I'm in two minds about the stars definitely more than a three but perhaps not a solid 4.
We had a good meal here, just two of us, and the first thing that struck us at 8pm on a Saturday night was that it was barely half full. We were here on a groupon deal so obviously they were trying to attract trade.
The service was prompt and courteous, the attentiveness may have been because the waiting staff looked a little underworked!
Our starters were OK, I had chargrilled squid and aubergine cooked well, good chargrilled flavour but the squid itself was not that flavoursome a good squid tastes slightly sweet but this one had no hint of sweetness. My partner had bruschetta which she said was fine but again not the tastiest and there were little chunks of garlic in it we are used to bruschetta where the garlic is merely wiped on the bread.
Main courses were very good though, I had grilled king prawns on a saffron risotto the prawns were really well cooked with a great taste and there were plenty of them! The risotto was just al dente and again with a really good flavour.
My partner has seafood linguine and she said it was one of the best seafood pastas she had ever had. It was loaded with seafood and the pasta was cooked well and the flavour was really good. It was a big portion as well and she couldn't finish it.
I had a panna cotta for dessert and accompanied it with a home made fortified wine both were good.
Because we were here on groupon it was quite reasonable but I think full price might be a bit steep maybe that was what was putting people off.
This is no cheap and cheerful Italian restaurant, it is trying to be classy and upmarket. It is nearly there but perhaps a little more attention to the starters and the pricing will see people flocking through the doors.
If you live in Wanstead, or close by, I'd give it a go and see what you think, it is worth the effort. read more