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4,5

Based on 52 opinions finded in 1 websites

5.0Ambience5.0Cuisine5.0Price5.0Service
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Nº 231 in 646 in Shepway

Nº 6 of 8 Italian in Shepway

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH.. oldcooked

Score
OpinionsNoteTripAdvisor524.5

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I believe Luci and Katy opened this restaurant in the 70s. Luci trained in some of London's top hotels prior to moving to Folkestone. The Reviews are testament to the couple's dedication, hard work and professionalism. Both are past retirement age but made the extremely difficult decision to retire in March. They have served the Folkestone restaurant scene with enthusiasm, and will be missed by all their customers including us, who spent many happy evenings experiencing their warm hospitality and excellent fare. We wish them a happy and healthy retirement.

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mave1 . 2020-08-15

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This husband and wife team have been on the same site for 30 plus years. You goni to the restaurant and seem to be transported back a few decades, Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling rather dark carpets and walls, pictures and photographs of Italian football teams on the wall and likely to be a football game on the tv ( the sound was off). You get the impression that you are more in someone's living room than a restaurant. There is a full menu with the majority of Italian , Mediterranean dishes on offer. You cannot be in a hurry when you come here, you have the owner talking to you about anything and everything but I suggest you dont talk about politics or football. The food is cooked to order and the service is ......well let's put it this way....you have plenty of time to digest between courses.....but the food is good. It is somewhere for an experience not just a meal.

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DozyCow . 2020-01-08

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Luciano and Katia are brilliant hosts. Great food. Our dear friends Pat-and David loved it there. Be back soon

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anyoldiron2 . 2019-09-15

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Have been going to Luciano's for 11 years and always had a fantastic time there. Atmosphere is very nice as is the food. Luciano and Kathy are extremely nice people.

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joedoherty97 . 2019-08-27

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WOW We loved our first visit to Luciano’s. Loved the 70s music and retro feel. We had tasty sole and T-bone dishes. We will return. 😊

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OrchardHouseBandB . 2019-05-11

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We have been going to the best restaurant in Folkestone for years. The food is absolutely delicious never had a bad meal,but the hosts and ambiance are lovely.luchiano and Kati have become part of our family and my two eldest granddaughters have been celebrating birthdays and other events since they were very young. If you want a night to remember then it is the place to be. I love them both .

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Camper721325 . 2018-12-17

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I love this place and the people, nothing is too much trouble and the food is excellent just like the service, ambiance and everything about this restaurant.

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Karens W . 2018-11-08

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went to this little restaurant last night well worth a visit the food is excellent and we were made feel very welcome.will definitely be back

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nigeljohnston1975 . 2018-10-14

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Visited with friends and had a fantastic meal..if you are into Italian food this is the place for you..great food.,great service..great prices.

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bigbarryEssex . 2018-08-26

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Another fabulous dinner last night. As usual the food and service are 5 star, and the trade mark burnt rolls perfect. If you have never been there you must put this on your bucket list. We will be back soon.

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richard a . 2018-03-31

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My lovely wife Jackie says ‘best tiramisu in the world’! Lovely evening with great food, lots of it and the irrepressible Luciano. Try not to eat too much of the delicious garlic butter and hot crusty rolls that are Luciano’s signature offering . There’s plenty more to come! Prawn cocktail or avocado and prawns is a great stater. Brian Ashby OBE had the steak which was delicious. Pollo esttragon (with tarragon) a popular choice, and fish, be it trout or sole is cooked to perfection . Vegetables and potatoes are finished perfectly, and then of course the sweet trolley …You’ll have to visit to find out the truth

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anyoldiron2 . 2018-02-18

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Just returned from a meal at Lucciano's. One word - Amazing!! Don't be put off by the appearance on the outside this place is a gem. The food was outstanding, service exceptional and worth much more than we paid. Treated like royalty from the moment we arrived and we could have been in a small town in Italy not down town Folkestone. Made the top of our list of where to eat out, so try it. You don't know what you're missing.

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knights3003 . 2018-02-14

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Possibly one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had the misfortune of suffering!

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Leah G . 2017-12-30

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We cannot fault this restaurant. The food the wine the service is second to none. It's like stepping back in time the decor is amazing. The owners have had this restaurant for over 40 years. You come away feeling like your one of the family. Highly recommended

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Seanfence . 2017-12-11

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Yes, you step back in time for this one. Chianti bottles hang from the ceiling, red flock wallpaper and prawn cocktail starter on the menu. But it's delightful.

