Bollicine - TRIESTE

We ate at the restaurant next door the previous night, and notice that this place specialized in seafood so we decided to come back. It is very close to the DoubleTree hotel. It is June and most diners in all the restaurants were outside. The noise level was acceptable and it was fun to watch the people go by. The menu is limited, but the food excellent. They had a shrimp in the wok dish that wes superb a citrus based broth, with a green leaf vegetable (chard? and we used the bread to soak up the broth. The pasta dish, on the other hand, was enough to be shared, al dente, and delicious. There is a complementary hors d'ouvres plate, and a complementary gazpacho. Winelist was limited, but had everything we wanted. Servers were attentive , but not officious didn't hover about.

I went here with two of my friends and we were really disappointed. The male waitress was so unbelievable unfriendly. We wanted to go but we already ordered. Despite the bad service, the food was as disappointing as the everything else. It was medium hot and the wine was not worth a penny. Furthermore the area was full of pigeons who flew onto the table and steal your food while eating. Really disgusting. Would not recommend.

Quality is less than average! What shook us the most was that he kept chasing the birds to the guests of the restaurant right next to his, how rude?!?! Very unfriendly waiter as well. They do not treat people with respect at all. Also the music was played on Maximum, so the whole street could hear it. Terrible music also. Do yourself a favor and enjoy some food and wine at a nice place, not here!

We booked this place for dinner via the internet. When we arrived, this puzzled the staff, as they had no record of the booking. When we explained that we'd booked via the internet rather than by phone, all became clear: they have an issue with internet bookings, so care is needed when booking perhaps phone is a more certain method. The confusion was overcome quickly and we got a table anyway, so no real drama. The place is smart, modern and obviously popular with the locals, as it filled up quickly, both with diners and those wanting to sit at the cocktail bar. The waiter was good, guiding us to a fine local wine. He was covering serveral tables, so our food was actually served by a succession of waitresses. This was done efficiently, although one was clearly having a more miserable day than the others. The seafood was fresh and well presented. We ordered a salad which was fresh and of generous proportions. The deep fried seafood selection was fresh, albeit a bit dry. A more generous salsa on the side might perhaps have helped. Not a bad place at all, but attention to small faults would really raise it up.

We have had a very good quick lunch at Bollicine. Since the weather was still nice we could sit on the pleasant terrace. We decided for the daily menu. For a mouse bucket we have got very gut ricotta with bottarga. For the main we choose risotto with scampi and porcini with some small pieces of an apple. We really liked risotto it was very tasty and al dente, just the way we like it. For the wine we took Branko Chardoney from Collio. Everything together-perfect lunch for a fair price. We will be back.