Locanda Donna Laura

It's a shame this place exists at all. They confirmed a Booking.com reservation 10 days earlier, then canceled after ACDC tickets went on sale, saying they’d be working during that period. I’m reporting them to the consumer protection association over what I see as unfair practices. I hope they fail.

The Booking price was €770 and the place showed as available. When I called, the owner said he had to phone some other people who’d asked about it, then promised to call me back the next evening. He never did. The following day, Booking showed a price of €1,770, a full €1,000 more. The owner was dishonest, or maybe just crafty. I’ll leave it to readers to judge.

With only a few tables, it’s best to book ahead, and there’s indoor parking. The service was good and very helpful; the menu was enjoyable, with plenty of seafood choices, and the wine list was decent. The view over the Imola hills is lovely. Inside, it feels like a playful, carefree place from the early 1900s, as if D'Annunzio might come over to take your order or a fascist leader might sit at the next table, meant in a positive way. A few jarring color touches do spoil the look.

The mini canederli starter and homemade cookies with melted chocolate were especially lovely, among the delicious dishes the owner served us. They greeted us with real courtesy and attention to detail. It’s a charming, welcoming little restaurant tucked into the quiet hills of Imola, with a splendid view. There aren’t many tables, so you need to reserve.