Florian Maison

I had the pleasure of dining at Umberto De Martino's renowned starred restaurant and I would like to share my experience. First of all, the setting of the restaurant, surrounded by greenery, is enchanting and creates a suggestive atmosphere. Unfortunately, my very high expectations were not completely met. Although the lady, who we discovered to be the chef's wife, was kind and polite, the service was mediocre. I noticed that the staff was limited, with only a few people including her, her husband and some help. We opted for the chef's tasting menu. The quality of the products used was undoubtedly high, and the idea behind the creation of the dishes was interesting. However, the execution was a bit disappointing. The dishes lacked that explosive taste in the mouth that one expects from a Michelin starred restaurant. The first course, a vertical aperitif, was presented in a creative way. However, the pacchero was not cooked at the time, a flaw that affected the overall experience. As well as the focaccias and breadsticks that were not from the same day. The scallop Krapfen, despite having quality ingredients such as scallop and ricotta, were disappointing due to the scallop which seemed detached from the fried food. The tomato salad with tomato water, however, was exceptional, conveying genuine, earth-related flavours. The foie gras, chocolate and pear, was too sweet for my personal tastes, with an insufficient amount of sauce to balance the flavors. The Carnaroli rice with lobster, lime and mint disappointed with its flavor which was more reminiscent of a parmesan and lemon risotto than a gourmet dish. Fortunately, the red mullet in a bread crust stuffed with lard and herbs was a real highlight. As for the dessert, "Among the gardens of Sorrento", it was acceptable, although the sorbet was a little sparse compared to the amount of white chocolate and "crumbled biscuit" underneath it. The service was overall friendly, although I would have appreciated more involvement from the chef, which could have made the experience more personal. Breakfast the next morning was another small disappointment. Although the staff was evidently limited, I expected more attentive service, we wanted to ask for bread, but no one appeared to fulfill this request. Furthermore, the lack of communication and details regarding what we had been served added a touch of dissatisfaction. In conclusion, despite the courtesy and kindness shown by the staff, the overall experience unfortunately did not meet our expectations. Thank you anyway for the opportunity and the experience offered.

Having neither the skills nor the knowledge, much less the authority, to review a starred restaurant, I would like this to be rather a thank you and an appreciation for the experience lived, starting from the location of the restaurant which offers an unprecedented view of the hills and beauties in the surroundings of San Paolo d'Argon, especially with the evening lights. The landscape is counterpointed by the modern style of the restaurant, perfectly integrated into the woods. The warmth of the restaurant inside is nothing other than the reflection of the dedication and passion of the chef, his partner and all the staff, who with seriousness, professionalism and friendliness, know how to guide you in the chef's idea of cuisine. An idea that obviously passes through the 4 tasting menus. "La Terra", a meat menu, is characterized by the strong and decisive flavors of the main ingredients themselves (snails, sweetbreads, duck...), but "domesticated" by skilful combinations with other components, such as vegetables, sauces, cooking diversified, etc. A meal that will not just be a meal, but an experience through the harmony that simple ingredients can create if combined expertly. This is why the price is justified: you don't pay for "a dinner", you pay for the knowledge that produced it and which is then passed on to those who try it.

Finally the first starred restaurant where the chef accepted my problematic food requests and fully satisfied them. excellent service, hospitality and kindness and the location where I was able to spend the night peacefully with an awakening rewarded by a rich savory breakfast, as I requested. The atmosphere of the surrounding countryside, the cheerful sound of the bell tower, were a perfect combination for a regenerating weekend. It is definitely one of my favorite places. To be retired!!!

This restaurant deserves much more than just the one star that, for now, the famous guide has decided to award it. There is passion on the part of chef De Martino, and his wife, in managing the restaurant. The environments are very well looked after, the service is equally so. The dishes are refined, with Neapolitan influences, as per the chef's origins. Exceptional desserts, sublime panettone. ... I returned a year later, finding the same accuracy and passion. Well done!