Al Trullo in East Dorset

Worst carbonara I’ve ever had. I don’t usually order this because so many places don’t know how to cook it properly but I thought I’d be safe in an Italian restaurant with such good reviews, but my main really was like a bland cream soup with boiled spaghetti floating in it. And with very pale and huge strips of bacon that looked boiled and very unappetising. Basically everything a carbonara shouldn’t be. It’s so frustrating when an Italian restaurant doesn’t know how to cook a classic Italian dish. However, the starter and pudding were fine and the rest of our party enjoyed their meals so maybe I just choose the wrong thing (hence the 3 and not 2 stars).

Tripadvisor says that Al Trullo is the best restaurant in Verwood. We had not been for a couple of years but were optimistic. In reality, we were absolutely bowled over! Imagine the perfect eatery: a warm welcome, attentive and engaging service, broad menu and wine choice, high quality freshly-cooked dishes, generous portions, and great atmosphere. This place has the lot, and at very reasonable prices. No wonder it was full of cheerful customers. I used to give it five stars (out of five). Now it’s clearly worth six!

Wow, what a lovely meal with the family. The food was beautiful and tasted amazing. The staff are so friendly and efficient and would highly recommend. Its a shame we are on holiday as we would class this as our favourite place.

Great food all freshly cooked, really good service and very reasonable prices! Between us we had spinach and ricootta ravioli, pasta with chicken, tagliatelle all were delicious, as was the choice of puddings. Definitely needed to book, the place was full, always a good sign. Great evening will come again soon.

Pasta and meat dishes were poor, garlic bread and cheese lacked garlic and cheese so tasted like slightly warm bread. Really disappointing, not much else in area and very popular with local retired community.

Moved into the area recently and was recommended this place to try locally as the only Italian within a long distance. Rang up for a booking a couple of days before and was completely full but they managed to squeeze us onto the terrace which was good of them and it was a nice day outside. Service was good, nice waiting staff and were chatty with us throughout. They have ravioli on the menu so were going to order but just wanted to check it was homemade. Waitress said it wasn't, they used to but don't anymore and these are bought in frozen. We decided to order a carbonara instead as its a good benchmark of how any Italian will be and how authentic the cooking also. Unfortunately it was not authentic, it was extremely creamy and flavourless, most definitely had cream added to the sauce and was disappointing. For main I had the fillet steak and fries and it was not great. Hadn't had a chance to rest and was leaking all over the plate and just wasn't a great piece of mate, had a "grey" look to it and I would suggest it had been frozen at some point which showed in the taste. For the price I'd have hoped for better. My wife had a pizza which was cooked pretty well and seemed freshly made dough and done pretty well in the pizza oven, if we come back we will only go for the pizzas next time. We tried a desert as was assured they're homemade so went for the tiramisu which was really nice. Would probably return if at a push but my tip is you can make most of the pasta better yourself at home so only go for the pizza and desert.

Lovely meal, reasonably priced and amazing staff. Highly recommend. Thank you will definitely visit again if in the area.

This restaurant never lets us down. The staff are fantastic and we've always had the most amazing meals with very little waiting time, even when they're really busy. Their ice cream is to die for 🥰

This was our first visit to Al Trullo, and I am sure it will not be the last! We thought that the inside of the restaurant had a nice ambience and the staff were pleasant and efficient. My wife and I both chose the Tagliatelle Gamberetti, which was very nice. For dessert we had Creme Brulee and Tiramisu, again, both very nice. I see that they do a fixed price lunch menu and that probably explains why they were very busy with people "of a certain age" who all looked to be regulars.

Unfortunately the food wasn’t great. Garlic bread and cheese had hardly any cheese on it. Lasagne had barely any mince, was mostly pasta and was overdone on top and was also tasteless. Steak was chewy. One of our group had pizza and enjoyed it and some of the desserts were good however many of the main dishes were below standard. Such a shame.

