Nuova Italia in South Somerset

What a find!!! Fantastic, authentic Italian food, a warm and welcoming staff, comfortable and immaculate environment top quality servce and very reasonable prices. Could not fault a thing about this place. Smiling Simona, our waitress, topped it all off. We are all looking forward to our next visit with cannoli all round!

On holiday in Somerset we decided to try this restaurant due to the really positive reviews. We went on the Friday night, and had a really lovely time. Nicely decorated and really great food. Service was really good. We both had starters and then both had a pizza. Pizza's were tasty and cooked in a wood fire oven. Overall all a great experience, if we are ever down in the area again, we would book here straight away!!

Stopped in on our way down to Torquay. Trying to avoid the normal unhealthy chains. I'm glad we did. The food was lovely and priced so fairly. Kids loved being able to wa5ch the pizzas being made and popped in the pizza oven. Will definitely stop in again when travelling past.

The food was really tasty but the service left a lot to be desired. We arrived at 8pm and seated & drinks orders taken almost immediately, no problem there. However from that pint onwards we felt rushed and constant attention from staff almost wishing us to eat up and finish as it was obvious they wanted to close around 9pm. Before the drinks arrived we were instructed on the specials of the day, approximately 2 minutes later asked if we wanted to order! Drinks arrived and we ordered starters & mains but the whole process was not relaxing. A staff member must have visited our table at least three time looking at our plates during the main course as my wife finished before I did and wanted to take the plates away! I noticed a table of 6 gents to my right had at least 4 plates taken away whilst two were still eating, not good etiquette at all. Don’t think I will be returning, not a leisurely experience, staff need to be more respectful of customers paying for a restaurant experience.

The short-spell of warmer and sunnier weather continued; so we decided to take a potential 90 minute drive-out to visit the Somerset Levels. Our main destination was a National Trust property near Ilminster. It was however 11:30 when we got-underway, so we decided to have lunch first; before it became too late. As a result we rerouted to the town of Ilchester, to visit this highly recommended Italian ristorante. Ilchester itself is small and quiet, with a pocket-sized centre featuring three pubs; one is also a hotel, and there is a further hotel across the bridge over the River Yeo. Shops seem very scarce, but there is a convenience store near to the filling-station, otherwise it’s a shopping-trip to nearby Yeovil. The town is known for it’s classic cheese bearing the town’s name. Ilchester Cheese is a type of Cheddar (the town of Ilchester is, like the town of Cheddar, in Somerset). We called-ahead to ensure we had a table reservation, but that turned out to be unnecessary; because the restaurant was very quiet. During our visit, there was only one other couple dining. When we arrived we parked in a nearby (free) public carpark, not realising that the restaurant had it’s own carpark. The restaurant is moderately large inside with about 25-30 tables in a long, slender, but rather dark, dining area (maybe the lights were switched-off). As it was sunny we decided we would sit outside in the covered terrasse area, located at the side of the restaurant. Being well-sheltered here, we were quite warm from the sun shining through the clear corrugated roofing. The wooden side-walls facing the adjacent private carpark, and also the main through-road (the B3151), were unglazed. There was a tolerable degree of traffic noise. There were a lot of plants in the terrasse, including some climbing plants; once in full leaf and bloom, they will likely to become very attractive. Some of the plants however were a bit untidy, needing some deadwooding. We studied the menu and then the senior waitress told us about the specials; which totally changed our dining plans; there were Scallops available! For both of us the opportunity to eat King Scallops is a no-brainer. I also chose my main from the specials; being the ‘Filet Steak’, with the extra option of a mushroom and cream sauce. My Partner chose the ‘Penne Pollo’ main (chicken and pasta). We took drinks: my Partner choosing a white coffee, whereas I ordered an Elderflower Cordial. The coffee was good, and the cordial (my favoured ‘Bottle Green’ brand) was very refreshing served on crushed ice. The King Scallops (Capesante): were served with sea salt (or maybe rock salt) and freshly ground black pepper, and panfried in butter. The generous portion of six scallops each were browned and absolutely perfectly cooked. They were the very epitome of why we love eating these delicate molluscs. The beards (the roe) were on; they are part of the plate and can be eaten once cooked; having a slightly firmer texture than the scallop muscle. Beards are full of nutrients and minerals, and have a slightly richer flavour than the scallop muscle. Our scallops today did have a slightly gritty texture, but this was not due to insufficient cleaning; it was just the salt (however it initially felt wrong). The Filet Steak with Mushroom and Cream Sauce, and fries: I ordered the steak medium rare and when it arrived it was most certainly perfectly cooked. The good-sized thick fillet was pink and juicy; having a superb flavour and a firm texture. The perfect creamy mushroom sauce was so obviously homemade and delicious. The generous serving of fries were not overcooked and were unsalted. This suits me, as I believe salting can kill flavours rather than enhancing them. The fries were perfect and there were plenty in the serving. Penne Pollo: Seasoned chicken breast, mushroom and fresh penne in a creamy mushroom and white wine sauce: the plate looked good and the generous serving of pasta was perfectly cooked, with just sufficient sauce to coat the pasta. Sadly the chicken was not very good, it had a slightly rubbery texture and reminded my Partner of cheap processed chicken. I had tried a piece of the chicken from my Partner’s plate and I agreed that it was not good; it was bland and definitely had an odd texture. I do regret having to mention this, but in my (circa 900) reviews here on TA I always “tell it the way it was”. My Partner queried the source of the chicken. I think our (senior) waitress was a little upset, denying that the chicken was anything other than fresh. Indeed the waitress returned a minute or so later with a prepared raw chicken breast to prove that the chicken used was anything other than a fresh ingredient. We accepted this. Later, following some research, I now wonder if the chicken was affected by “woody breast”. There is a lot of information on the web about this problem. It could be that the restaurant’s supplier is providing intensively-farmed chicken (such farming methods are a common cause of woody breast). We were driving, so a glass of wine with the meal was inappropriate. We were also quite full from our generous meals, so desserts were not required. We were pleased with the service and the ambience here, and we hope to visit again.

