Ristorante Barolo — Restaurant in England

Highly overrated, but a favourite of the Bournemouth Echo. We came here, 14 strong, on the back of a rave review in the Biuenemouth Echo... presumably they got to eat free and had preferential service, because their account and mine couldn't be further apart!

Difficult online booking service, with no confirmation of receipt, we ended up ringing to book instead.

On arrival, the staff were attentive, perhaps overly so, but this is an Italian restaurant.

So ... let's get to it ... after the over-priced, very average house wine, that bordered on grape juice, the 'label' wine starts at £30 a bottle ... the Chianti was nice, but not £30 nice!

A range of startes were tasty, from garlic mushrooms, whitebait, calamari, garlic bread, olives and more ... all delicious ... but, I'm afraid, the glowing review ends there!

Have you EVER been to an authentic Italian restaurant that serves a range of rice dishes, but NOT risotto? Stodgy bowls of white rice in some non-descript tomato sauce with vegetables, (the only main on the menu suitable for a vegan IF you specifically ask, so they don't add butter or parmesan), or seafood.

Pasta dishes, mostly edible but, frankly, could have been a portion of microwaved 'Tesco Finest' ... actually ... it wasn't even that nice. The lasagna... well, let's just say, when we brought that to their attention, they immediately took it off the bill and offered a free dessert... The lasagna was disgusting and I have absolutely no doubt it was not prepared the same day!

One of our party had a chicken dish ... my kids are all grown up now, but let's just say, I was reminded of soiled nappies!

Sweets ... nice enough, but definitely not 'just like Mamma used to make' ... we asked if there were any vegan pudding options and were told, the box for the Tiramisu says it has sulphates in it and the carton for the sorbet doesn't say whether or not it's vegan!

So ... for the menu ... say what you like about your Zizzi / Pizza Express / etc ... at least you can see your food being freshly prepared!

At best, our food was fresh out of the microwave!

Now ... the service ... I do appreciate that a larger party, in a busy restaurant can be a challenge, but that's why we are paying hard earned money to eat out rather than try and so it ourselves at home ... what I don't expect is pressurised staff, leaning across guests to deliver meals / pepper / parmesan without a simple 'excuse me'.

Around £400 for the evening, (after discount for inedible lasagna), and with tip on the bill for us being a 'large party', it's one of my most disappointing restaurant visits in my home town I have ever experienced.

Sorry - I know you're the darling of Bournemouth Echo reviewers (who doesn't love a free meal!) ... but you missed the mark for us - by a long way!

Back to Bellagio for us for an authentic Italian meal for the family...

My experience at Restaurant Barolo in Bournemouth was truly exceptional. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of the evening. The decor was elegant yet cozy, creating the perfect ambiance for a delightful dining experience.

Tasty Italian Food

The highlight of my visit to Restaurant Barolo was undoubtedly the delicious Italian cuisine. Each dish was expertly prepared with fresh ingredients and bursting with authentic flavors. The menu offered a wide variety of options, from classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering pizzas and decadent desserts. Every bite was a true delight for the taste buds, showcasing the culinary expertise of the chefs at Barolo.

Accommodating Manager

I must also commend the manager at Restaurant Barolo for their exceptional hospitality and attentiveness. From ensuring that our table was comfortable to checking in on us throughout the meal, the manager went above and beyond to make sure that we had a memorable dining experience. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to accommodate any special requests made us feel truly valued as guests.

In conclusion, my visit to Restaurant Barolo Bournemouth was nothing short of fantastic. The combination of delectable Italian cuisine, inviting ambiance, and top-notch service made it a dining experience to remember. I highly recommend Restaurant Barolo to anyone looking for an unforgettable taste of Italy right in the heart of...

Was anxious about eating by myself as not many people do but that soon disappeared. Beautiful food. Amazingly run by those who work here. Was having a really rubbish day with some health issues so took myself off for a day of self love, which included me being at this lovely place. Nothing was too much for this venue. I had one gentleman who served me throughout, would be consistent on walking around and checking whether everyone was happy, but also without imposing but keeping an eye from afar, whether the food was okay (oh my was it more than okay) whether drinks needed topping up (I sure did) and was very attentive, but professional also without breathing down your neck like some places. Will most definitely be back. Didn’t know that this little Gem of a place was so close to me. The portion sizes are incredible! Everything was also piping hot! Which is brilliant. I had the Steak with Pate on toast with sides and also the breaded mushrooms with garlic. Absolutely beautiful. Ended my outing today...