You might not ordinarily think of going to a local hotel for your meals and entertainment, but think twice when it comes to the new Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles. It is a stunning display of architecture and design with amazing decor and artwork throughout. Although they offer accommodations for travelers in their 171 guest rooms, they also encourage locals to enjoy their amenities and grounds including their fabulous restaurant, Cello Ristorante.
This Tuscan style hotel is abound with unique design features with every detail well thought out. Perusing through the halls you will see a display of incredible artwork, woodwork and furniture that is nothing short of museum worthy. Their lobby entrance is quite impressive yielding an iron laden winding staircase, an elegant glass chandelier that transitions with color and a simply displayed seating area hosting an interesting fireplace design. Their Piazza Magica is the courtyard in the middle of the hotel, adorned with a beautiful fountain, robust fire pits and plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the glorious weather of the Central Coast.
Right off the lobby, you will find their restaurant, Cello, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have stopped in for cocktails, lunch and dinner and have enjoyed each experience. Still a work in progress, they have done the most important things quite well and continue to improve. They treat each customer with care and attention ensuring you feel welcome. In my book, that puts them half way there already!
The dinner menu offers a few select items in each category including pizza and pasta, focusing on seasonal fresh produce. They have a full bar where they craft some of their own custom drinks, one of which has become my very favorite; their blood orange martini!
I have noticed that the chef certainly excels in some areas to the highest degree! While dining for lunch, I requested a side salad with my turkey burger and it was the freshest, most stunning side salad I have ever been served.
Both of my dining experiences have included their soups; once upon request and once as a chef’s gratuity, which I found to be both charming and generous. I am what I consider to be a “soup connoisseur”, and I think that these were two of the best soups I have ever eaten. Not to mention, that they serve them in adorable crocks that come covered to keep them warm. (and adorable!)
Also on the top of the list for the kitchen is their attention to produce with their entrees. I ordered a Rack of Lamb. It came with two double chops, enough for me, but possibly a light portion for some. However, their generosity on the rest of the plate was overwhelming and delicious. It is how we should eat, and how I like to eat so it was a home run for me! My dish included perfectly tender crisp baby carrots, succulent roasted golden beets, aromatic butternut squash puree and wild mushroom risotto with lentils and whole roasted mushrooms; a true delicacy!
Here were other entrees at our table:
Both dishes were enjoyed immensely. And although I did enjoy the rest of my lunch when I dined there, I might have made a few small tweaks. I felt the turkey burger was seasoned too heavily considering the saltiness of the capers that garnished the top of it. I also guessed that the potatoes were not house made and therefore left a bit to be desired.
I encourage you to take a trip out to Allegretto and enjoy the beautiful addition to Paso Robles. I certainly intend to visit again soon to enjoy another blood orange martini and see what new soups they are cooking up next!