La Porta - ISOLA DEL GIGLIO

We strolled in out of season and mid-afternoon in the hope of a late lunch. After some entertaining wrangling between the proprietor and his chef we were invited to take a seat in the richly decorated restaurant, with unexpected panoramic sea views back across to the mainland. We were offered a few off the cuff selections from the menu and were not disappointed! The spaghetti with clams was cooked to perfection, and the wild boar tagliatelle simply stunned. All this topped off with a glass of complimentary Limoncello from the charming hostess. One of the best, and most unexpected, dining experiences of our trip.

We went here last night for food with my Husband assuring me the steak is fantastic. I don't eat red meat so this was rather wasted on me! The service was fantastic throughout our evening so top marks for that. Starters was a pork skewer which for €10 I expected more than 1 skewer with 3 tiny rolls of pork on. It had cream cheese inside which was a bit strange but not unpleasant. The main course I had prawns which looked and tasted beautiful. The highlight of the meal without a shadow of a doubt. I tasted a little bit of my husband steak and I think it's veal rather than aged meat. Nevertheless it was tasty enough. Dessert I had crema Catalana which had either been microwaved or blow torched. It consisted of a pressed egg mixture around the side which was then runny in the middle with too much crunchy brown sugar all over it. If there was no sugar however, there would have been no taste. Not the best overall experience I've ever had in terms of the actual food but there was some good points. I would go back but I wouldn't be expecting much.

Nice little restaurant. Had a few locals in when we arrived. Had lunch at 11.30 which was no problem for them so had a choice of the seats. We sat at the window overlooking the port and the costa Concordia wreck. Ordered spaghetti which was good but a bit too al denta for me but very tasty. Service was good and value was not to bad.

Both the owners joined my friends and I after a wonderful dinner for some really fine wines. An excellent selection, great service and superb local cuisine.