La Pergola in New Forest

The food here is incredible, the service great and the prices very good! Never disappoints! Highly recommend the banoffee pie!

Me and my lady went there for our anniversary and we weren't disappointed. We had starters,mains, and a really nice bottle of wine. The food was delicious and was complimented by the excellent service. If you are in the area and want a really good Italian, be sure to book in advance, and you won't be disappointed.

Having driven past this place many times down the years, and often thought what an interesting, eye-catching restaurant it looks, we finally booked (essential) ourselves in for a Saturday lunch, and wow, what a fabulous time we had, how could we not have properly discovered it before. More fools us. Established in 1997 and still run by the Passarelli family, it is obviously super-popular. This is not a place for modernness, its rustic charm/ambience takes us through 20 plus years of business and the odds and sods, trinkets, bottles and artefacts just add wonderful character to the all-embracing Italian charm that is the spirit of La Pergola. We asked about the history of the place and our two helpers, Sarah (family) and Billa, couldn't have been more friendly and instructive, telling us about the family connections, and also guiding us through the sumptuous a la carte and specials menus. There is everything here that a lover of Italian food could wish for, seriously. My guest chose to have two starters (coming out together, same time as my main course), Mozzarella in Carrozza & Gamberoni and I had the Vitello Alla Milanese – breaded escalope of veal with spaghetti napoletana. Out of this world, so good. Tempted as we were by the amazing dessert menu, we were just too well fed at this stage so will make allowances next time and tuck in for a pud. All in all this was a first rate, wholly enjoyable experience start to finish, it is a very special place. Price-wise this is not a cheap eaterie, nor shold it be, it is top-end quality, and it shows. (Expect to pay £30+ pp without alcohol). Thank you for looking after us so magnificently, we will definitely be coming back again, soon. 5/5 stars. C & M.

Amazing place, fabulous food, excellent service, highly recommended

Used to go here all the time but it’s far too expensive for me now, that said, if you can afford it then the food is really good

Always very busy, excellent food & atmosphere, had to park across the road at Bolton's Bench, car park gets very busy, but a great evening celebrating. Highly recommend.

Lovely Italian food we had veal and ravioli tasty selection of desserts. Could not fault the service lovely atmosphere but do book as very busy

Delicious food, great staff who are always ready to help. It's a very busy restaurant so book in advance but don't let that put you off. They are very experienced, orders taken and food delivered in a timely fashion. Always staff there to order a drink and it's always brought to you shortly after. Will definitely recommend.

Food is exceptional. Portions are quite big, so it's easy to overindulge :)

Great food and the staff are fantastic. Catered to dietary requirements well (vegetarian and gluten intolerance). The only thing that stops it being 5 stars was how close the tables are together, they've crammed even more in since I last visited. You are practically touching elbows with the tables next to you. Due to this it takes a while to be served and is tough to catch someone's attention. It also got very warm, but the staff were happy to open some windows. The staff were great though with a friendly and humorous attitude. Very busy - book in advance, and don't wear a jumper in here!

Very popular restaurant with good choice menu,need to book in advance. Friendly staff atmosphere

A last minute booking on a busy Friday evening. The place was buzzy and busy. Good service with excellent food. Our first visit but hopefully not last because we live afar!

This family run restaurant had been recommended to us and we were not disappointed. We were also advised to book and were very glad we had, as the restaurant was full even though it was a Tuesday night. The menu was quite extensive and all the food we had was excellent - from a simple starter such as garlic mushrooms or parma ham and melon, to the main courses ranging from pasta and breast of chicken with various sauces to lamb shank in a red wine jus. We even had room for dessert - a huge slice of banoffee pie and a tiramisu. The staff were very friendly and we were served in a timely manner even though it was busy, which is great to see. As we were staying in Lyndhurst we could walk to the restaurant (an easy 10 minute walk from the centre of the village) but there is the benefit of a car park at La Pergola. We would definitely book here again when in the area.

