Dal Nonno in Mid Sussex

We have been travelling around the UK for the last few weeks taking in the sights and enjoying the British weather hahaha. Coming from the US we are somewhat limited with genuine Italian food but having been recommended Dal Nonno by our concierge decided to go visit. Well this place was the real deal. Beautiful setting, proper authentic Italian food cooked by the owner and his head chef. It was just such a lovely feeling it was like we were vacationing in Italy. Loved the prawn pasta and homemade tiramisu and kids loved their pizzas and bruschettas. Staff were friendly and made sure we were well looked after. Please come to West Virginia 🙏

Authentic Italian dishes cooked and prepared from the heart. What a joy and experience it was to dine at this small family run restaurant. The food was sublime, desserts to die for! A real gem tucked away in Crawley Down.

Great noisy atmosphere. Good food and lovely staff.

(Unfortunately I'm not a bot, carbonara was too oily and didn't taste of much) I can't really be bothered to call you and tell you that though

Great food, super atmosphere and a lovely family that run the establishment. Would recommend!!

A really lovely family run restaurant with lovely food and great staff. It is very popular and can get quite loud so my autistic son wasn't a fan but if you like a lively atmosphere it is a great evening. The food is mostly lovely although the carbonara was a bit tasteless. The fact that an 80 something man runs the kitchen is amazing and he is great fun when there is a birthday in the house.

Came here after hearing good reviews of the place and ending up leaving highly disappointed. We felt ignored by the staff and as though they only were attentive for the people who seemed like regulars. We ordered a start of the fried mozzarella, it was not very hot and the mozzarella was very gummy. Straight after our plates were cleared our main courses were delivered, we would have liked a bit more time in between courses, we felt very rushed in all honesty. My partner asked for OLIVE Oil and was given CHILLI Oil. My partner then put this on his pizza unknowingly and couldn’t enjoy his meal after this, we couldn’t even mention it to anyone as no one checked on our table, not even once. My food was mediocre at best and not hot. Plates were cleared and straight away the dessert menu was placed on our table. Not acknowledging of how our food actually was and again very rushed. We then asked for the bill and it took them about 10 minutes to come over to take our payment, we again weren’t asked how anything was the waitress just started to input the amount on the PDQ for us to pay. We left feeling unwelcomed, unappreciated and underwhelmed as customers. Wouldn’t recommend or visit again.

Went back after a great previous meal. This time service was slow , repeatedly had to ask for missing food, wrong drinks served, staff really didn't know what they seemed to be doing. Pizzas burnt as well. Hugely noisy place , a real shame but we won't be going back for a while if at all. Edit- now 5* went back last night, previous visit issues were a one off, food was amazing service brilliant great atmosphere, certainly be heading back !

Our first visit to this hidden gem felt like spending a few hours in Italy. The food was excellent and the service was friendly and efficient despite the restaurant being full to bursting for the entire evening. A relatively small space having so many diners can get noisy but this just adds to the atmosphere. The only challenge is finding somewhere to park, and booking well in advance is mandatory. I ate the best deep fried mozzarella I've ever had, and the ravioli and lasagne was similarly delicious. A nice coffee to finish, with cannoli and tiramisu. There is a wide menu selection even before one looks at the specials board, so everyone will find something they like.

Our first visit to this hidden gem felt like spending a few hours in Italy. The food was excellent and the service was friendly and efficient despite the restaurant being full to bursting for the entire evening. A relatively small space having so many diners can get noisy but this just adds to the atmosphere. The only challenge is finding somewhere to park, and booking well in advance is mandatory. I ate the best deep fried mozzarella I've ever had, and the ravioli and lasagne was similarly delicious. A nice coffee to finish, with cannoli and tiramisu. There is a wide menu selection even before one looks at the specials board, so everyone will find something they like.

