Il Mulino in West Lancashire

Wow what a difference a few months make, went in March and found it great went last week and waited over 20 minutes before we were asked if we were ready to order food, we hadn't even been asked if we wanted any drinks, we'd been offered water when we sat down and even that hadn't arrived. Service is slow and not attentive, food just ok, I've had much better. Real shame as the venue is lovely. The couple next to us also were struggling to get drinks, and staff would come to serve and not take away empty items away. Seemed to be loads of young girls working with no supervision, meaning service was very poor. We won't be going again.

The food was very slow. We were waiting over an hour and 15mins and the food was just about warm. There was only one other table in. Some meals are expensive for what you get, and there isn't a large range. They didn't have the fish available for my MILs choice so she had to settle for a meal she was less than enthusiastic about. The wine was lovely, and staff were very nice. They also had a good playlist on. The bad outweighs the good for my experience, so I won't be going again. 😞

I've given this place 1 star because we only got 2 drinks 1 single vodka lemonade and 1 double gin and lemonade and the price was £19 which is ridiculous. I have no idea what the food is like because I'd be worried about seeing the price of that would probably give me a heart attack

This is probably the best dining experience we have had. The surroundings are excellent. A great menu with great choice. The food was exemplary and the staff so helpful and friendly. To the Chef and kitchen staff I salute you. I would highly recommend IL Mulino

Ery expensive for ordinary food.

Terribly expensive for normal food

Smart interior, nice cosy vibes and exquisite Service from start to finish, very friendly staff and luxury menu, a hidden gem and a must try, definately worth the trip; able to fit us in last minute but would book ahead to be safe, garden area also looks like a great little summer spot to relax with some cocktails, would recommend a visit

We enjoyed a fantastic meal for 4 yesterday evening. We’ve dined here a number of times and it’s definitely our ‘go to’ restaurant for tasty and imaginative Italian food. Our friends had never been before and were looking forward to it as had heard good things, and it surpassed their expectations. So much so that a non pudding eater indulged himself! Lovely ambience, friendly and efficient service, and highly recommended!

Fine dining at it's best. An excellent wine selection, exceptional food! Personal favourites are the pork belly and the ox cheek! The desserts are great, especially the torta de la nonna, mixing well with the dessert wines on offer.

Fabulous lunch, excellent top class food for reasonable price.Lovely staff.

RIP-OFF BOOKING CANCELLATION CHARGE – BEWARE! This restaurant’s online booking cancellation charge is a total rip-off. The people who apply this do so without any flexibility – beware if you book online. I booked a table at this place by mistake – the restaurant has a name very similar to the one I was looking for, and in a rush I booked the wrong place. I did my booking online and provided my card details as requested, in the process accepting the booking conditions. One of these is that you are charged £10 per person if you cancel less than 24 hrs in advance. I booked the table for 2 people for 5pm on Friday 8 March – the booking was made around 9am and was cancelled about 3½ hrs later at 12.30 - the same day as the booking. Having seen they had taken £20 from my account I called the restaurant, but it wasn’t open. As the restaurant was closed the entire time my booking existed its hard to see they would have lost anything from lost food preparation or refusing other bookings. I called the restaurant on four occasions asking for my £20 to be refunded. Each time I explained my mistake and also highlighted that as I booked and cancelled on the same day I would automatically fall foul of their charge policy. I was told they would consult the manager and call me back. I was promised this on several occasions – but nobody called me. When I called again later and asked to speak to the manager (apparently, a guy called Chris), I was told he would be there on Sunday 10 March from around 4pm. I rang around 5pm but was told he wasn’t there – but had refused my request for a refund outright. Instead, I was told Chris said they would allow me £20 off the bill - if I ever ate there. I was told that they have to protect the place from no-shows etc. However, my mistaken booking was nothing to do with this, I simply got the wrong place, and thought it was reasonable to expect to get my money back given that they hadn’t lost anything by my cancellation, and I had explained how this came about. I feel annoyed and upset about the refusal to consider my refund request properly – I think this is very poor customer service in a business which is about hospitality. This was an unbending, unfair approach, which, looking at other reviews, seems to be similar to some other people’s experiences. Although I have never eaten there (how could I after this experience) I think it undermines the trust which customers expect from a quality restaurant – a rigid and inflexible approach like this just isn’t right – it’s a rip-off! If, after reading this review Chris relents, and does the decent thing by refunding me, as it was my mistake, I will happily donate the £20 to charity.