Went for a birthday dinner and although this is clearly at odds with the majority, we thought it was “nothing special”. The dining area is very crowded and noisy, the food is good (but not great) and our three courses seemed to be served at pace. The waitress was very pleasant and helpful. We probably won’t go again. Maybe our expectations were set too high.

Fantastic food, friendly and helpful staff and a lively atmosphere. The place was very busy so you should book in advance, but despite being really full the service was very efficient. Would definitely come again if we're in the area.

Visited twice in the last few weeks, first time in a group of three couples, second time with my wife on our own. On both occasions we loved the food and enjoyed the generally busy atmosphere, the service and the decor. I always prefer a starter and main when eating out, I generally find desserts in restaurants over priced morsels. Not here though. Really reasonably priced, really very good and generous portion - as is true with all the food. Worth mentioning that when my wife and I visited we started with bread and olives, had mains and desserts, soft drinks, water and a bottle of wine - all for under £100. Excellent value.

Fantastic food, service and atmosphere. Highly recommend : pizza, ravioli and banoffee 😋 Will definitely be back

Excellent food and service loads of parking, book in advance we went on a Wednesday and it was busy. Pizza about £15, main £25 + bottle of win £25 to £50

We had a fantastic meal here, every course was full of flavour and they were all a very very generous size. Service was brilliant with all the staff being very friendly. The desserts deserve a mention of their own, I have never seen such large desserts, and they tasted so good!

An outstanding authentic restaurant!! I came late and despite being really busy the lady could not of been nicer!!! Had a beautiful meal and wine service was fabulous I cannot wait to go back!!!

Another great experience at La Pergola. We have visited a couple of time before over the years and the standard of food and service does not falter. We shared a rosemary and garlic bread before our pasta dishes. Both were very tasty, with beautifully cooked pasta. The desserts are always amazing and we shared a lemon meringue roulade which was delicious. There is a reason why La Pergola is always busy and you need to book. It is a lovely experience of Italian dining.

Absolutely LOVED this place. The other reviews certainly didn't lie. Outside of Italy it was the best Carbonara I have eaten. I would definitely recommend to any pasta and pizza fan!

Fantastic locations and serviced. Food is excellent. Highly recommend.

Always know what to expect never fails to offer good food and service

Really enjoyed our meal here this evening. Very quirky/traditional decor inside and out. Excellent service even from younger staff members which is hard to find these days. Plenty of choice on the menu, delicious food. Would be a regular here if we lived close by.

The food was great and the service was good as well. They also have a play area which was really nice and fun for the children. It is in a really nice relatively calm area as well. Great restaurant!!

Absolutely amazing, the food was phenomenal absolutely phenomenal. Fast and very friendly service, clean and very atmospheric. Not a bad thing to say about this place... A rare all five star rating from me.

Food superb, friendly staff and great service.

One of my family's favourite spots, the atmosphere, food and staff are always truly fantastic! The staff go out of their way to make you feel special, and we thoroughly enjoy every visit.

A beautiful restaurant in the new forest, our food was delicious. Great portions, flavours were amazing and the desserts, were the best I have had anywhere. Will definitely ve going back again.

Great atmosphere, I had the liver and bacon, not very Italian you would think, but it was excellent! Will stay in Lyndhurst again for this restaurant. X

We have been here many times for special occasions and the food and service has always been exceptional. It is a bustling restaurant so can get a bit warm, but cannot complain about anything - never had a bad dish. We'll look forward to coming back in the winter!

Birthday celebrations, food was Amazing 🌟

Very nice food but unfortunately very expensive.

Great Italian food, beautiful place and very nice staff!

Absolutely gorgeous. The food was amazing and full of flavour, all 3 courses were fantastic and blew us away. I had trouble making the booking as I had got the dates wrong, but they fixed it for us immediately with no trouble. The staff were amazing and helpful throughout, and were so organised. For a Tuesday night, it was packed, which shows just how great their reputation is, that they’ve showed is deserved.