Excellent Italian food served here

Excellent Italian food served here

Little disappointed as it’s such a great place. Starter on one of the four of us was missing and after a while asked not to bother when they were all finished, did get asked when I mentioned it if wanted it anyway but the point was missed. My only dish was a pizza and it was a touch soft/ soggy and undercooked but the other pizzas were fine. As daft as it sounds, £140 bill is all good but if service was on point just being asked if we were ok, or if we’d like a limoncello etc… just acknowledge it and it makes the difference.

Lovely atmosphere delicious food and friendly staff.

I work for this restaurant! And the best ❤️❤️❤️

Lovely food, friendly staff, good service, quaint little venue-very Italian.

This was our first visit, as we are new to the area. Recommended by a friend. It has a really authentic Italian, family run feel to it very cosy inside and some outside seating. The staff are very friendly and attentive, so excellent service. The food is excellent too, fresh pasta, pizzas, etc. The pasta we had, tasted magnificent, I could really taste the tomato and herb flavours in the dishes we had. The desserts were homemade, too. I like a restaurant when you can see the kitchen, the guys in there didn't stop, you could see all the other food coming out and they all looked great . There is a very good range of alcoholic drinks, and water is brought to the table, too. Fantastic evening for us as a couple, and I would love to return with friends. You need to book a table as it looks very popular.

Booked for a family birthday celebration, an amazing night. I cannot fault it at all. Food was amazing…. Thank you to all the staff for making it a special night. Cant wait to come back 😊

We had a lovely evening last night at Dal Nonno's. Delicious food, excellent service with nice friendly waiters and a wonderful "ambiance" in the very pretty restaurant generally. I can't reccomend it highly enough!

🇮🇹 🫰 I recently dined at this Italian restaurant and had an exceptional experience. The risotto with prawns was amazing, and the zucchini flowers were a delightful treat. The wine selection complemented the meal perfectly. For dessert, the panna cotta was simply divine. The coffee was strong and very good, just as it should be. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with stunning paintings on the walls, creating a wonderful atmosphere. It is highly recommended to reserve in advance, as the place was full. Overall, a fantastic dining experience that I highly recommend!

Gorgeous Italian restaurant with great food, ambience and service. Felt very welcome as it was my missus birthday they made us feel special. Will definitely come back here again

My family of 7 adults and 4 children (aged between 8 and 13), had a wonderful experience on Saturday 22nd June. We were celebrating our 55th wedding anniversary and my husband's 77th Birthday, and felt we'd been transported to Italy for an authentic meal instead of a 3 minute drive from our home. The atmosphere reminded us of many family holidays we've had over the years, the first time being in Rimini in 1974. The food and service were excellent, and the house wine was amazing at a brilliant price!!!! The staff presented us with a celebratory cake ( supplied by my daughter) accompanied by a chorus of "Happy Birthday", which really was " the icing on the cake"!!! This will now be our place of choice for another taste of Italy. Highly recommended.

21.06.2024 Wonderful meal. Best Italian restaurant we've ever been to. Pity it's so far from where we live. Jim Bertram

Excellent food and service, staff lovely , enjoyed by all six of us , Wii def return

Absolutely love it here. Philip, his sister and parents do a fantastic job looking after you from the moment you arrive til you leave. I love the fact this is family run and not a chain and you really feel that when you are there. Food never disappoints and I love the Daily Specials board too. You won’t want to miss out! X

Really good service, dinner arrived quickly and the food was absolutely delicious. Will definitely be returning!

The experience truly felt like being part of the family! Exceptional service from the entire staff and the food was simply fantastic. From the moment we stepped in until we left, we were well taken care of. We highly recommend making a reservation and will definitely be returning. A special touch was when the head chef took the time to visit each table after the rush, showcasing true class and dedication.

This is the place to enjoy your Italian food. It’s brilliant with such obliging staff. It’s family run and doesn’t it show ! Never disappointed, we have been in several occasions. Do not miss this treat !!!!