Fantastic experience at Il Mulino. Beautiful inside, delicious food, and very relaxed vibe. Almost too relaxed as service was slow at times- but the rest of the experience made up for it. The flavours of each meal was so well balanced- I was really impressed! Definitely more of a meat-eater restaurant which surprised me. Some things for veggies and vegans to keep an eye out: The butter for the foccaccia starter had salami (thank you to the waitress who told me just in time) A veggie-marked main contained parmesan which contains rennet (I asked to have my dish without the parmesan) Another veggie-marked dish contained bagna caude which usually is cooked with anchovies, although it may not be the case here. Just be sure to ask veggies and vegans as it's a lovely restaurant.

Really good place to eat, stunning food and excellent atmosphere.

We received an amazing welcome from the hostess on Saturday 5th of August at lunchtime. This lady service and friendly service was so good. An asset to this restaurant. Food and wine served was really super. Can’t wait to our next visit.

We really enjoyed Il Mulino, the food was delicious and the staff were lovely.

I think if you read the lowest reviews you will see a common theme. What is obvious is that they obviously have a policy to try and get you to spend more money on drinks. Arrived to be told our table wasn't ready and to take a seat at the bar or in some bar room waiting area next door. Then two menus shoved in front of us at the bar, no would you like to see the menu? Then they come and take the order from us at the bar. Then no wine list, you have to go in this small dark room, choose your wine and take it to the bar. Very few that you can order by the glass, surprise, surprise. The menu is very limited, so much so that I couldn't choose any pizza or pasta dish. Its very pretentious.This is not like any Italian I have visited in Italy. We must have been there 45 minutes before we got any food and when it did arrive it was cold, which seems to be a common theme. It was as though they had microwaved the food. The plate was hot, the food warm in the middle but cold on the outside. I complained but it took that long for the manager to come over I honestly couldn't be bothered anymore and I was starving by this point. I have also never witnessed such a miserable lot, of staff. Will definitely never return. If you look on trip advisor you can see the bad reviews all have had the same experience.

Disappointed!!!! I book the special 5 course taster evening as a special event with my husband. We were so looking forward to the evening. We dressed up in our best togs as we have been to the restaurant before and know it is very nice. We had booked the £80 per head 5 course dinner with wine pairing and we're sadly disappointed when we were shown to our table in the bar drinks area as they had fully booked the restaurant and we're trying to squeeze in a few extra. There was just us and another table being used in the bar. No atmosphere and felt like we were the poor relations at the wedding stuffed at the back. Had we been informed of the table being in the bar area at the time of booking we wouldn't have bothered booking and wasting money on a taxi to get us there and back. Needless to say we did not stay so cannot comment on the food just the service which was extremely poor.

Excellent all round. Would recommend to all.

Fabulous food and atmosphere. A different variation of authentic Italian food, the glazed pig cheek was amazing! We got 3 of the cicchetti (small plates), a small beef ragu pasta, blanco pizza and fries to share between 2 of us came £60 including cannoli for dessert (excluding drinks) great value for money, will definitely be back soon.

Dined at il mulino last night 1/4/23 from start to finish the staff (whole team )were amazing Extensive and interesting bottled beer menu which isn’t available from many other places so a bit different aswell as good Italian beer on tap The wine cave is a fab experience and with good guidance we picked a lovely Ameroni, which was opened , decanted and poured to enhance the occasion And lastly the food was just amazing - simple olives and sharing platter to start, bistecca for main ,and shared panne cotta Whole evening was just fantastic with tasteful background music to create authentic and happy vibes Thank you

Disgraceful that you cannot cancel due to illness would not even change the date

Too expensive. Not Impressed with the food. But staff very friendly

Had lunch Friday afternoon . Took my partner for her Birthday . Chris was fantastic made us feel very welcome and was really friendly and the food was fantastic Thank you chef . would definitely recommend to any one . was a pleasure to eat there . Thanks again for looking after us

Been looking forward to a visit for some time but left disappointed. Surroundings very good and excellent service but the food was not very ‘Italian’ (apart from the menu description). Sorry.

