3 Bull Dogg - 3 weeks ago
We decided to have a late lunch and called to make sure we could get a table. The Italian lady on the phone was cold and matter-of-fact, stating we wouldn’t need a reservation.
We came by about an hour later and were greeted in the same cold way (probably the same woman). We got a nice table and reviewed the menu. A young Italian waiter in jeans and a casual shirt (he looked very ungroomed) gave us menus and brought water and bread (which isn’t complimentary). After reviewing the menu, which is fairly extensive, we decided to order. The same male waiter started laughing when we ordered. When we asked why he just said “nothing”. It made us feel very uncomfortable and uneasy. This was a first experience.
The food took fairly long to arrive. We received an amuse bouche which was nothing special - bell pepper pieces with pesto (we guess, as the waiter didn’t say). The minestrone soup exceeded our expectations - it was rich and stuffed with vegetables. The beef tartare was not good. The meat had a pungent smell and tasted sour. We strongly advise not to order it.
As main courses we tried the raviolacci di ossobuco and the spaghettoni tartufo with anchovies. We were nervous about the truffles and anchovies combination, thinking the anchovies would overpower the truffles - and we were right. The dish tasted salty anchovies and the truffle flavor was hard to find. The raviolacci was good. As dessert we tried the tiramisu and it was bland and very basic.
Gallo Nero displays Michelin plaques by the entrance. We find it very hard to believe that this restaurant would be given a single Michelin star. Having dined at Quadri in Venice, or Ivigneri in Hamburg, we would say that our experience was very far from a first class dining experience. From the arrogant staff on the phone and in person, to the presentation of the food, and the odd flavors, this restaurant is nowhere near a prime dining experience.
The only reason we rated Gallo Nero three stars instead of two was thanks to the friendly waiter who came at the end of our meal… a Spaniard, from the canary islands… he was friendly, happy, and witty.
Maybe Gallo Nero should consider employing people with his character and mindset instead.
We will not come back to Gallo Nero.
Ambience: 5/5 (the restaurant has a nice interior, and very nice bathrooms)
Staff: 1/5 (except the Canary Island gentleman, 5/5)
Food: 2/5
Price: 2/5 (the dishes can be overpriced, like the truffles/anchovies spaghettoni, or the the drinks).