Absolute JEM!!!! Wonderful restaurant with gorgeous food. The staff are so lovely and welcoming. Whenever we pass this area we always try to pop in for a bite. A MUST!!

Great place, good food , nice staff

Perfect Italian for an evening out and/or takeaway both are great. Friendly staff. Love a takeaway to host dinner for friends. Also perfect for lunch and dinner. So pleased this restaurant is close to us would go three times a week if I could afford it!

Such a special place, lovely food, Papa is a whizz on the kitchen for sure . Service amazing relaxed atmosphere with a sense of real Italian hospitality.

Absolutely delicious meal and lovely friendly staff - we will be coming here again!

Huge thanks to Dal Nonno for fitting a large work group of 25 in fairly last minute and giving us a great evening, lovely food and atmosphere. Staff were very friendly and went above and beyond to look after us. We will definitely be back. Also worth noting they catered well for a dairy allergy within our group and made sure there were suitable alternatives. Thanks again from Home Smart Energy.

The food and staff were excellent. Would recommend.

We have had two lovely lunches recently, celebrating birthdays with friends who have not been to Dal Nonno's before. Both sets of friends were very impressed with the atmosphere of the restaurant and the food which was delicious as always. Particular mention was made of the calamari, the baked avocado and prawn starter and the panna cotta, but it was all good. Thank you Nonno, Adriana and Philip.

For the best part of two hours we were transported to Italy. This small cosy family run restaurant is truly a gem! Having found it in passing it was one of the best 3 course meals I have had in the UK. From the food to service it was exceptional. At the end of service the head chef (an older gentleman) came out and personally asked all of his customers how their experience was. I wouldn’t pass through without trying this place!

95% full. Great atmosphere, great food. One guest had a birthday. Everybody was singing and chef was banging pots together. Great fun.

Enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day lunch here yesterday, with my family. Lovely friendly atmosphere and great authentic Italian food.

Took my wife and family out for a pre-Mother’s Day meal, and I have to say just how much my whole family enjoyed the meal and were still raving about it this morning. The service was flawless and with great humour, the food was delightful and yes, as others have mentioned it was noisy, but that is the sound one expects of a lively and popular restaurant. If you want to eat in the silence of a library, go elsewhere. My thanks to the Dal Nonno family for making mine feel so welcome.

One of the best Italian restaurant's i have ever visited....So friendly and excellent food... will definitely be going back

Attended an opera evening yesterday at Dal Nonno the food was great, a fantastic atmosphere. The owners and staff were very attentive and the singer was great. I have attended here on numerous occasions for a meal and can highly recommend the restaurant. The opera nights are well worth a visit if you can get in. Well done to everyone at the restaurant

Great food and great service… the best tiramisu!!

Food was average but the real disappointment was the customer service. From the moment we walked in, there was no hello or a smile and we were rushed constantly. Felt like a conveyer belt of customers as opposed to making us feel warm & welcome while we spend our hard earned money and time. So much for Italian hospitality! Would not visit again.

One of the best Italian food around. The staff are very friendly and the food always tastes authentic.

A favourite place to visit and we went as a party of seven for a birthday meal…wonderful atmosphere, we all said it was like being abroad! Busy, with great service from always friendly, smiling staff. Food was delicious and the birthday accolade was noisy and brilliant! I loved the risotto, and every dish was excellent. Thanks!

We have been here a number of times and everytime it's great. The owners are lovley and always friendly. Service is fast. The food is brilliant. Fresh, taste amazing and if eat here 7 days a week if I could.

Beautiful Christmas Eve spent at Dal Nonno.Never disappoints,fantastic food,lovely staff, and wonderful atmosphere.

Couldn’t fault it, superb food, service and the chef even came out to check everything was ok. Will definitely return soon

Fantastic place...food excellent and staff amazing ..

Fantastic Italian hidden in Crawly Down. 1st visit and loved everything about it. Wonderful meal, wonderful company, wonderful restaurant and staff. Defo going back.