Ii Mulino is not your standard Italian restaurant, this is an upmarket place that has good decor, pleasant atmosphere and really good food. Expect to pay a little more than normal as the food is amazing.

Just beware of the manager who displayed no empathy or customer care . Won’t be going here.

Had a fantastic birthday night in Ill Mulino last night. My entire family went, all sixteen of us, and everyone couldn’t praise the whole experience enough. We had to pre order, which is completely understandable, and everything was perfectly presented without delays or errors. The food and its presentation is of the highest quality, you would struggle to find better in any top priced city restaurant. The restaurant itself is spotlessly clean and is beautifully appointed. Thank you to all the hard working staff for a brilliant night.

Went last night service was slow order garlic bread starter it was bland flavourless and burnt and dry. Then ordered the rib - eye steak that came after waiting around 40 mins it was cold the fries that came with it was freezing my girlfriend chicken came and that was the same I would never go hear again after this experience especially for the price

Great atmosphere, food amazing, excellent service, highly recommend

My husband and myself dined here on the 15 December for our Diamond Wedding and the staff were so lovely, really enjoyed our meal, the tiramisu was to die for, lovely Xmas lights inside and out were an added bonus, only wish it was in Parbold

Music was bit loud in the back ground that's the only problem.

Wow! Fantastic atmosphere, food and drink. Service was excellent too. Fire place with a roaring fire, xmas decorations, all added to a wonderful evening enjoyed with friends. Will be returning. Cheers!

Great service. A proper Italian foodie style menu. This is not a carbonara and lasagne kind of place. This is proper Italian food done really well. Stunning wine cellar with an excellent selection. The primitivo is probably the best I have ever tasted. Thanks tonChris and his team we will be back.

Absolutely amazing food courteous staff all round great experience was a great place to celebrate a birthday

Great food definitely worth the money

Awful, service terrible. Asked for our drinks to table twice over, starters arrived still no drinks, no water to table, asked for desert menu…waited way too long time was hitting 9.30, decided to walk over to bar and ask for our bill. They also had the nerve to charge £13 for a plain tomato pasta which was unseasoned and tasteless. Calamari starter was more batter than squid absolutely awful. Paying the bill my husband just paid to avoid any embarrassment me personally they would have been paid the drinks money and my husbands meal. Won’t be returning awful service and way over rated.

Excellent food, cocktails, wine , and service.

Took the fiance out for a special occasion. Food was great but service needs improving. Staff wearing trainers and own clothes takes the overall feel of the restaurant down. We didn't feel like customers , just invisible , not the warmest welcome. A somewhat lack of customer service from staff is felt, maybe they just shy I dont know. No offer of condiments, drink top ups etc. However the food was amazing! Brilliantly cooked and served. Hats off to the chef!

Nice food however, the whole dining experience was let down by the poor quality of service.

Great place, great food. A little pricey, but you get what you pay for and I wasn't disappointed. Will be returning!

Went for lunch, was very quiet on a Saturday afternoon only us and another table in, but service was spot on. Very nice inside, toilets clean and posh. You could buy imported pasta, sauces and meats had a very authentic Italian theme. I had chicken starter and Pizza for main, the pizza was just the right size and very tasty and a spicy kick. Only downside was £6 for a lager shandy, seems excess.

Had a lovely lunch, dessert and a couple of glasses of wine

We visited on the evening of 26th August. We ordered from the menu at the bar and within a couple of minutes of being seated at the table, our starters arrived. We were not expecting them so quickly, but they were ok. Unfortunately, the main courses were not great. Nobody asked us if our food was ok, until we had finished. Mine was not cooked properly and it was removed from the bill. Not the level of food that we were expecting unfortunately.

Came here couple weeks ago food took along time to come the sauce what meant come with the steak they didn’t have but only told us after waiting 35 mins so I asked for peppercorn sauce which they replied they don’t do. So they said we have garlic butter but when the steak came she gave us normal butter and when asked she said we don’t do garlic butter. 100% not worth the money

We came across this little gem by chance. The last time we were out this way it was a pub called the Star. Cosy restaurant with a small menu but well worth a visit. We shared a garlic bread with tomato to start which was light and flavoursome. The mains of chicken supreme and ox cheek ragu didn't disappoint, really delicious. Great customer service. Can't wait to return 😋

Didn't get to eat here, was told the cook was ill and wanting to go home, and the second cook could only cook pizzas

Been wanting to eat here for a while now, heard great things... Very average in my opinion. At a fraction of the price I think we'll stick to the Delph tavern, real honest food.

