BR Briefs – Lunch at L’Asino d’Oro

After many failed attempts this summer, I finally had lunch at L’Asino d’Oro.

It took two months to finally get a taste of L’Asino d’Oro as there were closed in the month of August and this afternoon, as I was meeting a friend for lunch and we were in that neighborhood,  I suggested L’Asino d’Oro.

We got early at 12.45pm and were told to wait another 15 minutes as they weren’t ready yet. I was worried they would tell me they are closed again! This third time around, I got lucky and was able to try their €12 lunch menu.

We started with an amuse bouche of a crostini with lemon-flavored ricotta which was courtesy of the chef.  It was light and a very refreshing start to the meal. This was followed by the passata di fagioli e verdure (bean and vegetable soup) that was very hearty and flavorful.  So much so that I would have been happy with a few more spoonfuls.

When the ravioloni came, I was a surprised to see only two ravioloni on the plate. I know ravioloni is a bigger version but felt that the portions sizes could have been a bit bigger. I loved the arrabbiata sauce and it somehow tastes sweeter than others I have tried before.  As with the ravioloni, we only got two average size meatballs.

The quality of food here is unquestionably good but keep in mind that since the lunch menu is only €12, don’t except huge servings. For me, it was the right amount of food for lunch that wouldn’t require me to take a nap to recover but for my husband, he would have walked out hungry.

There was a crowd there but no lines that would require you to wait. The service was fast and if you a sweet-tooth, they have a dessert menu at an extra cost. We checked it out and the desserts were €6. That’s a lot considering the whole lunch costs €12.

I wouldn’t say it’s a deal because I had a €12 three-course lunch menu in Barcelona which included water/beer and coffee and the portions were more. What I like though, is that I got a variety which were all delicious at a decent price.

I would definitely come back here for lunch with girlfriends and probably not with my husband as I am sure he will express his disappointment in the serving size. It would be considered a deal if servings were a bit more than just two ravioloni and you walked out wondering why you didn’t hold back on the bread.

However, that’s not going to stop me from having dinner at L’Asino d’Oro with my husband and hopefully their portions will be more generous then.