Vela d'Oro - Rogliano

Had been checking that La Vela D Oro, was rated as the best. Its true, after 5 days in Macinaggio, and having been through several others, no discussion. We like lobster, and decided to choose, this. The owner tooak me to his bassin and showed me which lobster, he recommended. It was great. But also essential to mention is the atmosphere, the position at the back side of the buldings , we enjoyed. so you can guess , where we had out last dinner. before returning home, was. Correct at La Vela D Oro. ps the software dont accetpt any stars.

La Vela D’Oro is tucked away in a back street but well signposted from the ‘boules’ square. The unprepossessing entrance leads to a sizeable inside dining room and a further attractive outside dining room under a canopy. The restaurant specialises in fresh langoustine, the creature being brought live to the table before cooking. As well as a la carte, there is a three course langoustine menu at €58. However we were cheapskates and had the set €20 fish menu of fish soup with all the accompaniments, fried fish with vegetables and a pud. House wine was only €13 and drinkable. Overall €53 for the two of us was good value for a good but not memorable supper.

Excellent seafood, we went twice as a family, great grilled fish and langouste as well as fish soup. Fish menu and langouste menu are worth recommendation. Kids loved the desert fondant au chocolat

This is one of the most expensive “restaurants” in Macianaggio and the standard is a little higher than others in the area. The menu is quite limited and the dishes are just plain simple. Charcoal grilled prawns, lobster, steak or fish is all you get really. Starters are 11 14 euros and are in my opinion better than the mains. My partner had moules marinara which was nice and cost 11 euro, I had moules farcie also 11 euro and my son had the fish soup which was OK and again about 11 euro. For mains we had Swordfish steak 24 euro, Prawns with parsley 26 euro and prawns with pasta in tomato sauce 22euro. They were nice enough but nothing to write home about. When I finished my main I stepped out back to where the charcoal grill was to have a cigarette and attempted a polite conversation with a local man who spoke no English. It was at this point that the cook started talking to the local and upon hearing me speaking English must’ve assumed I could not understand French. He was wrong although not great I do have a basic understanding and was surprised to hear him refer to me as “napoleon”. I asked him if he had just called me napoleon because of my height and he said yes. The local man then told the cook (I say cook because he just operates a grill) that I was English and the cook then said that there were only pubs in England not restaurants. I corrected him as there are many fine restaurants in England serving food from around the world including French and Italian. He said there were many Italian restaurants but that French were the best. I agreed and then I pointed out that the French restaurants in England were far superior to his grill and left. This was a shame as the rest of the staff were really friendly and helpful. This restaurant is good for the area but in reality it is at best just OK. It is lucky in that the seafood it’s ingredients are fresh and local but they don’t really do any complex cooking. The best meals to be had in this part of Corsica are the ones you cook yourself with food from the local shops sadly.

Location is unimpressive but is compensated by the very friendly service. My soup and lobster were both excellent, however mussels were a bit disappointing. Good overall.