owners have not got things right with the food, even though they claim to have the same kitchen staff.

My aunt and uncle had their favourite liver dish but reported that it was missing the rich and authentically Italian flavours it used to have, and that the side veg portions have shrunk and become fairly bland. I ordered the carpaccio and found that several pieces were frozen. Being carpaccio, it did defrost on the plate after a few minutes, so it became edible enough, but it made me wonder if the whole thing had come out of the freezer, given the long wait for the food to arrive in an almost empty restaurant. Of course having been frozen, it was tougher than I'd expect a fresh carpaccio to be.

The owner asked how it was and we were honest. He gave us some spiel about the sauces and the preparation, how he guaranteed a better experience next time and would even cook for us himself, but failed to ask our names, and then charged full price for the meal, including my half-iced dish. The right way to have handled this was to be less defensive, not charge for the carpaccio at least, and offer a good incentive to return, taking our names and introducing himself. He did none of this - clearly he decided he had lost the custom anyway so why bother.

And he's entirely correct. We won't be going back, and he's going to kill off that place fairly quickly on this evidence. My aunt and uncle are...

It was much better before! The new owner have a new concept and I understand it, but it's far away from the authentic one! Italian food: the pizzas are good, but that's it! I'm missing the welcome bruscetas..mm The new dishes: Wiener schnitzel is a poor imitation of the original! The white wine have a tea temprature! Dessert ... long story.. short- not available. The service is a disaster. I hope it will get better, we like this place! They kept the classic table cloth, that's really good and the location is very nice! I hope it...

I have ordered in and been to the restaurant to dine. I really enjoy the food here, and have received consistent quality.

Dining in was a bit less pleasant, as my table was ignored for long periods of time and it took a lot of effort to get the server. This was not during a busy time and the other tables were still receiving regular service. Additionally, be careful when dining outdoors, as a single person smoking a cigar can overwhelm the entire patio with smoke due to the...