Madonnella Agricola

The setting was lovely, a typical countryside agriturismo with a big park, farmhouse, and a cosy patio looking out toward the olive trees. Our table was nicely set up. The pool was closed for refurbishment, though, and the place was hard to find: no signs, just an anonymous closed gate. We only found where to ring because a local told us. I went with two friends on a Saturday when they were open as a restaurant too. We booked for three, and were asked to pay €35 each in advance without seeing a menu or getting any real details beyond “Vegetarian Brunch.” For €105 we received three sliced bruschettas with goat cheese, pickled onions and raw peas; six small rice balls, three basil and nut and three saffron, with pea purée; a bowl of salad with green leaves, radish and raw fava beans; three little tarts, perhaps yogurt and strawberry; and three coffees. The meal was disappointing, inadequate, and not enough food. We couldn’t understand the idea behind the dishes. Most of the vegetables were raw and seemed simply put on the plate, and there was clearly little cooking. Service was irritatingly slow and gave us little information about what was being served. When the rice balls came, we were told to figure out which was which ourselves. We spent two and a half hours there because the courses took so long to arrive, not by choice. There were only two other people when we got there, then three more arrived. We left shocked, upset, and hungry, and had to go for an aperitivo right after. I can’t comment on the place’s other services, but I won’t return. We made the mistake of paying ahead without a menu or a clear list of what we’d get. The Google page also didn’t have many food photos, so we missed a couple of warning signs. I’d strongly advise asking for a detailed, complete list before paying. Good luck.