Peter M.
Yelp
Sad to relate, based on personal experience I can only give the Baretto a middling rating. Why? Absolutely lousy, indifferent, arrogant, poxy service.
The restaurant has one of the most desirable locations in Bergamo. San Vigilio is a district in its own right, even towering above the Citta Alta (High City) of Bergamo, reached only by a choice of calf-stretching hill climb, or funicular railway. Once there, arriving by road or rail, the Baretto stares you in the face. Its terrace overlooks the entire city. Its indoor rooms are stylish and comfortable. Its menus are tempting and boast of fresh produce.
At 11.30am we'd done enough walking and climbing to deserve a beer, even though the gun hadn't sounded. Baretto advertises itself as a Cafe-Bar-Ristorante, and its terrace looked inviting. An advance party of two sat at a six-seater outside table set aside for drinks (other tables were set for dining). Five beers were ordered. The three stragglers had to carry their own chairs from the bar, whilst the staff looked on smirkingly. No-one came our way for 25 minutes. We were still undecided on our lunch venue, so we thought a bottle of prosecco would help the decision-making process. I entered the bar and ordered it, in view of the lack of waiting personnel. We were left for a further 10 minutes. Then someone emerged to say that they would not be serving the prosecco, as from 12 noon it was dining only. No-one had the wit or intelligence to ask if we might be dining with them. We called for the drinks bill, but were then told to go up to the bar and pay there. We were caned a hefty 5 euros per small beer.
Two stars for the view. Such people do not deserve custom. Go to the Ristorante San Vigilio 20 metres across the road instead, where the great views are matched by faultless food and service.