La Capanna - ALASSIO

Every year, when we visit Alassio, we eat at La Capanna. It is always a very pleasant experience, the food is delisioius, the fish cooked for perfection, very generous portions. The owner is proud to have a chat with his guests. Large Ligurian food.

We walked a trail and came over this great restaurant. The food was fabulous and the service was great. We enjoyed treats from the cook, fabulous wine on their recommendation and delicious fresh fish that they also recommended.

What a shocking experience. My parents have traveled over this place for months. My parents were often here and bought a gift from London for the owners. You were so excited about the family! A special evening to celebrate... my parents' birthdays are all together in Italy. but what a total disaster. We were 11 people. Our last night together as a family. The service was slow. When the food came, it was quite terrible. We sat in there when it was a bit cool last night, but actually the atmosphere was suppressing. My daughter got her pasta at least 30 minutes before they even came back to take the rest of our order! I just got my dinner when everyone else had eaten! The grilled sole was unusable and a part that would not have satisfied a small child. My brother never got his meal, probably send a gd. There was no gin. Not a catastrophe, but when they did Aperols, they were made with flat Prosecco. The last straw when my mother only wanted a negro at the end of the night, they refused to be a restaurant not a bar!! My mother said, “It’s the only thing I’m looking forward to when you always make me a negro when I come.” Angrily began to do one, but it was too late. The evening was ruined. A bad taste was left to the mouth. We told them not to interfere. I wish we weren't paid for the meal, but my father is an honourable gentleman. when I can say for this family that really does something about manners and what it means to be in the hospitality industry. Shameful. The worst culinary experience we have ever experienced.

On a Winter Monday night, the restaurant quickly fills with locals who have been here many times before. The atmosphere is gracious, the older couple hosts/owners are very hospitable. The decor is cozy, with plenty of local art, lovely tile floors, cut glass windows, attractive...table settings and mellow music from the fifties/sixties. We tried the restaurant well over a decade ago. Perhaps the decor has been slightly updated-but not the menu. I have no problem with classic Ligurian/Italian dishes, but at this mid-range price point, I expect them to be well executed. Our Linguini was well prepared and finished at table side. But we ordered pasta with Bottarga. A few specks of dried powder doesn 't make or respect the dish. We have been spoiled by having the real deal, not something that has died in a jar several years ago. Our main course, fritto calamari was of decent quality, but bland. I understand why restaurants hesitate to use too much salt these days, But this presentation, accompanied with overcooked green beans, was pretty dreary. The wine list was adequate. Based on the first two courses, we decided to skip dessert. Perhaps there were other dishes on the menu that would have been more satisfying. I know that running a full service restaurant for many years is hard work, and clearly they have earned considerable repeat trade. But not from us. I value the kindness of the owners and the atmosphere of the restaurant, but one doesn 't eat atmosphere. At any price point, there are better options in town.

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!