Food is always delish and the staff are always helpful and friendly.... 💯👌

The food was fantastic we had Sea Bass with Jersey Royals with a lovely vibrant green sauce. Their staff are always friendly, always professional. Cannot wait to return.

Style over substance. Pricey but don't mind that if it is worth it. Staff need training in customer service. One of our party had a pudding that was bland and tasteless but they wouldn't refund it because they said she had eaten some of it ! How can you ascertain the taste of something without eating it ? Spent almost £100 for 3 of us but they were intransigent and unprofessional. We won't return.

Average food at a premium price.. Won't be returning..

The food is very good we had the fillet steak (£32) one of the best around by far.

Like a previous post, we had to cancel a booking due to Covid, and we gave as much notice as possible i.e. as soon as the owner answered the telephone on the morning of our visit. Showed no flexibility at all, even though we wanted to re-book, same as previous post. He charged me £40 for nothing. Imagine your mechanic or your barber using these tactics.... would you use them again? If booking here, book over the telephone and don't give them any payment details. Shame really, as it's not a bad effort as Italian restaurants go, but they won't be getting my custom ever again.

Dined here last night with my daughter, well worth a visit. Lovely place, food was really nice and well presented. Staff really friendly and helpful. A hidden gem that we will be visiting again.

2nd visit. Absolutely worth eating here. Staff professional, clean tidy. Food amazingly presented. Quality of food so nice. Picking your own wine in alcove is nice touch. See you soon.

Beautiful place and unbelievable food. Simple menu but hits the mark. Great for a bite or a evening out.

Birthday celebrations. Monday night so a bit quiet. The two girls who waited on were superb. Food excellent. If I had to say an improvement, get a young guy on reservations that cares about the job. Black T Shirt, black jeans and white pumps is not how to attract a highe clientele!

Hands down the worst meal ive ever had biggest waste of money

Excellent food, excellent service, excellent price. Brilliant.

Had a fabulous meal just before Christmas, decor is lovely, very inviting with staff friendly and attentive, food excellent with everything very well presented and so tasty, great wine cave where you can pick what you want with your meal. Lovely bar area with charcuterie counter, great restaurant and will most definitely returning. We had a great night!!

Went to the restaurant on Friday last week, waited over an hour for food and it wasn’t even busy! You have to tell the staff 3-4 times before they actually remember to do something like get a high chair for your baby! Food is bang average this is why there’s always availability - because it’s a place to avoid!!

Had a lovely meal yesterday lunchtime, beautiful relaxing setting. We were made very welcome the waitress was lovely, my food was just outstanding I had the chicken livers and Salmon, will definitely be back x

Ah the food was fab, committed the cardinal sin of ordering a well done steak, chef cooked it perfectly, the nicest I’ve had in years, ps the deserts looked amazing so next time I’ll swerve the starter! Well done guys food was great and staff were v helpful!

Went for my mum's birthday meal. Food was delicious and served to a high standard. Definitely will be back.

A hidden gem! We spotted it on our way to pumpkin picking so thought we’d give it a go a few weeks later. Food was amazing, but the team made the experience even better - they couldn’t have done enough for us. A lovely bunch! Will definitely be back.

Was charged £20 for cancelling my booking, I fell ill due to a covid booster jab & gave has much notice has physically possible, about 10hrs! Was told by the guy on the phone I should have read the terms & conditions & there was nothing he could do about being ill. Surely a bit of common sense would be in order considering I was wanting to re book.They have now lost out on my booking & all my future bookings for the sake of £20 & not being remotely flexible with there strict rules. good luck running a hospitality business like this, especially with all the social media outlets for people like me to air there views. remember... not everyone who cancels is being thoughtless & inconsiderate. Make sure that applies to your staff who answer the phone!