Had lunch with a few friends and ordered lasagne. When it arrived it was hot around the edges and warm in the centre. It was tasteless and insipid, horrible. Little or no minced beef and it appeared that some vegetables were squashed and added.

Fancied pasta but very limited vegetarian options, in fact across the whole menu. Ended up with one and only vegetarian pizza which was ok, but disappointing green salad and desserts.

My sister and bro in law and I all had fillet steak - each with a different sauce, and it was absolutely delicious - much bigger thicker fillet than you can buy at the supermarket, and perfectly cooked to our preference. We had Primitivo wine, and that was wonderful. The service and ambience as always was great. Plus the puds of course -tiramisu, creme caramel and chocolate cake. I think Verwood is very lucky having Al Trullo!

Been attending this venue for many years. Quite frankly it's the best for value, food selection, staff attitude, management and atmosphere. Just can't fault it at all. Well done Al Trullo! Keep it coming! Your great. Thank you!

Had an absolutely wonderful and delicious lunch for my birthday, really tasty, great value and friendly service. Looking forward to going back very soon

We enjoyed a family meal on Saturday evening. There was 11 of us so we pre-ordered. Service was very good and food all came out in good time. Some meals could’ve been a bit hotter as weren’t very warm. But all very tasty. Staff were friendly & efficient.

The young waitress was unhelpful and sullen and one of the meals was served not as ordered however we were not told they had altered it. A restaurant should tell you if they do this to allow you the chance to change your order however for whatever reason they didn't. As we were part of a large group for Christmas we didn't say anything or send it back as didn't want to spoil experience for the others who already had their meals. At the end of the meal we were about to order coffees/after dinner drinks however the same waitress stated she was bringing the bill even though it was early. The staff stood at the door/kitchen area looking completely bored and fed up staring at the remaining tables clearly wanting everyone to leave. Not a place to visit for a good Christmas environment unfortunately and we were extremely disappointed by their behaviour.

If you are a fan of Italian the food here is fantastic. Excellent service all in all a great restaurant

Best family run Italian we have found in ages. Pity it's over a 100 miles from us. They fitted us in at the start of a busy Saturday evening. Service and food were great. Pizza and a carbonara. Good selection of sweets which were also...

… so said my wife on our way out. At eight on a Wednesday evening, the road outside was quiet, but inside the buzz of happy diners said everything; almost a party atmosphere. The room was decorated in a simple continental style, the tables were...

Service and food very good, really recommend this restaurant. Not so keen on the lasagne here but that's personal taste as it's a lot of pasta hardly any mince and too crispy/hard on top.

Had dinner here with friends recently and was impressed and relieved that quality and portion sizes was still very good at this restaurant as sadly many local restaurants are struggling to deliver decent meals to customers.

Al Trullo never fails. Ours was a group of 23. Service was spot on delivered very professionally with good quality food. Good value for money.

A true Italian restaurant which offers good value and authentic Italian cuisine in a wonderfully friendly environment. It’s always busy so booking advisable. We have had both pizza and pasta dishes here and each time it’s been a great experience.

Excellent food, great service and many thanks to Nathan As one of the few eating places in Verwood we were not sure what to expect but we went twice, it was so good.

Went in here tonight as they opened at 5:00pm on the dot 3 people on a table Outside and not a soul indoors except for staff, asked for outdoor seat but told they were all taken! Offered an indoor table which was great and then...

Al trullo is definitely the family favourite. The food is outstanding and the pasta and pizza is delicious. The service is second to none. Nathan always makes sure you have everything you need and always entertains the kids which we very much appreciate. Very friendly...

Good food a fair price enjoyed by myself and my partner pleasant staff willing to please place was clean and tidy fairly busy but quick to serve

Our first visit to this out of the way Italian restaurant will certainly not be our last. The decor may be a little bit tired but who cares when the food is as good as it is? From the moment we arrived we were made...

I don't write reviews very often , but Al Trullo deserves one! We visit a few times every year and the food is always great. The consistency is pretty special as we never seem to have a bad meal, which is really rare these days....

