I feel quite excited about writing this review I have read so many fiercely opposing opinions on…read morethe Tuscan Kitchen in Rye that I am itching to join the fight, and I'll tell you now - I am firmly flying the Tuscan flag! We booked a table courtesy of a recommendation, and from reading several very glowing reviews. The trattoria (NOT restaurant) is located on a quaint cobbled street in the charming Sussex town of Rye and is in fact housed within what used to be a very olde worlde teashop! This incongruous setting is your first indication that any preconceived ideas should be left at the door. You're in for an unexpectedly wonderful experience. Looking beyond the low beams and memories of cream teas and doilies, the trattoria is simply arranged with wooden tables, paper napkins and lovely blue glasses from Italy. Don't expect interior design - it is all about the food (although the plates and mugs have all been imported from Italy and had me lusting after them). Loving Italian food I was very excited about the meal and the intoxicating smell of truffles as you walk through the door only heightened the anticipation. Jen, the charming owner, brought us some wine (we just asked her to choose - it was excellent) and some bread and oil to eat while we decided what to order. This was the first teaser for our taste buds. The olive oil had an incredible taste and was made with olives from their own grove in Italy. Ask nicely and they might sell you some - it really is worth it! After salivating over the menu it was time to order. Everything looked delicious but I plumped for Insalata Invernale (a winter salad of pear, blue cheese, walnuts and Tuscan honey) followed by Ravioli Porcini (homemade ravioli in wild mushroom sauce) and finished off with Pollo All 'Aceto Balsamico (strips of chicken in Chianti and aged balsamic, grilled with radichio and truffle oil). My Better Half chose the Antipasto followed by Tuscan meatballs, culminating with beef fillet with a white truffle sauce. It was clear we were in for the long haul; but we were ready! Our food was incredible. It took its time in arriving but that was no matter as we were enjoying the Tuscan wine, the atmosphere and our host's conversation. We really felt as though we were enjoying a home cooked meal in their kitchen in Italy (hence the name of the restaurant as Jen pointed out!). The salad was delicious, and confirmed what I had heard that Franco and Jen source their ingredients from either Tuscany or quality local producers - the flavours and textures really were superb. The antipasto was also great, and could have easily fed two. Before our pasta course arrived we were treated to some truffle honey with Italian hard cheese. This is possibly the most amazing thing I have ever eaten. It felt so decadent, like you were eating something incredibly expensive, I think I'm going to name it liquid gold! Swooning over the truffle honey happily occupied the time waiting for our pasta. Every dish is made to order and comes to your table piping hot, in a reassuring way, letting you know it has been made for you and you alone. It's no surprise that the pasta dishes were delicious but we were both getting a little full and made a mental note that next time we come we'll skip the pasta course and head straight to the meat (unless we haven't eaten for two days previously). Again, no surprise for guessing but our meat course was sensational. Better Half managed to eat all of his, but I have to admit I was a little defeated by my delicious chicken (we had only just finished a full English Breakfast a few hours before)! At this point I should also point out that the "closed" sign was put up on the door. There were only 3 tables being served but Franco and Jen know when to stop. With only Franco in the kitchen they just can't serve up the quality food that they take pride in if the trattoria is overly crowded. There were no complaints from us - it felt like a lock-in in a secret, member's only restaurant! Desert looked enticing but was flatly refused by both of us. Better Half still had room for some 40% grappa though, so it was clear who was driving back to London. Talking of London, I can't stress enough that the quality of food we enjoyed in Rye completely surpassed any experiences of Italian food I have had in London. The prices are also a nice change from London (particularly considering the generous portions), with the meat course averaging at £14.95. In order to digest our food we sat and chatted to Jen and Franco for sometime about their business. They've received a little bit of negative press from customers who have not understood the concept of the Tuscan Kitchen, so here are a few tips! Arrive hungry, with time to spare. It is part of the Slow Food Movement which should give you a clue to ethos behind the food. Don't feel obliged to eat every course - unless of cause you have a huge appetite in which case lucky you! Sit back,

This restaurant is a GEM tucked into a small spot in Rye. The couple who owns it brought their time…read morein Italy to the streets of Rye and we couldn't be more lucky. The pasta is extraordinary. The ribboleta is worthy of Italian Grandma approval. And their wine list is unique and took us back to our time in Florence. A MUST if you love great italian food

Not bad at all. Some really great smells linger out from this restaurant. I have been here a couple…read moreof times and I am always satisfied and happy with the bill too! The staff are friendly and the food always tastes fresh and like effort has been made to prepare it!