Very nice place good food and service very nice I recommend

The steak was a bit overcooked.

We have been coming here for the best part of 25 years now and is and has always been one of our go to restaurants. Last night 4 of us visited, the place was rammed as usual but our table was waiting for us. The menu is traditional with many items on it having been on there for the past 25 years but that is no bad thing. A decent sized menu with many main courses and separate pasta and pizza sections but it’s the specials that are always worth trying. Last night it was a starter of crostini with crab, chilli and lemon as a starter followed by sea bream with a bed tomatoes, olives and peppers and side veggies. Both were magnificent, stunning flavours and good fresh fish. I was pretty full but the desserts are a must here so the white chocolate praline with caramelised pecans and crème anglais was a no brainer and wow I loved it. Great place, friendly staff and always good service, despite me going home and complaining about how stuffed I was !!!

Our experience was amazing. All staff so friendly,so helpful. We were an extended family of 8. Which included 3 children ages between 4-10. There is a small play park at the side of the restaurant. The food was so nice. So tasty and lovely flavour. It was my 60th birthday and we always wanted to try this place. The perfect place to spend a lovely meal with my family. Thank you we all had a lovely time.

Food, service, location and atmosphere was faultless. Will definitely return.

Wow, completly blown away, cannot fault the food, the staff and the atmosphere. As we had the dog in tow we sat outside, but the staff were just as attentive. After ordering our starters arrived promptly, my wife ordered the Mozzarella carrozza, which she assures me was fantastic. I had the fritura di verdure, the fried mixed vegetables came with a stunning homemade garlic dip. My wife's main was the truly lovely cannelloni stuffed with pork, beef and ham in a napolitina sauce topped with, Mozzarella, with a side of pizza al rosario e again. I had the Orecchietti with Italian fennel sausage meat, chilli and tomatoes in a cream sauce. It was divine. Sadly we were to full to try the homemade desserts. But we highly recommend this restaurant. If you have not been go, well worth it.

Very good food and professional service. I’ll return

Really loved our meal here. We've been meaning to come for a long time as my fiancé has been before. Im so glad we made the effort to build it into out trip to the new forest. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was really lovely. Such good italian vibes! Will definitely be back!

fab place wish it was in wolvehampton9

This place is nice, but you must prebook and they not always open

Excellent Italian restaurant. I had tortellini and my wife had cannelloni and both dishes were plentiful and delicious. Very good menu and deserts were superb too. Very friendly and attentive staff. Our 2nd time visiting and we will definitely be back. Well worth a visit if you're in Lyndhurst.

Really impressed. It's definitely a step back in time. But, in a good way. No apps, no check in etc. We booked a table for 8pm, turned up at 8 and we were shown straight away to a table, properly set out with table cloth, glasses and cutlery. Despite the restaurant being full we got our drinks very quickly, ordered our food with no pressure. The starters came out quickly and when we were finished the plates were cleared quickly. The mains came out quickly and were all massive and tasted amazing. The deserts were all huge and clearly made on site. They were amazing. There was no pressure to buy drinks and all the serving staff were extra friendly and attentive. The bill came promptly when we asked and was correct. It made me realise how things used to be done, when they were done properly before chain restaurants. Highly recommended.

Came last Thursday 30th May in a party of friends. Enthusiastic, lively and attentive staff - excellent food much enjoyed. Thanks for a great evening!

Absolutely lovely place! Luckily we booked beforehand as it was very, very busy and I can see why. It’s the best restaurant for literally everything - the authentic decor, the atmosphere, the staff, the layout, the outside eating area and of course the food. Had an amazing evening. Very welcoming, cosy and had a romantic feel to it. The food was outstanding and the portions were very generous. We had a starter, main and dessert and couldn’t fault anything at all, it was delicious and full of flavour. Our waitress Laura was amazing. Always smiling, very attentive, filling up our wine on passing, seeing if everything was ok etc. It was all those extra little touches that made our evening special. What a top notch Lady and a true asset to a lovely little restaurant. What a perfect last experience before going home the next morning after spending a week in the New Forest. The only downside is that the restaurant is two and a half hours from home, I only wish it was local to us 😢

First time here and absolutely loved it. Really friendly staff. Epic decor - comfortingly reminiscent of the 1990's. The food was on another level, clearly all home cooked, nicely presented and enormous portions. The puddings were the best (and biggest) we've ever had. All four of us chose different meals and puddings and there was nothing we all didn't love.