What a hidden gem ! Little bit out of the way but we’ll worth it ! Food excellent ! Wine cellar to choose a nice little quirk ! Small but superb !

Great time, lovely staff and atmosphere

Fantastic food and service I would definitely recommend this place and certainly go again. Great job guys.👍👍

We was really looking forward to trying here after hearing great things. They have done an excellent job of making it look the part, and the atmosphere was good too.... Just for us, the menu was lacking a few dishes - mainly anything pasta, what they do is nice, there just needs to be a few more options. I'm sure lots of people love it, but we was just a little underwhelmed

Brilliant. Great food, lovely wine, fantastic staff. Had a lovely relaxed evening. Will definitely be returning.

Formerly the Star in Roby Mill This has been tastefully transformed and modernised into an italian restaurant . Great for a special occasion or romantic meal, but be aware the prices reflect the smart decor.

Dont get me wrong - the food was good but well over priced compared to some meals ive had lately which are cheaper and better IMHO. I liked the food here when it was a pub pity we lost that pub - yet another italian in an over crowded market in the area. Nothing distinctive or standout to make it a must visit.

Visited for the 4th time! Delicious food, friendly and helpful staff and a really lovely atmosphere! The wine room is a great idea!

We've been here a few times now, always excellent food. Last night the burrata was amazing as were the porchetta and seabass. Quality ingredients, we still need to explore the shop. Sad to see the lemon tart with the 10 year aged balsamic ice cream was no longer on the menu (hint hint!). Always attentive staff.

Excellent, thoroughly enjoyed our meals, good hearty portions with a touch of fine dining, choosing the wine was an experience, I would highly recommend, definitely have to book, the tables were practically full on a Thursday night

Food was very nice but slightly expensive with limited choice on the menu. Staff were great and service was prompt but virtually empty at the time so maybe different if busy. NB If ordering garlic bread as a starter, be warned it comes as a 10 inch pizza so one between 2 is sufficient.

Lovely food, cocktails and wine. Great for a date night. Not sure what it will be with kids. No specific kids menu but the main menu says that they do smaller plates for kids or a simpler menu e.g. simple pasta dishes to accommodate.

Beautiful restaurant excellent food . Lovely staff.

Food was on point!! Staff was great!

Family meal at Il Mulino in Roby Mill to celebrate my birthday and was a perfect few hours with great food and wine..."a little piece of Italy in Wigan" Shared an Antipasto for starters, braised Ox cheek ragu for main and the most delightful Chocolate Arancini which is a new one for me for dessert. I'll be honest, I couldn't finish the dessert so it came home along with the remains of my sons pizza...nothing wasted! Delicious 😋 Big thank you to the hard working staff too, great service

We had an amazing meal last night !! My fillet steak was cooked to perfection The cannoli was delicious best I’ve ever had My husband had the scallops he said they were out of this world !! The ox check Ragu tasted. fab think I will have that next time !! The menu does have limited choice but I think that it is because everything that is on it can be cooked fresh to perfection and it was !!!!

Had a lovely meal last night. Had meatballs and prawns to start. Very generous portion sizes for a starter. Had chicken for main. Unfortunately I found a corner of plastic that had been snipped off a sachet of something. Restaurant offered to change meal and cook fresh and knocked the amount off the bill. Also offered a free drink as it should not have been in food. But I declined as driving however I thought it was handled perfectly and I enjoyed my food. the food was amazing. Very tasty. And the service was nice. Wernt really busy as Tuesday eve so atmosphere wasn't great as I aaume it may be on a Weekend.. The place is stunning inside. Toilets clean and nice outdoor area also. It has been done to a lovely standard. I will go back. I do however feel the wine was pricey for a glass. £9.50 for 250ml white wine and then additional £2 for lemonade My drink was 11.50 total. For that reason I knock a star off. But I most definately will return as the food was amazing. I do wonder what they would do or children though. Seems a small adult menu. Obviously a small menu reflects the perfected dishes. But Not sure if they do a pizza /pasta for children. It does seem more of an adult /older children environment. I will be back.

Not really a italian restaurant very limited menu Very dissapointed with the food very chewy possible frozen not fresh also expensive. Must be one of the top 5 worst places ive ever eaten i can honestly say i will NOT be returning.

