La Casitta

Apparently the restaurant also claims a few buoys in the bay, but there are no clear signs marking them. We parked at one and, the next morning, a bearded man showed up asking for 50 euros without any warning beforehand. When we told him it was a scam, truffa in Italian, he cried, shouted, and threatened us, and might even have had a seizure. We left the bay with our 50 euros and spent it elsewhere. The whole restaurant operation seems like a scam.

This tiny place has about eight tables, a helicopter pad, charming Mediterranean Italian character, and impeccable service. One of the main waiters, Sam, works as a Chateau Relais waiter in the winter. It’s an extraordinary spot, and don’t be surprised if Leonardo or Beyonce turns up. My wife and I had four drinks each, ten oysters, four langoustines and four shrimp to start, then lobster linguine for her and a local fish fillet for me. We finished with lemon sorbet, which was perfect in the heat. The bill came to $625. It certainly wasn’t inexpensive, but I thought it was worth the cost, especially for what they serve. I have to laugh at some of the reviews, since they seem to come down to the size of the check.

The food and service were miserable, while the prices were astronomical. For example, six grilled shrimp, oversalted and not fresh, cost 120 €, lobster pasta without any presentation was 150 €, and a regular bottle of Whispering Angel was 220 €, among other prices. The only people eating there seemed to be the owners’ family. This is an EU-funded project in a natural reserve that appears to cater only to the owners. Although it is officially a restaurant, I see it as a fake tourist establishment. Taxpayers are funding it when it could have been something truly wonderful for everyone. Avoid it and report it.

They ask for money after you park at a buoy they say belongs to them, though there’s no notice telling you that beforehand. In the morning they come over with a piece of paper that isn’t posted anywhere and demand payment. There are 20 empty buoys around, and parking there only takes about two minutes. It feels like they’re just taking your money.