Ristorante a Tivoli, Avec55 | Gluten-free in Tivoli

Bre76
21/08/2025

5

There are places that inexorably, almost, "force you" to leave them a review, and I won't even be able to be brief. In Rome, we jokingly say "they take it out of your hands!" Obviously, this can have a double connotation: Extremely positive or extremely negative. Now, although I am not a "black belt" in reviews (meaning I leave them quite rarely), in this case I cannot refrain from doing it. In a positive sense, fortunately! We had a wonderful time in this restaurant! We found it by chance on "Gluto" (an app to find gluten-free locations nearby), during a visit for a special evening opening of Villa D’Este. I believe it's family-run, presumably by a father, mother, and son. We had made a reservation by phone, and upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the lady who almost motherly "scolded" us for not having informed them beforehand that there were two celiacs among the guests: "We would have had gluten-free homemade bread ready for you," she said, almost regretfully. Then we sat down, ordered, and everything arrived in perfect sequence and timing. Including the famous gluten-free bread, which in the meantime, had been specially prepared (in the end, it was just a matter of waiting a few more minutes to have it, but it arrived hot and delicious!). The young man who served us (whom I presume is the son) was friendly, smiling, available, and patient considering that besides the celiac issue, we also had a few other dietary restrictions, and there were two children who, although not spoiled or troublesome but rather well-mannered, still require a bit more patience and availability. The dishes, without going into specifics, were all extraordinarily good. Top quality ingredients (forgive the pun), plating, and refined seasonings but not "smoky" (meaning not made with ingredients that fill your mouth just by pronouncing them but that, in the end, are not as special as they seem on the menu). Everything was presented excellently, nouvelle cuisine style, without those excessively small portions that leave you needing to grab a sandwich from "Giggi 'o zozzone" because you’re still hungry. However, the portions were neither scant nor excessive; not a crumb was left on the plate, and we all left the restaurant satisfied but not "stuffed," which always indicates a good balance in seasonings and portions. Although it was not a certified AIC (gluten-free) establishment or at least I believe it wasn’t, the gluten-free dishes were excellent, with a decent selection and attention to contamination. Final notes: 1) The venue is small with relatively few tables, reservation recommended. 2) The night we were there (unfortunately, and I regret it for them) the place was empty with only our table present. This made the service almost "dedicated," and we felt even more pampered; however, I sensed that the service would not have suffered even if it were full. 3) I noticed a well-stocked wine cellar, but I don't drink, so I can't speak about the quality of the wines, but surely those who love a good glass will find something good to drink. 4) For the die-hard smartphone users and connection seekers, there is free Wi-Fi. In short, I believe that, fundamentally, this restaurant is run with a lot of love and passion for what is a complex job, especially in times where compulsive reviewing risks leading to negative opinions even for just a crumb out of place. For me, in essence, it is a highly recommended place, and I will gladly return every time the opportunity arises!

Gianfry
24/06/2025

5

A very pleasant discovery, practically the whole menu can be in gluten-free version. Excellent quality of food, welcoming service and also a good wine list. An excellent quality-price ratio should not be underestimated. I recommend it.