Superb food in delightful surroundings and at honest prices! and worth Michelin stars…read more... A last minute impulse led us to join my son and his partner at the Alexandra Ristorante in Ramsgate, for our 31st December 2017 late dinner. And what a surprise was in store for us all as none of us had been there before. Our new-year's dinner turned out to be our best 2017 restaurant experience and the best Italian restaurant we have been to, over the past 30 years! What a find indeed... Although late for our 21:30 table, we were very warmly welcomed in the Alexandra Ristorante delightful and spoteless surroundings. We savoured every bite and minute we had until we left at 23:45. The setting was perfect for our New-Year's eve celebration: a homely environment, in the heart of Ramsgate harbour. The Alexandra Ristorante building is indeed unique. The tables are tastily set, in a welcoming and stylish simplicity.. Quiet music provided a pleasant background to our family get-together. The perfect Italian atmosphere oozing peaceful charm... As for the food... well as a French accomplished cook myself, I like the best and I was not disappointed... The menu offered a wide variety of options, including a good range of delicious vegeterian dishes. Our food was served with care by the owners who clearly take great delight in pleasing their guests and much pride in preparing the best of Italian traditional food. Every dish we picked was exquisitely presented, in generous portions, home-made with fresh and high-quality ingredients, and so so so tasty!!! Italian food at its best.... All dishes were very reasonably priced and our three-course New-Year's eve meals with drinks cost us just under £25 per person. Very well done John: your food is scrumptious and your prices are honest!!! A big thank you to you, family and staff for making our late New Year's eve a really unexpected treat, despite Ramsgate Harbour fireworks being cancelled due to strong winds... We left your restaurant into the wet and cold seaside air, with a warm heart and happy tummies! We will definitely be back in 2018 with family and friends to enjoy your special food, drinks and surroundings!

I got stuck in the middle of the British country side and the B&B I ended up at highly recommended…read morethis place. I would come back jut to eat here. I was raised partly in Italy and this was some of the best Italian food I've had in 15 years of visiting the U.K. since I graduated Uni there. An Italian family own and operate the place and they're hospitality is second only to the food. Absolutely amazing meal, just tell them what you don't like and they'll bring the rest. I wish I could give them more stars. I will share some of the photos from the beautiful evening I spent on the patio. I just wish I had a lover with me to share the experience with.

Wonderful food and ambience; enjoyed a Negroni, Barbera d'Asti, pizza and pork cutlets parmigiana…read more Also good service and overall hospitality

Great authentic Italian restaurant real treat not to go to a chain and have the feel of a family…read morerun restaurant with great food and atmosphere.

This beautiful, family run restaurant is run in such a beautiful way. Real Italian food from the…read moreVeneto region in Italy and a huge emphasis on friendly service and comfy surroundings. There's loads to choose from on the anti-pasti (starters) menu and last time I ate there I had the Insalata Caprese which was actually quite filling. For main, I highly recommend the Pappardelle Cinghiale which is pasta with a wild boar meat sauce. You can't find that in many places around here and its one of my favourites. Try it with their house red wine and you won't be disappointed!

The cricket season will soon be with us up at the Castle, which will mean more frequent visits to…read morethe Osteria during the lunch break. What better place to be.Lovely castle, lovely town therefore lovely Pappardelle's! I am an Espresso addict, and it has to be a double, whereas my wife likes the Lemon and Ginger tea here. Whatever your preference this place has it all.. Recommend the Pesccatore sandwiches(salmon, spring onions and creme freche), you should be warned that these can lead to severe addiction as they are mmmmmmmmmmmm! Follow these by a Pain Raisin/Choc and you will have difficulty not having another one. If you do, you will have even greater problems getting back up to the cricket ground!! Can't wait.then go anytime, you'll enjoy it!!

Visiting my parents from DC I was extremely happy to find that Tenderden has a great new addition…read moreto the restaurant scene. I had a Caesar salad and then their ravioli. Both were excellent! The staff was really friendly too!

Loving the Sicilian series Montalbano , and at least one member of our family having visited…read moreSicily.....we just had to book a table at the restaurant Montelbano in Tenterden. We weren't disappointed........The Restaurant is delightfully appointed, The staff friendly and attentive as only the Italians know how....and the cuisine excellent. The chef makes a point of making sure your culinary needs are met with his obvious love of his profession . We have yet to make it to one of their *event nights*....but we look forward to doing so and introducing friends to this very professional and unique restaurant in the heart of the Weald

I'm in lockdown- it's my Birthday- I usually go to Mamma Mia - so on the off chance I look at the…read moreweb site and see we can collect food - I was sceptical thought we might get small portions or lukewarm food - THEY DID NOT DISAPPOINT! My word it was every bit as good as the dine in meals we've had, my house smelled amazing before we even plated up and my cats went mad! Everything was delicious- if possible I love them even more now x thank you Natalya and all the Mamma Mia staff working so hard as always x

Beautifully located Italian restaurant with attentive service graciously provided by the bustling…read morehostess who was training another waitress in Italian! Perfectly poised on the High Street near the Castle, this meal was a feast for royalty. Excellent, unique preparations of well executed dishes. The special starter of buffalo mozzarella with sun-dried tomatoes had the right balance. The lasagna as well as delectable baked spinach and ricotta crepes arrived piping hot in a ceramic dish. Pretty linens, warmth, and delectable choices all added to the ambiance. Did I mention basket of plants lining the interior walls? Bellissimo!!

An incredible and authentic Italian restaurant. Everyone one on staff was so friendly and our…read morewaiter was in the top five I have ever had.

Service was amazing. Very nice wine list. I had the small plate spaghetti vongole and loved it!…read more Also the pizzas are amazing. Very authentic. Nice vibe overall. Will definitely be back!

I ordered ham and mushroom pizza and the chef started licking the cheese , the pizza was soggy…read moreafter it. I had to wait 78 minutes and 12 seconds just to get my drink. i would rate it 5 stars if he licked my pizza more

Really great pizza and a cozy atmosphere. This meal was such a treat after a long day of touring!read more