This place is definitely a hidden gem. The food was fantastic with large portions and cooked perfectly. It was a family ran restaurant, and they were so nice that it made us feel at ease. I never knew it existed until it was recommended, but I'm definitely making this my new Italian go-to place.

Traditional Italian restaurant. Food was good, service very good (very attentive). The only thing is with it being so crammed in, it's a very very loud restaurant! But it was a nice experience.

Since posting this review the owner of Dal Nonno has been in touch with an appology and explaining that he had issues with staff sickness that contributed to the administration error. In addition to.this we have been invited back with a generous voucher. As you can see from my star ratings above it was only the service that was poor which under the circumstances i am now aware of is quite understandable. With this in view i am now happy to give a 5 star review for service as well as for the food and atmosphere. Dal Nonnos remains a favourite place for us especially because Sebs Nonno was Italian. We look forward to seeing you again for some more fantastic dinning in this genuinely Italian restaurant. Pippa Pippa This has been a favourite restaurant of my son for some time now so much so he decided to have his 18th birthday family meal here. I booked the table and made it clear it was for an 18th birthday celebration this message clearly did not get the attention this special birthday deserved. 2 other customers had birthdays and a huge fuss was made. You can imagine how he felt when his special celebration was ignored/forgotten or missed. I am so upset not angry upset. I am would say we will not be back apart from the fact that usually we love this place. Pippa

Very nice traditional Italian restaurant. Inside is a lovely setting with paintings on the walls. Staff are very friendly and informative of the food options. Food was very nice and hot. Had a lovely round table by the window. Thankyou

Lovely family run Italian restaurant. Good food, good service & nice atmosphere.

The restaurant has a family feel and all staff are friendly on arrival. Though I couldn't help but notice there was favouritism towards tables that the staff clearly knew. This was our 2nd visit. Some tables are understandably requested (assuming by locals that are familiar with the layout) but I did also notice a difference in dishes, plating and garnish between our table and the one beside us on the same dish that we both ordered. The sausage pasta from the specials board. The restaurant is intimate, and everyone sits close, so please don't unfairly favour a table over another particualry when we're within earshot.

Great service, amazing food and very friendly service. My new favourite Italian near Gatwick.

What a fantastic restaurant.... Not the 1st time I've eaten there, but the 1st time I've done a review.... Great basic menu, genuine 'specials' board with a real and creative variation in choice. Service levels are without fault... Nothings a problem... Prompt and efficient service, but not at all rushed. Can't recommend more... Just excellent. GT

Lovely family run Italian restaurant with varied and authentic menu and drinks.

Great food and probably the best pudding I've ever had. "Butterscotch pudding with vanilla ice cream". Love this place.

Had a delicious dinner, was amazed to find stuffed zucchini flower available as a starter which was fab. Chef went round all tables to check everyone was enjoying their meals which shows the love and care they put into the food they cook.

Great family run Italian restaurant. Members of the family cooking and serving the customers, delicious food and a real Italian feel. Very well recommended!

Ordered a takeaway pizza was cooked perfectly will definitely be ordering again

This enchanting ristorante provides a décor and a relaxed, informal and sociable environment which is reminiscent of traditional Italian trattorias. Authentic fresh and flavorsome Italian dishes, attractively presented with generous portions are complemented by delectable wines at very reasonable prices.Service is superb! Cheerful, welcoming, swift and responsive. Wow!

Brilliant family run restaurant and amazing food. Highly recommended

Had a great time at Dal Nonno this evening. Friendly service, good food and great atmosphere. Thank you guys.

What a fantastic Place the food, the staff the atmosphere if unbelievable would recommend 100 per cent satisfaction you will not be disappointed. A big Thank you to Phillip and his family XX

Great food, friendly service and that truly Italian welcome you can only get from a family run business. The best truly authentic Italian pizza I've had outside of Naples!

