"We went to the restaurant at the recommendation of the sous chef at the Villa della Pergola. We like this restaurant so much that we went back every night. The restaurant is small, old, and run by an older couple and their daughter. Mama runs...support in the kitchen and helps with setting and clearing tables. Papa is a waiter and host. The daughter is a waitress and a whirlwind of service, smiles, and chattiness. Food is plated at the table. Big, old, well used pots and pans with steaming food brought to a serving table and then delicately plated. Papa or the daughter can filet and plate a beautifully cooked fish, drizzle it with olive oil, and put some potatoes and olives (cooked with the fish) next to it, and serve it in about 60 seconds. Mmmmmm. The atmosphere is fantastic. The patrons are mostly locals, and they all know and greet each other when the come to dine. Sharing extra food is part of the fun. For example, my partner and I drooled over a risotto that was being plated for the diners next to us. There was a tiny bit left, so Papa put it on two little plates and gave us a sample to taste. Same thing happened when he plated ravioli for the older Italian couple next to us the extra went on three little plates to the family of three that was seated next to them. Drinks are strong and come with whatever is around: olives from the region, little mozzarella balls, salami, Parmesan crumbles. They also give you a little focaccia the real Genovese way, according to the locals: very, very thin and just a brushing of olive oil with a little coarse salt and rosemary, maybe a little tomato. Starters (as if focaccia, cheese, salami, and olives aren’t enough) are good: We had an emormous platter of steamed cozze and vongele. We each then had pasta, and the decided to have the fish (branzino – seabass) too. Delicious. It’s like being at the home of a big, noisy, fun Italian family who like to cook and serve great food in a familiar setting at decent prices. It can get a little crazy at times, but it is well worth it!"
