San Rufo’s Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in East Lindsey

Had pre booked here about a week in advanced. There were 4 adults and 3 children 1 age 18 months and 2 aged between 9 and 11. Upon arrival the server seemed confused by our arrival. Our reservation was eventually found. We were seated towards the back on a table not suitable for 7. Having to put my sons high chair on the end meant we actually blocked off the walkway and entrance exit to the back dining/yard area. Having a toddler means I was struggling to keep him out the way. We had to stand up and move when people wanted to get past each time. This was inconvenient.

It was a packed restaurant on a Tuesday evening to add.

My husband went outside with our son so he was out the way as we did feel like an inconvenience. I saw there was a 6 seater table outside at the bottom where there were no other diners. I asked if we could move there and we were able too. Our table was laid promptly and our drinks moved for us our food order was then taken. This was really accommodating as a lot of my party felt uncomfortable inside.

The food arrived quickly and fresh. We even saw someone picking herbs from the yard which is a nice touch.

I wouldn't say it was a great restaurant for larger parties but some may disagree. The staff were lovely and understood our reasons for moving. Tbh it probably helped them with us being out the way.

It would be lovely if the yard was attended too further. No necessary for dining but maybe a bench or something for drinks. And a place where children can burn off some...

Nice place and I would have had a nice meal but the ribeye I ordered medium rare (£28!) came blatantly medium. I politely told the waiter and they ware like 🤷🏻‍♂️. When the bill came asked if it could be fed back to the chef and 5% be taken of the steak price – a reasonable compromise i thought. The waiter told me I’d said the food was ‘absolutely fine’ (ermm I didn’t!) and that I should have explicitly sent it back to be binned and for a fresh one to be cooked.

On my way out I spoke with the manager, saying I’d learnt my lesson to kick up a fuss straight away rather than let my concerns just be dismissed (though when you pay so much for a meal that’s not really what you expect to have to do), and I also suggested feedback to waiters that if a customer expresses discontent with the meal they proactively offer to replace the dish, given their intransigence after fact. I was trying to be discreet because the meal was otherwise pleasant, but the waiter overheard, immediately interrupted saying it was my fault for not insisting on a full replacement dish at the time. The 5% reduction of the steak price (£28!) i asked for, after they ignored my feedback, I thought was reasonable; in they end, I was offered to have my glass of wine taken off the bill, but i said no thanks. I’ll pay what’s owed and leave this...

I love a good Italian. This was not good. It was devastatingly fantastic. And this was a Friday night when they were packed and one chef down.

We booked and they apologised that they could only put us in the conservatory. I mean, this is a conservatory lit cosily with walls of leaves and flowers (including this one rose that had a life of its own, scanning the diners as though a science fiction marvel with hidden camera) and actually pleasantly away from the bustle of the restaurant.

Two waiters attended us (without getting in each others way and no miscommunication) an Ukranian lady and an olive skinned man, both who were attentive and had a great sense of humour (I wasn't allowed my dessert until I pronounced it correctly).

I have to tell you the food was beyond amazing. The wine was delicious, the starters flavoursome. The mains looked too good to destroy (but we did anyway).

Recommendations. Try the mushrooms... no try the goats cheese... try the swordfish... try the pasta.

Actually try the desserts.

Amazing menu and staff, and the next time we come to skegness this is where...