Restaurant Spy

The décor is very subtle but evokes the warmth and familiarity of a small Italian restaurant in one of the better quarters of Milan or Florence. The masks on the wall by the kitchen and the prints add a touch of class and ‘Il Carnivale’. The staff are friendly and efficient, with the manager in particular having a very easy way with all the clientele. The menu has recently changed and includes more fish dishes. There is a very good selection of pastas which can be had either as a starter or main course, and a tempting selection of steaks and veal dishes. The pizza are large, filling and ‘top heavy’. The cooks certainly do not skimp on the ingredients. The quality of these can only be likened to those found in the non-tourist pizzeria of Italy and Istria. It may be better to order one between two unless you have a big appetite! My only complaint about the food would be that the exceedingly good insalata de la mama (artichoke hearts, peppers and parmesan shavings on a bed of crisp leaves) is no longer on the menu. However the side dishes are tasty and compliment the meats and fish very well. The wine list is not exhaustive and has a fine selection of both reds and whites that range across the spectrums of taste, body and price. The dessert menu has not changed and includes such favourites as tiramisu, sorbets and ice-creams, and crème brulee. A good range of liqueurs and spirits are stocked to finish your meal with a select range of the better whiskeys.

As well as sit-down dining, the restaurant also has a thriving takeaway business offering all the pasta and pizza from the main menu. Orders can be either given in person, or more conveniently phoned thru for collection. This restaurant is very good value for money with a good 2 course meal with wine and coffee or liqueur coming to around £25 a head. All-in-all a very pleasant place to enjoy a very satisfying meal in affordable style. The Gourmet Stomach