Rigatoni Pasta with Eggplant (aubergine)

We found this restaurant through abillion in the centre of beautiful Sirmione. We sat outside under parasols in blistering heat. The outside garden is lakeside so we watched the boats taking off on tours around the Sirmione peninsula.

The restaurant was fairly expensive, this dish was listed as a vegan main for €18 - pricey for pasta, and was chosen by my husband. He also ordered the grilled vegetables for €7

It is described as “Rigatoni Pasta with eggplant (aubergine) on tomato pachino (cherry tomato) cream and basil pesto with coconut cheese.”

The grilled vegetables didn’t arrive, so we had to pin down the waiter who was busy and apologetic (maybe lost in translation) but when they finally arrived they were good. He enjoyed the meal and felt (for pasta and sauce) that the ingredients were considered and worked well.

It was a lovely place to have lunch - until we tried to pay, then we couldn’t get anyone’s attention. After a very long wait and much gesticulating we were brought the bill but no one came back with a card machine. We’d already had a relaxing lunch and were ready to leave so this actually wasted some of our precious time in the area. Finally, our waiter came to take our payment, but he didn’t appear to be very happy. Perhaps we were supposed to pay inside? - I don’t know. Anyway the end didn’t spoil the meal which was very nice but rather expensive overall.