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Peter E . 2017-10-31

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Jackie and I used to go to this excellent romantic little restaurant when we were teenagers back in 1980. It was lovely then, and fortunately it's still lovely now. We were delighted to find it's still run by Luciano and his wife. They are brilliant. Luciano regales us with his tales and there is Good home cooking by the 'cooker' . My veal escalope with delicious mushroom cream sauce and cauliflower cheese, veg and potatoes was yummy. We were full, but had to have Lucianos Tiramisu to share, because Luciano would have been upset if we hadn't. He wasn't wrong. The best we had ever had, in Italy or anywhere!! Looking forward to going back already

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anyoldiron2 . 2017-08-08

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If you enjoy Italian food..you will love this place..only one serving..looks like he runs it himself..with his wife cooking..great evening..can not wait to return.

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bigbarryEssex . 2017-07-24

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Me presentó a Luciano por dos amigo que acababa de encontrar. Ir a través de la puerta era un poco como retroceder en el tiempo cientos de botellas de chianti colgando del techo rojo papel y toallitas hermosa mesa acuden blanco con servilletas de lino. No es un gran menú, pero suficiente. Gran relación calidad-precio y todas las porciones recién preparado por la mujer de luciano es una verdadera madre italiana. He estado allí tres veces y la calidad de la comida era la misma. Sólo está abierto los viernes y sábados por la noche, así que reserve sus más como un hobby para ellos, y sólo tomar como cualquier ya saben que pueden enfrentar como su única los dos de ellos corriendo. Excelente para muchos aquí más visitas cuando estoy en el REINO UNIDO.

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retepkent . 2017-07-07

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Authentic Italian food . Wonderful food and experience . Never a rush to eat , lovely evening . Sometimes he burns the rolls because he talks to guests . Such a lovely couple only too happy to help

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getawaydays1 . 2017-04-01

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Nos reunimos con amigos y pasamos un tiempo maravilloso. Luciano estaba en forma entretenida todo nosotros una gran comida preparada por muma su esposa. El servicio era impecable. La comida era deliciosa. La maravillosa decoración.

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ABEONAS . 2017-03-25

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Muy amable y la comida maravillosa que una vez probado siempre volver a por más. Restaurante íntimo que es simplemente genial.

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Karen M . 2017-02-17

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Para una experiencia de Luciano de 70 no se puede perder. Los anfitriones son encantador y atento.

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carshalton . 2016-11-30

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This was our first visit to Luciano's - but definitely not our last. It was like stepping back in time 30 plus years. We were welcomed by Luciano and sat in a small area by the bar to relax with a drink and nibbles and later, peruse the menu. His wife, the chef, came out to greet us and introduce herself. After we had chosen from the menu and told no request was too much trouble, we were taken to our table. Luciano himself is the only waiter. He does a very good job with courtesy, good humour and tales of the restaurant's past. We felt very welcome indeed. The food was good. We all enjoyed everything that was served to us. The pizzas were not too large and very tasty indeed. We skipped dessert but felt welcome to stay for coffee and drinks. It was a very pleasant, relaxing evening. We parted with kisses from Luciano and his wife and although it was our first visit, felt we left as good friends. An excellent evening was had by all.

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traceywFrance . 2016-11-06

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This little Italian restaurant is amazing.Luciano and Cathy are charming and very friendly hosts, that make you feel so welcome.The home cooked food is delicious.They have nice varied menu.We felt so relaxed, had a great evening and can't wait to return again very soon.

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Lorraine M . 2016-11-06

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Luciano and Katy are such welcoming hosts, it was a birthday celebration, and they decorated and put up banners and balloons how thoughtful, and even a birthday present. With excellent food nothing was too much trouble, will be returning very soon.

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NickyTredway . 2016-10-31

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What a wonderful evening spent with my wife with great food, great quirky service from the owner and a great experience all round

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Mrjohndowsett . 2016-08-24

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Not a microwave in sight! All authentic and nothing short of home ingredients! I have been coming here since 1977, and the owner has nothing but a professional and warmly charm about him. I am a regular and have eaten here so many times, that I wish I could buy shares in the place! Such a diamond of a venue, and if as I you celebrate your birthday let them know and he will make you a cake with your name on it! They go the extra mile, but now they only open Friday and Saturday.....well, like me they are getting on in years......warning expect him to burn your rolls! I do not know where to go if and when they finally close. Simply superb.......as there are no screaming children or pushchairs to fall over.......what a great place.