An unexpected delight, we found ourselves in Verwood for the evening, and booked at very late notice. Our meal was delightful, fresh and mouthwateringly delicious. We received excellent service from all the waiting staff, especially from Nathan, who, despite being busy, was very friendly, chatty...

Wonderful food, house red is Montepulciano I think, but whatever it is it is delicious. Service is very good and the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. There is a wide and varied menu from pasta,. pizza and chicken with lovely sauces and it is...

The chefs here are great, always consistently great food. Service very professional and friendly. Definitely recommend dining here.

Where do I start? The food was outstanding I had the prawns to start and the chicken dish as a main it was delicious. Generous portions and very well presented. The young man who was hosting was excellent to say the least. Charming and very...

Al Trullo is a lovely little Italian with great food and really nice atmosphere. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Very cute Santa serving. I would definitely recommend and will visit again very soon.

Lovely family run tradicional Italian restaurant. We visited recently while visiting family and had a lovely meal. We shared the bruchetta and cheesy garlic bread to start which was delicious, followed by the most amazing Pizzas and some lovely pasta dishes. I can highly recommend...

Such a lovely Italian we so Lucky to have in Verwood, the food is amazing and service so good too. It was buzzing atmosphere and the table on the veranda outside felt like you abroad ! Need to book as very popular. Well done to...

Lovely meal and service, the food is cooked extremely well - delicious, generous portion of garlic bread - great experience.

Superb service, Excellent food and reasonable prices. A real find. We don't live far from the restaurant and will definitely be going back.

Nathan and the staff looked after us like royalty tonight. The food was first class so thanks to the chef. Fantastic value for money and would recommend you have to visit this restaurant if staying in the area or you will have missed out big...

After finding that The Albion Pub up the road doesn’t serve food on Tuesdays (contrary to their website!), we doubled back and came here. They were clearly very busy with virtually a full restaurant indoors and out, including 3 large tables and Birthday celebrations. We...

Best dining experience we've had in years, the restaurant was buzzing, the staff were brilliant and the food was exceptional. We had the antipasto to share as a starter and then both had a fillet steak, one rossini and one with a porcini cream sauce,...

Another fantastic meal at Al Trulo last night to celebrate my mother in law 90th birthday. The food was fresh, and delicious as always. Staff very friendly. Thank you all for a lovely evening. Highly recommended.

Lovely place inside and out, very good service and food - good choice of drinks. Would recommend and return again.

Based on the excellent reviews on Trip Advisor, my wife and I had an early dinner at this Italian eatery. We chose to eat on a Wednesday, aware of the bargain dining offer of a three course a la carte meal for less than £25....

Not from Verwood and was looking to see where something else was, when we stumbled across Al Trullo at lunchtime. Wow what an experience. The service was friendly and welcoming and the food was without a doubt the best. I live in Corfe Mullen and...

These meals where tasteless ,will not go there again heard this place had good reviews no thought has gone into the making of these meals ,

The very best food. Amazing family run business. My favourite place for sure. The very best steaks and pizza. My top 5 recommendations Filleto Pepe Al Trullo Pizza (meat feast) Filleto Rossini Polo Gambaretti Polo Parmigiana Buon Appetito!

Enjoyed an excellent lunch date with my husband, whilst the kids were at school. They do a very reasonable lunchtime menu for under £10 for 2 courses. As always the service and food was excellent. Can certainly recommend their pizzas, which are always fabulous. Felt...

Great service at this local Italian restaurant, and good Covid-19 controls. Food was OK to good, my other half's risotto was under seasoned, but my veal was very moreish. The wine was excellent for the price, Primitivo Di Manduria. We wanted another bottle but it...

Excellent meal - lovely staff and great value. We will definitely be back and would highly recommend.

We visited All Trullo twice during a week long holiday and enjoyed both visits greatly. The layout of the restaurant means that during times of covid we felt far enough away from other diners and the serving staff were wearing protective face screens. The menu...

