Luigis Al Fresco — Restaurant in Maldon

My wife and I decided to give Luigi's a try last night and I must say, we were extremely impressed with the food.

A basic bread and oil appetizer to start with homemade bread was a great indicator that this restaurant does not simply order in the basics. Simple, yet very well done.

For the main, I opted for the carbonara. This dish is the standard I judge Italian restaurants by, an extremely simple dish that when done well, is outstanding. When done poorly, it summarises all you need to know about where you're eating. Luigi's provided the best carbonara I've had in years! The homemade pasta was served al dente and the sauce was made to perfection. Glossy, creamy with an optimal salt content provided by the protein finished with a healthy helping of pecorino established this dish as an instant win.

My wife chose a stone baked pizza with mushrooms and olives and vegan cheese. The dough, again, was perfection, the sauce and cheese blend couldn't have been better and the crust was soft and light yet had the perfect crisp outer layer. My only criticism would be that maybe the center of the pizza could use a little more structure as it was quite limp but that's a completely personal preference.

The restaurant itself is very small and personal, the decor is reminiscent of classic Italian eateries with the red and white table layouts, old tins and trinkets surrounding the walls with a tasteful throwback to the old country. I would suggest maybe Italian music and lower light levels as my one criticism was the radio was playing upbeat almost club like music and that really did take away from the ambience that could've made this experience a solid ten.

If you love Italian food, Luigi's is a must. The carbonara truly made me remember why this cuisine is my favourite and the wonderful staff made this restaurant feel like I was in a friend's home. Luigi's Al Fresco, you will see me again. And...

Having booked a table for 7 we arrived and introduced ourselves and was told our table was around the corner and not walked to the table. When reaching the table there were just 6 places. When pointing this out we were asked which side so we want the extra chair meaning less table space. There were a number of available tables that could have provided better space. We were asks for our drinks order and we celebrating an engagement so cocktails, a coke and two ciders. One cocktail took an age to arrive and one cider not at all until asked for. We were told when receiving the drinks the cocktail offer was not available on a Sunday despite this not being on the website or the menu. My wife didnt want to make a fuss as we were celebrating. Same again for our dinner. Only six meals arrived and I was asked what I had ordered so knew they had not put my order through. They took the cost off the bill but at this point I was very unhappy but again didn’t want to make a fuss. I was so disappointed with the service we received. No recognition that we were celebrating despite stating this on our on line booking. My body language made it clear I was unhappy but little was done to address this. Not charging for my very late meal was in my view the least they could do. I will...

Please don't bother booking with this restaurant, absolutely appauling service from the manager and booking team. Had requested a time at 6, offered a table at 5/5.30, replied confirming and requesting the set menus that is available that evening to be then emailed back saying that the only table available that evening was 8pm. When I called asking to speak to the manager I was told that they were not available, and communication was only via email, to which I said I'm disputing the communication via emails, the manager soon came to the phone. She was very rude and unprofessional, saying that she can not wait for me to reply, yet communications were within the hour but apparently thus was not acceptable. I explained I was not able to answer emails whilst driving. Will not be retur on to this restaurant when this is the attitude. The booking system definitely requires improvement and the customer skills most certainly requires improvement.

Maybe Gordon Ramsey could be...