It’s not too difficult to drive right by Al Lido without realizing it’s even there. There aren’t any large neon signs outside. There’s a dirt parking area across the street that’s often full. (Photos by Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
It’s not too difficult to drive right by Al Lido without realizing it’s even there. There aren’t any large neon signs outside. There’s a dirt parking area across the street that’s often full. (Photos by Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
There always seems to be plenty of customers in the main dining room of Al Lido, one of the best-known restaurants in Pordenone, Italy, when it comes to seafood. ()
The origins of the largest city near Aviano Air Base date before recorded history. But its name, changed a bit with the passing of time, originally meant "river port."
The Meduna River stills runs through Pordenone, but it’s not really suitable for ships coming from the Adriatic anymore.
That doesn’t mean local residents have to make the hour or so drive to the coast to eat fresh seafood, though. One of the most popular local options for seafood is Al Lido, a trattoria/bar/pizzeria on the southern outskirts of the city’s downtown.
The three categories that go with the name might be a bit confusing. A trattoria is generally a family-run restaurant somewhat cheaper and more casual than a ristorante. A bar is similar to an American coffee shop, with alcohol thrown in. Pizzerias, as expected, sell pizza.
Al Lido does have elements of all three. It offers casual dining — you’ll be sitting pretty close to other tables and have to raise your voice to talk to your dining companions. It offers a variety of drinks from Pepsi to locally produced wines. And there are about 40 combinations of toppings for pizzas on the menu.
But it might be simpler to just think about one word: fish. Supplied by fishermen who venture into the Adriatic Sea and then port atCaorle, the restaurant has been offering a variety of seafood since 1997. A group of friends started the restaurant then and they’re still running the place today.
Grilled fish is the specialty. Expect to see the entire fish on your plate when you’re served. It also comes fried or in a variety of pasta and rice dishes. But there are almost as many options for those who prefer to dine on land-based animals. And there are some options for vegetarians as well.
The menu is broken down into appetizers, first courses and second courses featuring a choice of meat or seafood offerings. Seafood options are generally a bit more expensive than the meat options, though the most expensive item on the menu is a steak that runs 30 euros a kilogram.
Portion sizes are larger than average, and prices are relatively cheap. So it’s possible for a hungry couple with large stomachs to have appetizers, drinks, first and second courses and desserts for less than 50 euros. That includes the 1.50-euro per person cover charge.
Those who are not so hungry can expect to swim away with a bill far less than that.
Address: Via San Giuliano 55, Pordenone, Italy
Directions: From Pordenone’s main train station, continue south toward the fairgrounds (fiera). But take a left at the traffic circle. The restaurant is about a block to the right, just past the church. A dirt parking lot is across the street.
Clientele: Mainly Italian families, friends or couples, with a mix of visitors from other countries, thanks to a nearby conference center. Some English spoken.
Food: Seafood, grilled, fried or in various pasta dishes. There are also options for those who prefer red meat or vegetarian fare. And about 40 pizza options.
Prices: Pizzas from 3.80 to 7 euros, appetizers from 2.50 to 8.50 euros, first courses from 4.50 to 7 euros, second courses from 4.50 to 14 euros, side dishes from 1.50 to 6 euros and desserts from 2.50 to 3.50 euros.
English: English-language menu on request.
Phone: 0434-208829. Reservations recommended on weekends or for large groups.
Web site: None.