The atmosphere, hospitality and food are all outstanding. My daughter and I enjoyed pizza followed by the Pecan Nut Pie. Can't wait to come back!

What a lovely place to enjoy a traditional Italian meal.

Food is amazing but there not open Sundays or Monday's! Why??? The place is amazing.

So good ! if you've not tried this restaurant please do it's a real Gem

Gorgeous but.....the desserts are enormous! 🤣

The best around! Cosy and snug, phenomenal food, couldn't ask for better service, and the interior feel is worth going for to see in itself.

Went to celebrate my husband’s 70th birthday and unexpectedly had our eight year old grandson to stay so he joined us. On arrival we waited at the appointed spot and were impatiently beckoned to the bar by the Maitre d’. When I explained we had an extra diner, his displeasure was obvious and when I further explained I had expected we could fit one more on our table, he again displayed his annoyance by disabusing me of this assumption in an abrupt manner with an accompanying sour facial expression. The waitress stepped in before he could continue with his rude manner and she could’t have been more helpful, assisting us to shoehorn in another place setting whilst not affecting the thoroughfare. She even kindly arranged for us to move tables shortly after when a party of 4 came in as two. The waiting staff are great, pleasant and helpful and the food is good. The tables are very close together and packed in tightly. Sadly I have suffered the Maitre D’s unpleasant and unprofessional attitude before so this is the second time. He has been working there for 20 years plus and clearly needs a refresher customer care course and to learn from his waiting staff how to be pleasant, polite, helpful and SMILE!!

Normally, I wouldn’t choose Italian food if other options are available but I read the reviews and it was a short walk from our hotel. So glad that we went. Pasta was phenomenal and had so much flavour. Really nice outdoor setting in Autumn. Staff were great and moved a heat lamp closer to my wife when it became a bit colder. We’ve tried a few Italian places since but we always think back to this Italian meal.

Came here on a busy Saturday night. We pre-booked which was a good idea as I doubt there were any tables available for walk-ins. The food was brilliant. Had a simple carbonara, being an Italian-run restaurant you would expect it to be too-notch authentic and it didn't disappoint. I noticed on the next table all but one also chose carbonara. I don't know how if that was a coincidence or a tacit further recommendation! All in all the food was good, the tables were close-packed and all busy so as expected this isn't the place to go if you just want a quiet intimate evening. My wife says it is a good sign if a place is busy with locals and it was certainly that, so another thumbs up The staff were busy as you would expect, but friendly and attentive. The car park was very full when we arrived and we bagged one of the last vacant spots. As we left we could see cars parked nearby on the verge

Fantastic meal once again. Booked a table for lunchtime outside (as we had the dog with us) and was absolutely faultless. The food was beautiful and the service was outstanding, very friendly and professional. Thank you all and will see you again soon.

I recommend visiting it Nice location, good dishes and ok friendly and professional staff service

Loved the food, service and the atmosphere the only negative however was it got very hot in the restaurant as more and more people arrived. By the time we finished our meal at 9pm the place was packed and there wasn't any air flow in the room.

Have dined there many times over the years. Never been disappointed with the food. It is a family run Italian restaurant and the menu covers pizza,pasta ,steaks and they cope with gluten free as well. Highly recommend.

What can I say. 15 years ago, I thought this restaurant was a hidden treasure of the New Forest. Obviously, la Pergola is still as fantastic as it was, which shows it's not as hidden as I thought. Well done to everyone who works there. Be proud guy's.

