Villa Crespi - Via Fava, 18 28016 Orta San Giulio Novara, Italy

There were too many photos to put this in my orginal post and so I have done a dedicated post. There were so many highlights that it is hard to know where to start. The amuse bouche were so extensive I have 5 photos, but have not listed them all here. The savoury macaroons were unbelievable as were the breads that accompanied them. The oyster was fresh and delicious, however the fish that stood out was the red mullet, it was melt in the mouth. The tuna was divine, I usually avoid it as it is close to being endangered and also has a high mercury content, but this was a exception and was worth it. I loved the raviloi pasta with beef tartar but the bottega pasta was slightly grainy, it was the only dish that I wouldn't order again. By the time the meat came around, although of no lesser quality, I could not enjoy it as much due to the sheer volume of food we had already eaten.  However the petits fours need a mention; plentiful, delicate and scrumptious. However should have probably done what our neighbours did and taken them away to enjoy when we were less full.

Villa Crespi

Service was imaculate throughout, but also not too formal. We enjoyed conversations with the maitre'd as well as our neighbours from Basel. The tables were private and looked on to a beautiful garden, it would have been great to sit outside but I understand to maintain service and food standards that may have been difficult.

Bread

Amuse Bouche

Tuna Oyster with beetrootRed mulletPrawn tartare

Pasta with bottegaRavioli with tartare

Seafood medleyKid

Strawberries with Cream inside the golden ballPetits fours

Pastries Cake with anniversary message