Pianillo Italian Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Borough of Runnymede

A Disappointing Experience at Pianillo

I’ve been dining at Pianillo for years and have always appreciated its warm atmosphere and reliable food. Unfortunately, our recent visit left us feeling let down and uncomfortable.

The evening started with a couple of mix-ups: I ordered an apple Fruit Shoot for my daughter but received apple juice instead. Then, a bottle of Pinot Grigio turned into Sauvignon Blanc. Not ideal, but we let it slide.

Starters were a highlight—my king prawns were delicious, my wife enjoyed her soup, and our daughter devoured her kids’ spaghetti bolognese. The Insalata Tricolore my wife had for her main was fresh and lovely.

Then came my bacon and chilli risotto. After a few mouthfuls, it became clear something was off—it was overwhelmingly salty, to the point of being inedible. I rarely complain, but this time I had to. I told the waiter I didn’t want a replacement, yet he brought me another bowl of risotto which was the same as the first bowl. I sent it back.

When the bill arrived, the risotto was still listed—which I accepted—but there was also a £9 optional service charge. Given the experience, I didn’t feel the service warranted it. I explained my concerns to the manager, who was understanding and removed the charge.

What followed was the most uncomfortable part of the evening: the waiter returned to our table and questioned why I had removed the service charge. He explained that he works construction during the day, waits tables at night, and sends money to his family. While I empathize with his situation, this felt inappropriate and pressured—especially after a disappointing service. It came across as a guilt-driven attempt to secure a tip.

I’ve never experienced anything like this at Pianillo before—and frankly, I’ve never experienced anything like this anywhere before. I hope this was an isolated incident, but it certainly left a sour taste after what should have been a pleasant...

I recently had the pleasure of dining with my family at Pianillo, an Italian gem located in Chertsey, and it was an experience to remember. The restaurant boasts a modern and stylish interior that perfectly complements the exquisite menu, creating a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere.

The seafood dishes were truly delightful, showcasing the freshness and quality that one expects from authentic Italian cuisine. Each bite was a testament to the chef’s expertise and passion for Italian flavors.

The pasta was another highlight. It was prepared to perfection, with a variety of sauces that truly captured the essence of Italy. You could taste the authenticity in every strand!

To accompany the meal, the wine selection was impressive, featuring delicate wines that paired wonderfully with the seafood and pasta. The cocktails were also a nice touch, adding a sophisticated flair to the dining experience.

The hospitality and service at Pianillo were superb. The staff were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making sure that every aspect of our dining experience was enjoyable.

And let’s not forget dessert! The homemade tiramisu was heavenly, with just the right balance of coffee and cream. The banoffee pie and lemon cheesecake were also exceptional, providing a sweet finish to a fantastic meal.

Overall, Pianillo is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Italian food in Chertsey. The combination of delicious seafood, perfect pasta, delightful desserts, and an inviting atmosphere makes it a standout choice. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their...

Pianillo is an interesting restaurant we've been to before under its previous ownership.

Fortunately, both the service and the food are still high quality, and although expensive, in my eyes you get what you pay for.

The food all around was excellent, taste was high quality and it was an enjoyable experience.

Service likewise was high quality, the servers were attentive and engaged, friendly and apologetic when items came out slightly later than ideal. All around, zero complaints about service.

Atmosphere is where personal preference sets in!

For me, the atmosphere was too noisy. The music was loud making conversation difficult, and the tables were in my eyes packed a bit too closely. We were parked directly next to another group of people and in my eyes it was a bit too close for comfort. I can't penalise them for trying to utilise as much space as possible though.

It followed up with a transition into a live singer, who was good at what he did, but in my eyes it didn't really fit the "fine dining" nature of the restaurant and the level of quality in food (Nothing against him personally, he was entertaining and a good singer!) - This can easily be avoided as live singers are only there on specific days of the week.

I'll finalise by saying that, the specific parts I disliked were personal preference and nothing more. I have nothing bad to say about the Restaurant at all and overall enjoyed my experience...