Locanda Lo Scudo

The food and service were fantastic, and the whole restaurant, from the decor to the atmosphere, made a great impression. Our server was incredibly helpful and adapted the dishes to what we liked, even putting together plates just for us. She spoke amazing English too, which you don’t often find in Italy, lol. It felt like being at home. If you’re in the area, this is the place for homemade food. Five stars.

The starter was exceptional, and the fish itself was outstanding. We had a pleasant evening, though there were so many vegetables with the main course that the fish became an afterthought. There was no menu, so the bill came as a surprise, although I could have expected the overall pricing if I’d known it. Dessert didn’t match the quality of the rest of the meal, and there wasn’t anything based on lemon or citrus, which would have been perfect after fish. We don’t drink alcohol, and paid over 130 euros for one starter to share, a main each, and one dessert.

We enjoyed the peaceful accommodation, and also stopped at the hotel for a seafood lunch. The staff were friendly, professional, and helpful throughout. We started with two succulent Gò de Fasolari oysters recommended by the wait staff, definitely worth a try if you like oysters. They went well with our Gin and Tonic starter drinks, as did the white anchovies in the restaurant’s herb and oil blend. The anchovies were light and delicious on bread, and I happily mopped up the oil. I also liked the roast octopus. We tried both pasta dishes on offer: tagliolini with red prawn tartare, lime butter, and mullet bottarga, and spaghettoni with clams and mullet bottarga. Both were excellent, with creamy pasta and deep umami flavors. The bottarga’s rich, savory notes made every bite better. I’m keen to explore it more as we travel through Italy. We paired lunch with another crisp Soave Classico. The flavors were beautifully simple, meant as high praise for chefs who understand their ingredients. Sharing a meal with people you love in a place like this makes memories for the future.

The price for the quality definitely earns five stars. It’s a good base for visiting Verona by car. The food is amazing, so book a table before you arrive.