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foodcritic742 . 2016-08-17

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Like many others I have passed by this restaurant many times without giving it a second thought. Luciano and Cathy are wonderful hosts, he has the driest of humour but don't be offended by it! Food is amazing and it is so relaxed. They even let us take in a cake and hung a banner saying happy birthday as it was a meal to celebrate both my parents birthdays! Definitely be back.

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Rob B . 2016-07-16

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We visited Luciano's after I remembered I hadn't visited the restaurant since the 1980's! My husband had never been however, I remembered that the good was good and when I realised it was the same people running it, I had to go back.I was not disappointed, Luciano and his wife were so welcoming, the service and food was so good and Luciano's stories kept coming all evening. So entertaining!We will definitely not leave it so long before returning. Would highly recommend!

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KentTravellergirl . 2016-05-18

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I really do not know who the person is that wrote a negative review of this restaurant never having been there, I suspect an embittered UKIP reject considered too unstable, immature and offensive for even the most rabid anti immigrant elements of UKIP. How utterly racist and ageist to write an offensive review on the basis of an alleged telephone conversation with a mature lady. Yes, she may be a little hard to converse with, but is that her fault or yours ? did you try speaking Italian, you bigoted moron ? The restaurant is lovely, a mom and pop operation, service is fantastic old fashioned, charming beyond compare and the food wonderfully wholesome. I thoroughly recommend it, and thoroughly condemn whoever this grade A Phillip D is. Shame on him, peasant.

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IFM1 . 2016-04-29

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Fantastic atmosphere, great food, brilliant service. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Best steak I have ever had.

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Peter M . 2016-04-20

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Lovely decor home cooking that muma makes from scratch. Decent menu . Great service. We had a great evening and left Late

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LOBSTER64 . 2016-01-20

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Tradition and there is nothing wrong with that when allied to quality....as indeed it isIn this 1960s eatery.My pallet was formed in the 6os by Hostaria Romana and then Mario & Franco themselvesInfluenced by the great Trope to at the Savoy....my meal at Luciano'so. ...took me backTo that table there....others think differently but I give this intimate restaurant 11/10Forget the chi chi I have been there....I say the experience in Michelin 1 star at least !

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magnus20 . 2015-11-17

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Great service , great italian food .A llovely couple who only add to a great night. A good range of drinks and traditional decor . Just look up when you go in.

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getawaydays1 . 2015-10-18

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We visited this restaurant last night after hearing good reviews and we were not disappointed. On arrival we were meet by a charming lady who greeted and seated us. This place is pure nostalgia, food, wine, and service are first class this is definitely the place to go for a special meal. We strongly recommend you try this restaurant for yourselves. As they are only open at the moment on Friday and Saturday nights, we would assume booking is essential. We can't wait to return.

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richard a . 2015-10-17

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Basically, everything you read about Luciano's is true...There is a door policy andit is run, at weekends and by appointment, and since about 1974, as a charming home-style Italian. The menu is familiar and comforting. The food wholesome and plentiful. The welcome and service charming. The whole thing is very good value.A Folkestone classic, long may it continue.

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doctorcontext . 2015-09-13

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You have to be lucky to get a table here,also only weekends are they open for business. You must be prepared to spend the entire evening here as Luciano and Caterina are the perfect hosts. Luciano serves your really delicious meals and is most attentive to your needs while Caterina prepares and cooks your meals. You must try the cannolini for the perfect starter and the menu is massive, suggest you ask Luciano what he suggests, also for the quality and service you receive the price is very reasonable. We are proud to call the pair our friends

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peter w . 2015-09-06

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I ate here with my wife and daughter a few years ago and it was nice and freindly. Tried to book a table subsequently but told they didnt let children in. Wierd. Owner seems to be a bitter man who doesnt like kids or indeed his own wife!? 70s decoration is hilarious. Food good.(Wife does the cooking while he berates her) Tempted to go back without daughter just for the theatre.