Lovely food in comfortable contemporary surrounding

Extremely slow service, limited menu choices, had to ask our waiter what the dishes contained on the menu as ingredience was in italian. None of ur typical spaghetti and lasagne dishes. Abit on the pricey side too given the portion sizes, disappointing meal. Won't be in a rush to visit or recommend, shame as the decor inside is stunning.

Intimidating maitre"d, no wine list (just a silly wine cage), great looking menu but pretentious inauthentic food that falls well short of what you'd expect from what purports to be a sophisticated Italian restaurant. What a shame.

Nice attentive staff but my food was bland and uninteresting with small portions, probably to make you order three courses or side dishes. Bit pricy too! (We both had scallops for starters then I had chicken supreme and hubby had cod loin). Maybe pizzas and pasta dishes may have been a better choice. Not a bit of atmosphere in the place but also very noisy at the same time. Covid regulations were all in place with track and trace and our temperatures taken on entry. Don't think we'll be visiting here again any time soon. Disappointing.

Made to feel very unwelcome on entry. We all know we must do track and trace, but felt very intimated, treated like children. Food was different, nice, but expensive. Limited choices. Young pleasant staff,

Lovely food. Lovely atmosphere. Lovely staff. Thank you.

Wonderful restaurant, excellent staff, food was excellent can honestly say best meal we have ever had.

Used to go to this establishment when it was "The Star" and our first time as "Il Mulino" but won't be our last. Lovely staff and the food excellent. I've always said that the best garlic prawns I've ever had were at a restaurant called Fairways in Vilamoura but the prawns at this restaurant were better. Simple and short menu ensuring fresh food and although we love Italian food, so many Italians now a serve the same fodder eg Spag carbonara made with cream yuk! and Lasagna etc. Very tired and boring. Il Mulino though was a fresh and lovely take on modern Italy. Looking forward to our next visit.

Authentic Italian food,great service, lovely setting! What's not to like?Definitely be back@ the pizzas looked so tempting!

My husband and I had a fantastic time at this lovely Italian restaurant. We had an outside booth which was very toasty and all the food was superb!!! The staff could not do enough for us and they were all extremely helpful and so nice. We will definitely become regular visitors here and wish them all the best. It’s great to have a good Italian restaurant nearby. X

Couldn't wait to try this place ever since it opened recently but especially with it being on our doorstep. However the atmosphere and feel to the place is like being in some glorious holiday destination hundreds of miles away where a great time is had by all. The lengths this place has gone to ensure the outdoor tables are suitable under this unseaonal chill are commendable and we were even moved to one of the cosy booths as one became available soon after arrival. The food menu is limited as expected for the moment but the food quite excellent. Not cheap but this is a quality place and worth every penny. Best asset on first showing is the waiting staff, for whom nothing was too much trouble; truly charming service. This place has barely got going and when the indoor restaurant opens up it is going to be so popular.

Just had a lovely meal at Il Mulino, really authentic food and service was excellent. Heaters and blankets to keep off the chill, look forward to coming back again soon as inside looks lovely. Highly recommend for a lovely evening out 👍

Lovely new Italian restaurant in the old Star Inn pub. They've clearly spent a lot of time and money refurbishing and it's been well worth it. Inside looks great and I look forward to eating indoors when the pandemic is finished. Outside is lovely too. There's some tables under umbrellas, but we got to sit in one of the shelters which has lighting and heating, very cozy. The food was superb. Not a massive menu, but that didn't matter because there was a good mix of choices. Lots of fresh products used in the cooking. There's also a small shop inside selling Italian ingredients that are used in the kitchen there. I believe in the future they're hoping to sell Italian meats too. Beer choice was a bit restricted, selling only Peroni or Moretti both on draught. As the restaurant has only just opened I would expect this to expand. Good luck with your business, and we look forward to returning soon.

Lovely restaurant! The food was brilliant, staff were all really friendly. Their outdoor eating area is great, they have a few booths and tables each with heating and parasols. It was drizzling when we turned up but we're perfectly dry in a booth. Would definitely recommend!!

Amazing food, lovely welcoming environment, cosy even though its outdoor dining. Accomplished cooking with fantastic attentive service. Highly recommended

Great food, great service & great atmosphere