A truly wonderful dinner. Lovely food, amazing service and great atmosphere, I really can't fault it. The staff are all very friendly and casual, but also attentive and professional. The food was faultless and quick to be served and the venue is welcoming, cosy and with enough buzz, but without being too loud. There's also a dessert cabinet full of cheese cakes, tiramisu, gateauxs and other lovely sweet treats! Would highly recommend!

Great food, excellent welcoming service and a good atmosphere located in a great forest setting!

Don't judge the restaurant by its website! The food. Incredible. The service. Delightful. The atmosphere. Lovely. We're so pleased we visited. Vito, our server, was exceptional, making us feel very welcome. I enjoyed an amazing carbonara, while my wife opted for a vegetable penne pasta which was again, delicious. We also shared a few starters, and every single item was fantastic. Value for money was also incredible. Overall, it's a brilliant restaurant. It might not look like much on the website, which almost stopped us from going, but we're so glad we did. Highly recommend!

Delicious food, really authentic flavours and cooking. Desserts were enormous and much too big for one serving ! Staff are terrific, friendly and professional.

An absolutely fantastic experience from start to end!! Food was amazing as were the staff!

First time here in recommendations from friends. We had a very reasonably priced lunch menu. 3 courses for £24.95 Starters - melon with fruit and deep fried mozzarella in Parma ham. Both ok Mains were 2 saltimbocca with potatoes and veg. Very underwhelming unfortunately Deserts were excellent though. Tiramisu and lemon roulade Overall an OK experience but didn’t live up to our expectations

Great food really friendly staff and atmosphere

We had a lovely Valentine’s dinner and ordered a set menu. Really enjoyed the first and last course. The main course we had chicken and salmon which we found a little bit dry, however, all of the portions were big portions and worth the money. I loved the maple and pecan dessert, definitely a chef’s kiss! The service were fantastic as well, the staff were all nice, we had a gentleman (sorry we didn’t got his name) served us and he was very entertaining and we when said we were so full with our main course he gave us a bit of a time to give the desserts. We loved the ambience as well, I think it’s cozy and romantic. Definitely would go back!

I’ve had great experience at this restaurant. The food was delicious and so was the house red wine. Staff was really attentive and the food was delivered without any delays despite the restaurant being very busy. The portions were exceptionally generous. This was my first visit to this restaurant and overall I found it to be excellent. I will be certainly coming back!

We enjoyed a delicious very reasonably priced lunch. Cannelloni, Beef stew and the liver/bacon - all 10/10. The desserts were as usual magnificent. We were looked after really well by the excellent staff. With the quality of food they served, not surprised how well patronised the restaurant was in mid week.

This has become the restaurant that my wife and I default to. It's the perfect mix of great food and atmosphere. A lovely place to grab lunch or spend the evening.

Great tasting food, lovely service and warm setting. We love the seafood dishes without any alcohol added.

Best Italian outside Bella Italia...that's all

Excellent as always, staff always polite and go out their way. Food is 10/10 👌

Such a cozy place, family run and the service was amazing. The food was amazing never enjoyed pasta so much! And the portions were wholesome! The kids had a lovely time and nothing was soo much for them. We all Felt so special

This is a wonderful place to go for an authentic Italian dining experience. The food was first class and the service was just as good. At first it seemed like it was going to be quite expensive. But, when we thought about it we all had a main course, dessert and a drink and it worked out at around £35 per person which was amazing value for what we had. To give you an idea of how good this place is, we had to book because it was so busy in January!

My favourite place. Great service and ambience.

Visited today for lunch. Food was fantastic. My salmon was cooked to perfection and the banoffee was the best I have ever tasted. The service we received from all staff was perfect, especially Georgie who is an absolute credit to your team. I will definitely be recommending this lovely restaurant to my family and friends.

Was surprised how busy it was on a Tuesday evening, we soon found out. Lovely food, you need to leave room for the desserts. It was our daughter's 21st and they made it special, will be going back soon.