We booked an early table for dinner this evening as we had our 1 year old son with us. We were lucky to have a table outside and we were greeted with a crisp glass of bubbles! 🥂 I ordered king prawns to start and...

We visited the restaurant whilst on a mid week holiday, staying at the Oakdene Forest Park in nearby Ringwood. It was literally 15 mins by car from the park. We went on a Wednesday evening and it was busy, always a great sign. Greeted by...

Very friendly service and more importantly good freshly cooked food. One of the best places to eat I have enjoyed on my holiday this summer. The mushroom starter was moreish and my 8 year old was eating the calamari which he loved ( a very...

My husband and I visited Al Trullo for the first time on Tuesday August 11 2020. We weren't disappointed. The food & service were excellent. Very good value for money. A lovely clean restaurant with all the correct Covid procedures in place. The air conditioning...

We visited here last week on a lovely summers evening and sat outside, it was very pleasant and had the most amazing meal, the steak I had was the best steak I've ever had, perfection. It was made even more special when my partner popped...

As always, fabulous venue, great atmosphere, great team overall......our favourite Italian restuarant for all the right reasons.

It never fails. Decent food with a good choice and usual specials. Friendly and excellent service. I would recommend it. Specials are interesting. Good experience v

I’ve lived locally for quite a while and genuinely regret not trying this place sooner. Lovely food, lovely staff, lovey vibe. Can’t really say much else.

Thank you for a lovely meal, we went for my birthday and it waa a fantastic meal, the food was superb. Excellent service and we will see you all again. Thank you Kristin and staff

We usually meet up with a ladies group at Al Trullo in Verwood for dinner and I have to say their food, staff and service are amazing. We have never had a meal yet that we didn't like and have been going there for over...

We were a party of about 16 and go on a fairly regular basis for lunch. Menu is varied enough for lunch with excellent value for two courses. Service is excellent and prompt which is no mean feat with a crowd. All the food was...

We returned after an 18 months gap between our previous visit. The reason our experience last time was not the best as both the service and food were very poor.However, despite the restaurant being very busy for the Wednesday Extravaganza, the service and food were very good, as it used to be, and so we shall return in the near future.Well done to everyone.

Absolutely exquisite Is all I can say best Italian restaurant I’ve ever been to from starters to mains amazing we all had fillet steak but managed a pizza between us with our starters all I can say is amazing And staff great as well Keep it up your establishment is a pleasure

We visited last night. The food is fantastic. Staff were friendly and helpful. I had past Arriabata and Tiramisu. Both were lovely. One person had pizza which was perfect. Thank you for a wonderful experience. We would highly recommend visiting Al Trullo.

We had a takeaway from El Trullo, we had never eaten there before but that was our misfortune, what a delicious experience it was My friend had a margarita and I had a Quatro Stagioni. Absolutely loaded with topping and authentic. Thank you we'll definitely be back.

Just had 10 pizzas as a takeaway for a birthday party - was able to pre-order, all ready on time, absolutely delicious and happily fed hungry big kids after an afternoon or running about up trees. Thank you lovely Al Trullo staff, you did a great job!

Been here numerous times and used as a takeaway too! best pizzas for miles and even cater for vegans if asked! must book

Great food fabulous service and clean. We eat here at least once a month and also take advantage of their takeaway which is just as good

Our favourite Italian. Gorgeous food as always. Staff welcoming, friendly and always willing to accommodate. Can’t wait to go back x

I love going to al trullos. Great service every time. Always great food and very affordable. Atmosphere is always lively.

We visit regularly and the food here is always superb. Service is very good and they are great with the children. We will be coming for many years to come!!!

We went to Al Trullo for my daugther's birthday, her choice as she loves it there. They owners and staff treated us and her incredibly as they always do. Completely unrushed and nothing was to much trouble for them.