When they describe this restaurant as an “authentic italian experience” they’re not lying! Marco kindly booked a table for us two on a really busy Saturday night. We were promptly seated, and although the drinks and dishes took a little while to arrive this was understandable. Everything was top quality, the pasta dishes were abundant and tasty, we even ordered a couple of desserts to enjoy at home. The atmosphere inside the dining room, with traditional decorations and low lights, the lively music, and the guests’ chatter on the background, transports one away to the Sorrento coast that is referenced many times inside the restaurant. We will come back to try the rest of the menu!

Amazing food, so impressed. Service excellent , attention to detail - perfect. Can't wait to go again

First visit…,very impressed. Atmosphere great, food exquisite and a large interesting menu. Parking in street can be tricky. Staff very friendly and very efficient and FAST. Lady maitre D a whirlwind! Really recommend and will return soon!

just love this place the food is always excellent ,the staff so very welcoming it can get a bit noisy if eating inside but apart from that can highly recommend

We are both in our early 50s and are always looking for new places to eat out at. Some come, some go, some promise so much but fail to deliver but one stands out over and above the rest when it comes to good old fashioned Italian fare. We were recommended this fabulous little gem by a few friends of ours and despite living 30 minutes away decided to drive up from Burgess Hill to try it. We were not dissapointed. Dal Nonno is tucked away down a residential street but wow what a charming little place...a lovely airy traditional feel with colourful murals, chequered table cloths, lively and atmospheric atmosphere and friendly staff... not to mention the lovely home cooked food cooked by Nonno and his team. We enjoyed a 4 course meal and a couple of cocktails and bottle of wine...and had a ball...we have already booked our table for the end of the month as it gets so booked up!...make sure you dont miss this one!

My wife, daughter and I visited Dal Nonnos for the first time. I can happily say we will definitely return. The food is lovely and the staff are fantastic. I really enjoyed the visit. Its nicely decorated and has a cosy atmosphere. Highly recommended!

We came for dinner last Friday to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The staff went out of their way to make it a special occasion and put us on Nonno's Table by the window. We enjoyed a delicious meal consisting of fresh mussells, linguine with seafood and a pasta dish with aubergine. We enjoyed a tiramisu to share and a bottle of wine to boot. They played the anniversary walz for us and put a firework on our dessert. All the punters were clapping and we really were made to feel special by all the staff. A big thankyou from Matthew & Alison B.

After reading all the rave reviews decided to book this restaurant to celebrate a very special occasion. 7 Aug.However it was a mistake.On arrival the restaurant was busy and lively, however over the course of the evening it became so noisy it was impossible to hold a conversation with others on our table.The starters arrived very quickly and were ok not great.The mains were a big disappointment. 3 plates had what appeared to be stewed vegetables, and with the exception of the carrot all had lost their colour and could not be distinguished from each other.One steak had a very strange flavour which could not be identified by the 3 people who tasted it, but we wondered if it could have been caused by the lemon next to it. Another dish the Saltimbocca alla Romana bore absolutely no resemblance to the lovely golden well presented picture on the website and was a small, grey and uninviting meal. The only acceptable meal was the lasagna but even this was served without even a garnish..I felt I had to apologise to my family for such a disappointing evening on a special day. We will not go back.

Amazing food, made even better by the lovely atmosphere and friendly staff. A true family restaurant where you can tell the food is made with love.

Great food, lovely atmosphere. Weather was really hot. There were moments when I felt I was back in Italy 😊

I'm Italian and the Pizza was very good

Lovely little gem of a restaurant, daily specials in addition to the normal menu.

Ottimo l'impasto della pizza italiana non facile da trovare. erroneamente non mi sono accorto di aver valutato bene il servizio . Per questo mi scuso.