First visit and very disappointed. Food was average, had better at home!! Felt like we were being rushed and they could wait for us to leave ready for next sitting. Will not be returning!!

Customers for 20years plus for celebrations, special dinners and supporting a local restaurant during the pandemic. Have no doubt, after conversation with the owner they will find a reason to counteract my review. Arrived 7.15 and order taken immediately. Starter arrived quickly and was delicious. 50 minute wait for main course, also delicious. When we had to leave at 9pm for taxi we were told we needed to allow at least 2 hours for a starter and main!! We were told our steaks (34.95 each) were binned, because my husband hadn't eaten his starter quickly enough. Unbelievable. As local and as people who would recommend for lunch and dinner we are beyond disappointed in their attitude.

Food and the service was very good, the toilets were a bit cramped, a tad expensive for what it is

We arrived at 6pm as walk-ins when it was just opening and the staff kindly found us a table until 7.30 pm. The building is lovely inside and out - very striking. By 6.20pm there were about 100 people in there. February - off season. A lot of groups and families, all pre-booked as the tables were all set. We were lucky to get a table. The service for us and all the customers was excellent. Obviously a team of skilled and dedicated staff - every table had food, fresh and hot. The service by the staff looked effortless - very professional and friendly. Our food was fabulous. A really good pizza - fresh with top quality ingredients and a gnocchi with a Gorgonzola sauce. Tasted amazing. The tomatoes in our salad were really tasty and prepared the minute before service. Excellent ice cream and espresso for an affogato for dessert. The service, atmosphere and food were all absolutely top notch and I would wholeheartedly recommend a visit. Worth booking as it was very busy. We’ve wanted to go since we first saw the place in 2021 and I would certainly make a special trip to go there.

We arrived at 6pm as walk-ins when it was just opening and the staff kindly found us a table until 7.30 pm. The building is lovely inside and out - very striking. By 6.20pm there were about 100 people in there. February - off season. A lot of groups and families, all pre-booked as the tables were all set. We were lucky to get a table. The service for us and all the customers was excellent. Obviously a team of skilled and dedicated staff - every table had food, fresh and hot. The service by the staff looked effortless - very professional and friendly. Our food was fabulous. A really good pizza - fresh with top quality ingredients and a gnocchi with a Gorgonzola sauce. Tasted amazing. The tomatoes in our salad were really tasty and prepared the minute before service. Excellent ice cream and espresso for an affogato for dessert. The service, atmosphere and food were all absolutely top notch and I would wholeheartedly recommend a visit. Worth booking as it was very busy. We’ve wanted to go since we first saw the place in 2021 and I would certainly make a special trip to go there.

Lovely place. Sadly for me, I feel the food was a massive let down. I had spaghetti bolognese, which had no flavour and reminded me of something that came out of a tin. Very over priced for disappointing food. Also had tummy cramps all night. None of the food I saw looked appetising 😔.

Excellent meals ! Worth going just to meet Vito and Sarah ! 👍😊

A lovely evening spent in La Pergola, very busy as always but great Food 😋 Only downside is the limited Parking 🅿️.

Vittorio thank you for the best birthday lunch for my brother. Vittorio is the heart and soul of La Pergola. You’re the best 🙏🏽🇮🇹👍🏽🍷

Excellent Italian restaurant with very friendly staff.

New Years Eve, full house, full a la carte menu served and the kitchen didn't miss a beat....front of house on point...a fantastic experience

So glad we got to book with you for my birthday before you closed for two weeks. Staff lovely, great choice of food. Food was absolutely delicious. We will definitely be recommending and returning.

Loved this place. The food was amazing and catered incredibly well for Gluten free guests. The staff were really nice too

terrific food and fantastic staff. make sure you book a table as always busy

Always a great place to eat great staff and food 😋

This place has a real buzz. Had an excellent meal, great menu. Thanks to all the staff for a great time.