"It is unacceptable not to go at least once to the “Ristorante dei Pini” in Spoleto. The... risk , however, is that it could become a habit because you eat well, you spend the right amount, the food is plentiful, the service is fast, the 'mise en place ' has a tablecloth and is clean, the management is familiar, the raw materials are local and selected with extreme rigor by the owner, Mr. Giancarlo. Furthermore, Mr. Giancarlo is a historical figure for the people of Spoleto, a man from other times, one of those people who are always careful to ensure that everything works well and serves the customers. But be careful! You need to book or call to find out if you can go for lunch or dinner as the place is always full, as restaurants everywhere are not for tourists, but frequented by locals who know where it 's convenient and where not and by loyal representatives for years, aware of the quality and prices that are not at all exorbitant. Regarding the food, the Strengozzi alla Spoletina are special and I would say exemplary and inimitable elsewhere. Many praise the goodness of Tagliatelle ai Pini whose recipe is secret. Other specialties are grilled cockerel, stuffed pigeon, grilled livers, beans with pork rinds, stewed cod, fried lamb, etc. Not everything is always there, but try asking Giancarlo, even if you want something else, since sometimes he is there and forgets when listing the menu or he could come to meet you at the moment. If you read reviews from tourists who claim, however, that they were treated or sent away badly because there was no room or other complaints, such as that there is no menu card, etc., ignore them. Since relationships are family-based, it may happen that tiredness is not masked. Likewise, since there is no fake courtesy at the Pini, if something is wrong with the guests it is openly pointed out and this, for those who appreciate the friendliness of the place, is an added value. By frequenting the Pines, we have personally found out that sometimes a group of tourists arrives wanting to eat and sometimes there is no time to welcome them properly as the place is crowded and perhaps there are birthdays or family celebrations taking place. When you meet Giancarlo and his two sons, Nicola and Alfredo, who together with the good Alessandro serve the customers, you will understand, therefore, that a possible gesture of denial, made to people who arrived en masse at a late hour, cannot have been done otherwise than with sympathy, perhaps managing only a quick no from a distance, shaking his finger and smiling... A very clear gestural We 're sorry which I have seen from some negative reviews to have been interpreted, unfairly, as rudeness. As regards the Menu Card whose absence is lamented by some, however, it exists, but it is made of flesh, bones, brain and heart and is called... Giancarlo The order, in fact, is always taken directly by the owner and this is an integral part of the restaurant 's tradition. Giancarlo approaches the table and begins to list the dishes from memory (always fresh and prepared daily) to the point that this litany of his has made Giancarlo one of the most characteristic and likeable Spoleto characters; so much so that he was even cited and imitated in theatrical performances. On the Internet, in social media, there is a nice video showing Giancarlo dei Pini in action; look for it. And now: bon appetit!"
Tutti i prezzi sono stime.