Impero - MERANO

It was a hot day in Meran, had been doing a lot of walking, and finding that most of the restaurants we investigated for dinner seemed devoid of air conditioning, we decided upon the Impero This is just around the corner from where we were staying (Villa Sabine, Karl Wolff Strasse)……. There was an open are to the side, with a nice breeze blowing, a roof to keep the sun off, and canvas walls you could roll down if it started to rain (which it nearly did). It is advertised as Japanese Thai, and the menu had a very good selection. I did consider the sushi, but as it had been a very hot day, and we were driving back in the morning, decided to be a little cautious, and go for something easy I chose chicken with peanut sauce and rice. Nice, plain simple. The menu should not be a problem (it is in Italian and German, but there are pictures)and you have a choice of knife and fork, or chopsticks. Our server helped us to our table (only one other couple at that time) and took out beer order. The Ichiban was nice and cold, and helped to beat off the heat. Food came out, a nice sized portion with soft moist chicken, and well cooked rice. What it let it down for me was the peanut sauce. As it had billed itself as half Thai, I was expecting the thick, slightly spicy crunchy peanut sauce, that I am used to with Satay. What I got was a thin, slightly peanut tasting, creamy sauce with a few peanuts thrown in for good measure. For dessert I chose a banana fritter with coconut cream sauce. Batter was crunchy, sauce nice and gloopy, and a good match to the fritters. If the sauce had been as I was expecting, I would have said it was excellent, however to me, average is fair. Service was OK, food was OK, but did not blow me away, the beer was cold, and overall not too expensive. I might have to think about it a bit before I go back.

Excellent rice spaghetti. fast and kind service.

Excellent restaurant, outdoor garden, a stone's throw from the city center, pedestrian area. quality food, I always come back

Nice food from expectation! Remember to have a quick bite after a bike tour, we have so much fun both the food and the friendly service here. I am not convinced of Sushi in Italy, so I ordered only cooked dishes, everything we ordered was delicious, very good value for money!!!! I had 4 different dishes and especially the seafood spits love! Last but not least they have Asahi beer!!!! Love it.

Appropriately large Thai Japanese restaurant with an indoor area and protected outdoor area. The food (especially the soups) was fine, and there was a dedicated vegetarian side on the menu, but I was a little disappointed to see that there are no vegetarian sushi options available.