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john1262 . 2015-08-27

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This is the best evening out in Folkestone by a country mile. The food is Devine and the welcome and service given by Luciano and Cathy is second to none. Expect to spend an entire evening here, it is certainly most entertaining. If you haven't been before make sure you book to avoid disappointment as numbers are limited. Leave enough room for the sweet trolley. :-)

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jane f . 2015-07-02

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old Luci is famous for his burned bread rolls and of course his hospitality is second to none (if he likes you) although there menu is not extensive, it is good home cooked food and always tastes good! we all know that when you step into this gem of a restaurant its like being in a 70s time warp, with deep red walls and ruffino bottles hanging from the ceiling , but whats also surprising is that there charges seem to be from this era as well..which makes it excellent value for money...and well worth a visit...make sure you book first !!!!

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gary l . 2014-11-08

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I had been here several times in the eighties (my hen night) and early nineties (wedding anniversary) but had not realised it was still open and run by the same lovely couple as it was back then. It was like stepping back in time when we walked through the door. We were made very welcome. There is a varied menu and the food was very good - traditional Italian food and lots of it. The children particularly enjoyed the hot rolls and garlic butter! We were entertained by Luciano telling us stories and had a wonderful evening. The meal was also incredibly good value. Looking forward to a return visit.

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Emma L . 2014-11-05

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The food is nice, traditional old fashioned Italian with hearty portions. But that's not the reason to visit. This place is a time warp from a different era. The decor is a proper 1970's Italian restaurant with flock wall paper, chianti bottles etc (you have to go in to see it!) and the owners are real characters, getting on in years but full of Italian charm. I don't imagine this place will remain open much longer as the owner said they are finding it tough these days due to being in their 70's. It's only open one or two nights a week, but if you can, go along for a really memorable night out.

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smartrollerskate . 2014-08-18

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I cannot vouch for the quality, or lack thereof, of the food at this eatery but I definitely won't even be trying to sample their dishes.This is because I was put off by my experience of dealing with the staff/proprietor over the phone. My conversation today (14 Aug 2014) went as follows: I ring Luciano's hoping to make a reservation for dinner for my wife and I. I call at what I hope is a reasonable hour - 6.15pm - as the restaurant opens soon. The phone rings for some time and eventually a woman answers.Woman: Hello. (in a deadpan voice)Me: (putting on my best smile to sound friendly) Hi, is that Luciano's?Woman: (following a long pause) Yes.Me: I'd like to make a reservation for dinner for two on Saturday, please.Woman: (long pause) No.Me: Wh.... (Before I can finish I am interrupted)Woman: Only Friday! (Voice has now changed from deadpan to annoyed.) This is followed by another long silence.Me: Thank you! (I put down the phone)With an attitude like that towards customers, I am completely put off ever eating there. A bit of a shame really. These people do realise they operate in the hospitality sector, don't they?

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Philip D . 2014-08-14

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I can't believe that I have never eaten here before. This place is a step back in time with the retro decor and the owners are charming. We ate steaks which were superb and the freshly baked rolls bought to your table with very garlicky fresh butter, yum! There is a varied pasta menu and some starters that differ from the usual stuff. The food is delicious and there is a good choice of drinks.This restaurant is a little gem and a complete one off (go see it for yourself). I can't wait to go again.

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Sjr76 . 2014-08-09

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We happened by this restaurant on our way up Tontine Street and thought we'd have a meal. In one word it's amazing. Stepping across the threshold is like being transported back forty years to the first Italian restaurant you ever visited. Whilst I'd say that the vegetarian options aren't abundant, the quality of the food is second to none. We had an excellent three-course meal with lagers and paid less than £30. Most recommended.

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VegCrusader . 2014-08-08

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found this diamond by accident, was out walking and found a time warp!it's like going down Hackney Road 25 years ago, red velvet wallpaper ! ectpre dinner drinks, nuts and dipsthen taken to your table and served with style and qualitygreat home cooked food by Mrs Luciano (who had an accident and burnt her head, (Big kisses and cuddles)A great big thank you to both of you for a truly adorable night, cant wait to return !!peter & lynne

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Peter C . 2014-07-28

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This is a lovely old-school style Italian. But there are rules; no fast food (that's anything less than about two hours)! Luciano runs the room for a single evening sitting - so it's best to book. He is a consummate professional whose timing, and attention to detail, is perfect. He's also very funny and entertaining. We obviously entertain him, and he us. This whole thing provides for a lovely evening.The food is carefully prepared and served in good hearty portions.The sweet trolley is reassuringly old-fashioned.I had the prawn cocktail starter. This reminded me that the cocktail is an unfairly maligned dish. A proper PC is a lovely fresh starter. My main of grilled pork chop and mushrooms was very tasty too.The drinks were reasonably priced, and the house wine very satisfactory.We didn't hold back, and the bill was quite reasonable.This is the kind of small traditional restaurant that you'd be delighted to find on holiday, in the middle of nowhere. Imagine having it just around the corner...perfect.I agree with all the nice comments from other TA reviews and unreservedly recommend this restaurant.

