In the never-ending search for great food at a reasonable price, location isn’t necessarily an obstacle. As long as the combination of quality food at a great price is met, most people won’t care about where the restaurant is located.
That’s exactly how I felt the day I stumbled upon Le Pertiche. It’s an unassuming little restaurant and bistro bar located in the second floor of the Cone shopping center in Conegliano, Italy.
Yes, a shopping center. Not the typical location to find great food. But this place is a diamond in the rough.
The restaurant offers a variety of menu choices that rotate daily, and the presentation resembles food stands at malls in the U.S.
You pick a combination of a main entree, side dishes from the available selection, drinks and dessert.
The choices are usually extensive, and range from local Italian pasta favorites such as spaghetti and meatballs, to meat lasagna, to fish prepared both grilled and fried, to very large, almost porterhouse-sized T-bone steaks, chicken, pork entrees and plenty of fixings.
What amazed my family was the size of the steaks and the price we paid for them. Typically, at most restaurants around this area, you can expect to pay anywhere from 20 to 30 euros for a 10-ounce steak. At Le Pertiche, a full meal with the steak, side dishes and drinks costs between 11 and 13 euros.
My daughter got fish as her main entree. The portion she was given was plentiful and came with sides. My 4-year-old son wanted pasta, so we ordered cheese-stuffed ravioli. The cheese was fluffy and the pasta was cooked perfectly.
Our steaks were cooked at a medium temperature and were delicious. We paid 57 euros for dinner for the four of us.
Many locals like eating at Le Pertiche during lunch because they have big sandwiches and salads at very affordable prices. In the mix of fast food offerings and coffee bars, the restaurant stands out.
In addition to all the food, Le Pertiche also has a juice bar where you can get freshly made fruit and vegetable smoothies. The dessert selections along with various gelato flavors add to the overall experience of this unassuming yet surprisingly great little restaurant.
Address: Via S. Giuseppe, 25, 31015 Conegliano TV, ItalyHours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. -9 p.m.; Sunday 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Hours might differ, especially during local holidaysPhone: +39 0438 369306Food: Pastas, steak, chicken, pork, fish; sandwiches, saladsDrinks: Limited beer and alcoholic beverage selection; normal selection of bottled drinks, juice and coffeePrices: About 10 to 14 euros ($12 to $16) for most mealsDress: CasualMenu: Italian only. Most of the workers understand enough English to help out. Takeout available.