Have visited Al Trullo twice in a week. Wednesday night is deal night - amazing value! Beautiful food and great service! Went also for lunch for their deal, again the quality and amount of food for the price is amazing.

Lovely staff and excellent food. Ignore the negative people, some people don't appreciate fine things and busy periods. I would recommend this place to anyone.

I went to Al Trullo for a meal with my children and my in laws.

We love going for the lunch time £7.99 great value for money, friendly good service from the moment we walk in. We will return.

We love our lunches here. Super value and great service. Choice is really good and wonderful value for money.

In spite of being very busy we could not fault anything. A really good restaurant. Will be going again soon.

Visit once a month for lunch with a group of friends. Always have the set menu £7.99 excellent value and nicely presented. Staff friendly. Good place to meet. As we are a group they know we will always go on the 3rd Tuesday of the month so are prepared.

Christina and staff really do a great job at looking after customers, also helpful with diet problems health wise, you can in certain parts of the restaurant from your table you can watch your food being cooked in a clean area , the food you choose is always beautifully cooked and presented, a good selection of wines and other drinks, price is fair for what you order. they serve Italian pasta based food and different verity of pizza, they also serve english style food if that is your choice Never had a bad meal would recommend

There were nine of us in 'the party', we had a wonderful evening. This restaurant is excellent, very good atmosphere, excellent service and most importantly the standard of the food 'tip-top'. I would recommend this establishment to all my family and friends.

It never fails. Decent food with a good choice and usual specials. Friendly and excellent service. I would recommend it.

Called here on Friday night (whilst visiting Great Dorset Steam fair) - had tried booking online without success and phoned to book but only had answerphone so left a message almost an hour before time requested but nobody called back. So parked in carpark and were found a table quite quickly especially when I explained our efforts in trying to book. Enjoyed tasty calamari and bruschetta as starters and tasty mains - lasagne/meatballs al forno and melanzane parmigiana. Both had salad garnishes so no need for side order of salad - washed down with excellent coffee for me and dessert tiramisu. Good professional service - altogether a good experience. thank you.

Have been back a few times now and every time great service and food . Best value night Wednesday but need to book .

Great Italian Just a short walk from home with good food, atmosphere and staff. Even do a gluten free pizza! Always see friends or neighbours eating when I visit

Probably the best Italian restaurant i’ve Visited...ever! And it’s just a 20 minute walk from home in Verwoerd. So, if you enjoy hot, fresh food with very efficient table service by friendly, professional staff this is the restaurant for you. Highly recommended.

Always look forward to freshly cooked food here, friendly staff all well trained, good all round menu, never disappointed. Customer service a priority, worth a visit.

Service was great very friendly staff. Food freshly cooked. Very good value for money. Look forward to coming back

Went for an early evening dinner- never visited before!

A superb experience from start to finish at this charming, small restaurant. Faultless and delicious. Highly recommended.

we saw this small restaurant on the road just south of Verwood centre.

Superb food and wine as always. Staff are very attentive and always go above and beyond to accommodate special requests.

We were in our touring van in Alderholt and booked a lunch. This restaurant provides great food at reasonable prices. The lunch menu is amazing value. Do not hesitate, if you are hungry and in the Verwood area.

Had an impromptu dinner at Al Trullos tonight. This Resturant is outstandingly good. Never had a bad anything there. The food is exceptionally good with many traditional Italian dishes including my fav Al Trullo pizza, basically the best of everything and a lot of it.

If to want nice food a reasonable price then this is a good place to visit .

You can tell how well Al Trullo is doing by how busy it is throughout the week.

Visited for lunch on Mothering Sunday 2019. Excellent food and very friendly, efficient service. Complimentary glass of Prosecco for mother was a nice touch. Will definitely be coming back.

My first time ever visiting the restaurant and I can only say positive remarks about my experience. The waiters were friendly and approachable, and very patient while we asked them to take a photo, but the food was delicious! Have not been to many Italians but this has been one of my favourite meals out.