"The menu is small, which I love. It features several small plate options ideal for tapas-style dishes or starters, along with a few pasta dishes, salads, and an enticing selection of pizzas. We opted for six small plates: creamy balls, calamari, pil-pil shrimp, creamy garlic mushrooms, spicy carrots, and meatballs. The meatballs were outstanding—light, soft, and bursting with flavor, topped with a luscious rich tomato sauce.
The creamy garlic mushrooms were delightful. The dough balls were surprisingly better than those at Pizza Express (though I could easily indulge in their garlic butter). The calamari was nice, but not among the best I’ve had. The potatoes were lovely—soft, slightly caramelized, and they carried a pleasant smoky flavor. The pil-pil shrimp were great, featuring sweet shrimp in a rich tomato sauce with garlic and a hint of chili, though it wasn’t truly a pil-pil.
For dessert, we tried two sensational options: tiramisu and caramel chocolate brownie. The tiramisu was light as a cloud, although it could have used a bit more soaked sponge. It was lovely, but I found myself wanting more of the sponge and a touch of the alcohol to balance the richness of the cream. The brownie was sweet, rich, and heavenly—mostly soft and gooey with a few firmer bits. While I think the brownie at Mr. Tanaka’s in Hertford is quite special, I’d say this one is even better. However, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream would be a nice addition to counter its richness.
We’ll definitely be coming back. It’s a beautiful place with a wonderful atmosphere. I’d rate the food a solid 4 out of 5, as most of the dishes were only lukewarm when served. However, the restaurant as a whole deserves a 5. It must be family-run, and it’s simply lovely."