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doctorcontext . 2013-10-20

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my husband and i have been going to this resturant all of our time together, 10 years. you will always find a happy smile and a very good meal at great prices. it isnt any old place though. luci and katty are the most welcoming hosts we have ever had while out for a meal. my husband and i got engaged here and both luci and katty kept the good food and drink coming. having tried most of their menu which hasnt really changed since they opened in 1977 (i think!) it is amazing genuine italian home cooked food at resturant quality. they can and will cook off menu if asked providing it isnt a rush on, which to be honest isnt that often, they do get very busy around holidays tho so be sure to phone ahead during these times so your not dissapointed. the rolls you get before and during your meal are freshly homemade that day, the garlic butter is fab, not your brought in stuff, its freshly mixed that evening ready for service. all of the deserts that are available are handmade my luci, the walnut cake and cream are rich and delightful!! my husband loves their veal, i know to some its controvertal but its like velvet!! we have both tried so many of the delights available at this wonderful authentic restaurant and both agree that its wonderful italian homecooked food that mama would serve back home!!

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t_wilson178 . 2013-10-13

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Lived in Folkestone for 25 years now and I'm embarrassed to say that I have always passed this place by - I don't really know why, but it just didn't grab me. Thank goodness once again for TripAdvisor - all I can do is echo the previous reviews. It was fantastic, absolutely fantastic. I'll see you there soon as me and the boss will definitely be returning.

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KP_Reviewer . 2013-10-13

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A seemingly endless supply of warmed, complimentary rolls and a huge terrine of homemade garlic butter awaits you! This place has an atmosphere and charm that you won't find in any modern 'hip' eatery. Impeccable service by the owner and very affordable prices. The food is well cooked and tasty but i ate too many rolls so couldnt manage a dessert! The decore looks like it has remained unchanged for decades, but how much longer can this place survive in the modern world?, Whilst we did eat early (we left at 7:45) there were no other customers which is not good for a saturday night. Try it whilst you still can!

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topcat1978 . 2013-09-28

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I have lived locally for over 10 years and have intended to visit this restaurant for nearly as long - I was glad I finally did, it's retro (in a way that works), the sort of Italian restaurant you just don't see these days, and the food was great. Makes a nice change from the ubiquitous bland chains that Folkestone has so far managed to resist...

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Jb332 . 2013-09-22

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Well where do I start !!! We stumbled across this little gem by accident and Wow what a place we have found !!! It is like you are in Italy when you walk through the door. Food is yummy pasta, fish and meat dishes are all on the menu. Food quality is out of this world. Good prices and excellent customer service. You must try the red house wine, a litre is only £9.95 and is like velvet. Totally in love with this magical restaurant!!

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kerry s . 2013-09-11

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Stumbled upon this place by accident while walking around the creative quarter looking for some dinner. There was not much going on in the area and was worried that the place was closed, since it was empty.The restaurant is caught in a time warp - a good one though. there are 9 tables total. The ceiling is decorated with chianti bottles - the kind with the wicker on the bottom. Candle holder on each table is also a bottle that has had the top cut off and wax dripped over the side to coat the rest of the bottle.It is run by a couple who live upstairs. The converstation and stories from the owner were like an added attraction. He is 74? years old and has been in the UK since 1955 i believe he said - but still has a thick accent. He has run this establishment since 1977 in the same location. The look is authentic - there does not appear to be a decoration in the place newer than the age of disco, but it does not look tired, just retro.The music playing set the mood - I felt like i was in a mob movie set in the 1950's - every song reminded me of a scene from The Godfather, Goodfellas, Dirty DAncing, The Patsy Cline Story, etc...The food was authentic and excellent. He talked with me about what i liked and made up a sauce that was not on the menu. THe rolls were cooked for us as we ate. THe butter had chunks of real garlic mixed in.His stories and commentary about the area and the UK were entertaining and informative. He even took time to teach my young son how to twirl pasta in a spoonwe were in europe for 21 day on this trip, and this was the best meal that we had the entire trip, both for the quality and taste of the food and for the ambiance.

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marieatta_pman . 2013-07-03

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