The Grill, Villa D'Este, Italy

Unfortunately we had to run in the rain to the restaurant and couldn't linger along the lake front, however having arrived in the dark we didn't really know what we were missing out on. That would become apparent in the morning. The décor was up-market traditional Italian. Not too stuffy, certainly not “trendy” but very comfortable and plush. I'm sure the views were magnificent but it was dark and we were a little tired being at the end of a travel day.

Described by Villa D'Este as "Informal, yet the ambience is cozy and chic. The menu lists an interesting variety of regional dishes with a choice of the best Italian wines."

Menu

Easy to follow with a great selection of traditional Italian favourites. Uncomplicated.

Food
A basket with a wonderful variety of breads arrived and I enjoyed crunching on the bread sticks. This was soon followed with an amuse bouche of shredded roast pork salad. Fresh and light.

Amuse Bouche

I was envious of Sean's starter of plump warm scallops with a fresh combination of passionfruit, pancetta, shredded cucumber and fennel. Delicious as he shared a fork full with me. I was actually even more envious of the plate of prosciutto and fresh figs over at the next table being consumed by a man who could have been mistaken for Valentino's brother.

Scallops

The prawns in my entree were slightly overcooked but served with a good textural combination of cool gazpacho and toasted flaked almonds.

Gazpacho with Prawns

To follow, Sean almost dived into his plate of blue cheese penne. The cheese wasn't too heavy or overpowering. A beautiful way to start our Italian gastronomic journey.

Blue cheese pasta

My vegetable minestrone was quintessentially Italian with tiny chopped vegetables and a good light entree. It went beautifully with the breads from the basket that was replaced as soon as it was emptied.

Minestrone

Presentation of the main course was with flourish as the silver cloches were lifted at the same time to reveal a simple steak for Sean. This exact dish wasn't on the menu - Sean just wanted a nice piece of fillet steak with vegetables which the chef had no trouble serving up.

For me, grilled seafood medley with mediterranean salad, the salmon and scallops being the highlight.

No room for dessert, but homemade biscotti arrived and was the perfect ending. The biscotti was rustic and traditional with three pieces each.

Wine
Our sommelier selected a beautiful bottle of chardonnay from Lombardia at Sean's request that we have something as local as possible.

Service
We were made to feel very welcome by what appeared to be a never-ending army of bow-tied waiters despite arriving for dinner after 9pm. They were attentive and certainly accommodating of my dietary requirements but where real butter is served with a variety of Italian bread rolls all screaming “eat me” I even indulged in some thick butter on bread – the simple things are often the best.

We dined on 19 September 2011