Le Bocche - Portovenere

We got the mussels to start and they were good, after the mussels were cleared we sat for over an hour without our mains showing up, no one even came by. I stopped the waitress finally and asked she seemed unsure. The manager came over an apologized for the mistake and said they would be up in 5 minutes. We waited another 20 minutes after multiple tables got their food so I went to the bar to settle the tab for wait we had ate and drink and left as obviously they weren’t going to serve us.

We walked up with no reservation and asked for a table for two for Dinner. We were offered a table away from the view, at the entrance nearest to the construction site. We said no so the waiter offered us an inside seat when we wanted an outside dining experience given the location, weather and available choice of restaurants. When we said no again he offered us a prime table, outside with a wonderful view. Throughout our 2 hour experience there were a number of prime location, exterior tables available. We sat down and were not offered the chance to order water or an aperitif. After a while they took our order and the drinks water arrived. Our food arrived in good time and was excellent BUT the food was not hot and neither were the plates. We weren’t happy but couldn’t attract anyone’s attention. At no time did service check if we were content or if we needed anything. When the half full plates of now cold food were removed there was no query or comment. We asked for our bill but after 15 minutes there was no sign of it so I went to the bar to pay. The restaurant appeared to be well staffed in a restaurant operating to about 60% capacity but there was no eye contact with the staff and no circulation around the tables by the staff. These are basic failings. At the bar I quietly listed the failings I felt we had experienced and was forcibly told I could find other places to make me happy, they worked hard and it was my problem. I asked for the Manager or Owner who it transpired had been beside the aggressive server all along and he told me if I was angry to go elsewhere. I paid and left. Having had 4 days of excellent service in the mountains of Tuscany Italy needs to sharpen its offering in Liguria. POOR!

We passed our command at 9 p.m. We waited for an hour but because the price are especially high in this restaurant we thought this long time was due to the preparation of hand-made quality plates. After we have seen other customer been served we asked when we will be served, and the waiter just told us the cook forgott us (whereas we were in front of them for an hour). We just lost one hour and they barely apologized for it. I strongly don t recommend this restaurant.

Bello sulla scogliera ma nulla di che' per il cibo si sa il pesce se non è fresco qui!!!!

Ottima location e cibo buonissimo, servizio professionale