La Botteghina - PIOMBINO

I stopped by after a couple of decades of absence, and found out a restaurant with much expanded premises. The entrance counter is clearly targeted to tourists (vacuum packed charcuterie) and panino lovers. You can then walk into the air conditioned hall, a sort of fake old style tavern, or go outdoor and enjoy the summer heat and traffic noise from the nearby road (my choice). Had octopus entrée (fairly cooked, tender, but possibly jellish), clam spaghetti (good), and green salad (fresh and crunchy, however could improve the toppings). The menu has quite several choices indeed; my sample experience indicated that quality is not standard across servings, and that drove my gamble title. Mine was a off peak visit; having said that, the service was good, with fair waiting times, and very good staff service. Not sure I will repeat, just tempted by the traditional cacciucco fish soup.

Ambiente e servizio tipico da trattoria. La cucina è buona, anche se presenta qualche errore come peperoncini interi nelle portate e gamberi non puliti con il filo nero a vista.

We returned because of the excellent July dinner. But I don't know what to think. change kitchen or evening pampered in the kitchen! in July I left a 5, today air at 3. the bartender, perhaps the owner said that in the bathroom only one at a time went for the provisions. stock supplies! must accompany a child of 5 years. I didn't see the problem. Bah.