Great meal , great service Excellent food Group of mums , nice get together, excellent service Freshly cooked food Can’t wait as next time will be indoors as looked fantastic inside

Highly recommend this restaurant ,very good food excellent friendly service ,dined Al fresco the ambiance of Dal Nonno made for a very enjoyable family get together

The finest Italian food outside Italy, friendly and helpful.

Went in June when the weather was lovely and sat outside. Super atmosphere, staff as always brilliant and welcoming. The haddock special and the Italian chocolate cheesecake were wonderful - well done Team Nonno! We'll be back!

First meal after lockdown with all the family and what a place to pick. Dal Nonno had been recommended to me on numerous occasions as the hot place to go for an authentic Italian meal locally. Bhoy did it hit the mark. We booked in for a Saturday night and had an absolutely lovely evening. The place was buzzing....outside and inside and the food and staff were great. We enjoyed tasty mussels and calamari followed by some pizzas and a couple of fish dishes from their dishes of the day board followed by yummy but very boozy puddings!!! The chef in his whites even visited our table to ask how our meal was stayed for a chat!!! It was like being back in Italy again and bought back memories from me and my wife's first holiday together! Great place!!!!

Having been locked down for the past year we decided to have a family get together at Dal Nonno's in Crawley Down. We have been recommended the restaurant on numerous occasions bet never been able to get a table. Last weekend we managed to get a table on their cute little outdoor garden terrace, The staff were most welcoming and charming and the atmosphere was lively and felt like we were abroad somewhere! Hard to explain but so true! The menu had a good array of traditional Italian dishes and a large specials board. We had a selection of dishes which we all enjoyed very much. A great place to visit and prices were resonable... we are sure to come back very soon.

Can’t understand why this place is so highly rated. The service was great and were more than happy to exchange my dish when I advised that the 3 cheese gnochi had little taste, very bland. My sister had the calamari and dad had fried sardines which were fresh and well cooked. I tried the mushroom risotto which was not much better and all the pasta dishes we had were average and not freshly cooked or al-dente. They all came out in under 5 mins and tasted pre-cooked and heated up. The menu and decor is from the 90s (except the prices), with no salads or decent options for vegetarians. In summary, if you like meats and fish, these seemed decent quality and fresh but the pasta, risotto and gnochi is not home made or freshly cooked and pricey for what should be quite simple. Pretty disappointed and just to top it off the tiramisu was naff with hard biscuits in it.

Lovely food, caring staff! Ideal place for a get together of just a night out. Went with my partner as a birthday dinner and was treated like no other! Even the chef came out personally to check the quality of the food!

What a gem of a place. We were staying locally at the Alexander House Hotel and decided to come to Dal Nonno for a special celebration meal. This place is just like being in Italy from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. The staff were friendly, the atmosphere was authentic and the food was delicious...if only we had a place like this near us then we would definately be regulars. This is a must visit place if you are in the West Sussex area!!!!

Very nice food, lovely atmosphere and excellent family rum business 👌

Lovely food, atmosphere and staff. Definitely recommended

What an amazing authentic Italian. This is one of the best around

Lunch out for a special occasion! The food was excellent and the staff were so friendly, helpful and not rushing you. I can’t wait to go back and try another dish or two! I would recommend people eat here.

Anniversary celebration, had the liver special, my wife had lobster special, both meals vey tasty. Service very friendly.

Me and my wife have just enjoyed the most perfect al fresco dining experience at Dal Nonno Restaurant. They have set the garden up beautifully, adding medittarenean touches, soft lighting and soothing background music. The food as always is delicious and the staff so friendly. We don't live that close to Crawley Down but it was well worth the 40 minute drive from near Brighton. We are sure to come back over the Summer!

Great friendly service. Food tasty and reasonably priced. The owner has done wonderful things for eating outside. A gazebo and heaters. Fabulous.

Love this place, fantastic service with beautiful food.....a real hidden gem 💎

Fantastic food, fantastic service and fantastic staff. Always made to feel welcome. Great atmosphere and even better food!