After years of dining with just Isabelle and me, the opportunity finally arose to share a table with our sons and their lovely girlfriends. For such a special occasion, I chose Sotto Piano, a restaurant in Liège that I had often heard praised. With high expectations and a reservation for six, we embarked on what promised to be a memorable evening.
The Full Italian Experience: A Feast for the Senses
Sotto Piano offers a dining experience that’s as authentically Italian as you can get outside of Italy. We decided to go all in, savoring a full-course meal: antipasti, primi, secondi, and dolce. Our selections included:
- IL NOSTRO ANTIPASTO MISTO: A delightful assortment of classic Italian appetizers that set the tone for the evening. Each bite was a revelation, balancing flavors and textures beautifully.
- RISOTTO AGLI SCAMPI: This risotto was creamy perfection, with plump scampi adding a sweet, briny counterpoint to the richness of the rice.
- ORECCHIETTE ALLA RAGÙ DI VITELLO E POMODORINI GIALLI: A hearty dish with veal ragù that clung to the orecchiette, every mouthful a burst of savory satisfaction.
- FUSILLONI ARRABBIATA: The fusilloni was al dente, with just the right amount of heat from the arrabbiata sauce to make your taste buds dance.
- CANNELLONI CROCANTI DI RICOTTA E SPINACI: This crunchy yet tender cannelloni was a standout, the ricotta and spinach filling meltingly soft and flavorful.
- ESCALOPE ALLA LOMBARDA: Tender and succulent, this escalope was a classic dish executed with finesse.
- OSSO BUCO ALLA MILANESE: Rich and hearty, the osso buco was cooked to perfection, the meat falling off the bone with ease.
- IL PESCE DEL GIORNO: The fish of the day was fresh and expertly prepared, a testament to Sotto Piano’s commitment to quality.
- MOUSSE AL CIOCCOLATO: This chocolate mousse was decadently smooth, with just the right amount of sweetness.
- TORTINO AL CIOCCOLATO E CREMA INGLESE: A rich chocolate tortino, perfectly paired with a velvety crème anglaise, it was a dessert lover’s dream.
- CANNOLO ALLA SICILIANA: Crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside, this cannolo was a delightful end to our meal.
- PROFITEROL AL GELATO: Light choux pastry filled with ice cream, this was a refreshing finale that left us wanting more.
Service and Atmosphere: A Mixed Bag
The service at Sotto Piano was impeccable—timely, attentive, and appropriately discreet. Our waiter ensured our glasses were never empty and our plates arrived with a flourish.
However, the atmosphere left a bit to be desired. All diners were seated in one room, making it rather noisy and somewhat chaotic. It’s a pity, as a bit of acoustic separation could have turned the experience from enjoyable to perfect. A more serene setting would have allowed the flavors of the meal to shine even brighter.
Over-Generosity: A Double-Edged Sword
One unique aspect of Sotto Piano is its lack of a set menu; instead, diners are treated to generous portions of each course. While this ensures you leave with a full belly, it also results in a fair bit of food waste, especially if you opt for the full menu as we did. Despite the quality and taste, no one at our table could finish their secondi, and a few even skipped dessert altogether.
Final Thoughts: A Memorable Evening with a Few Hiccups
Our evening at Sotto Piano was an overall positive experience. The food was fresh, flavorful, and authentically Italian, offering good value for money. The service was on point, and despite the noisy atmosphere, we enjoyed our time together as a family.
Yet, the generosity of the portions, while commendable, led to a significant amount of waste, which left us a bit frustrated. It’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things, but one that highlights the need for a bit of restraint or perhaps a different dining strategy.
If you find yourself in Liège, Sotto Piano is well worth a visit—just come with a hearty appetite and maybe a plan to share!