»November 29, 2003
Zerillo's 
ZERILLO'S
La Trattoria Italiana
Piata Lohavari 2
Tel: 0722 383 507
Zerillo's was our first real find. We sort of stumbled over it one day in June, only days after we've arrived in Bucharest. It's situated on Piata Lohavari which is near the end of Calea Dorobantilor. A nice 15 minute walk from our house.
Back in June, it was still hot and sticky and the nicest feature of the restaurant was the open terrace on the second floor. The entire floor is enclosed by glass doors which can be opened in warm weather. Oh, boy - it's heaven on a hot, humid day in Bucharest! On the first floor there is a nice fireplace for those winter days -- an all-season restaurant indeed.
In Your Pocket claims that Zerillo's has the town's largest antipasti selection. While I'm not so sure about that, I can vouch that they are excellent. We had very good crostini there in summer with oh-so-good tomatoes and just a week ago, an antipasti platter with a selection of their best and finest, all finger-licking yummy.
But wait before you fill yourself up on the appetizers and leave room for a main course! The portions are *big*, the salads are salads (if you know what I mean -- it's hard to find good salads in the Balkans) and I've yet to order something that I didn't sigh over with delight. The pasta is always al dente, a very important point in an Italian restaurant.
Finish with a panna cotta... finally a panna cotta that doesn't have the consistency of a brick. I heard the other desserts are also good but I always end up taking the panna cotta anyhow. It's just so good.
What's left? Oh, good wines, good service. The prices are high-ish for Romanian standards but the food is worth it.
Very recommended.
Posted by claudia at November 29, 2003 05:47 PM