We had a great time for my birthday Simona was amazing and made the whole experience fun and enjoyable. We will defiantly be coming back with family and friends.

FABULOUS place. Sunny day (rarity this winter!) so sat outside in Courtyard with sun on our backs...and no wind. FABULOUS waitress, staff...so cheery, interested, informed...typical Italian friendliness and efficiency. All were very understanding about our Dad who now has advanced Dementia so kept forgetting his please/thank yous and a little self-focussed...but NOTHING was too much trouble. Even asked Dad about his time in Naples when sailing for GB in the 1960 Rome Olympics...how interactive, kind, encouraging is that?! And suggested a Vermouth Spritzer to get us into the 'Italian' mood for drinks. FABULOUS food....soooo delicious I wish it was closer to me as I'd be there weekly! And VERY fair prices... 100% NO complaints at all. We'll DEFFO be back. THANK YOU VERY MUCH Team Nuova Italia Ilchester. A true Somerset gem :)

Good location & atmosphere - easy to find and park, Extensive menu, great food and friendly service provided by Simona. Highly recommended

Had a lovely lunch on Easter Monday when most places were closed. Excellent food and great service ar a reasonable price

Visited the restaurant with my brother and his wife. From start to finish the service from the staff was superb. Very friendly and accommodating. Food was very tasty with good portion size. This restaurant is located within a small Somerset town. There was a constant flow of customers through the main door with table bookings and takeaways. The restaurant is large and by 20.30hrs all tables were full. This restaurant is well worth a visit, I suggest booking a table. We went on a Saturday night. Highly recommended by all in our party.

Really good food! Best Lasagne and Tiramisu I've tasted. Would definitely recommend.

Excellent Italian restaurant. Food, service and atmosphere were first class. Thoroughly recommend.

Lovely food, we went on a busy Friday and still felt like we were waited on and served in enough time to not be an issue.

We visited this very local Italian restaurant for the first time today ( Mothers Day). Having heard mainly positive reviews from various friends, i don't know why it took us so long, as we moved here over 8 months ago 😀 Well worth the wait however, as this was an almost perfect lunch. My Wife and i both chose the fresh sardines as a starter, with our Daughter choosing to save room for a dessert. We then continued the fishy theme with prawns and prosciutto tagliatelle for me, prawns and spaghetti nero for my Wife and salmon risotto for our Daughter. These mains were all a major success, with thumbs up all round 👍Fresh profiteroles finished off the food for the youngster, with every last bit of chocolate scraped off the plate. Drinks were averagely priced and just right for matching the food (a good d'abruzzo white wine by the glass for me and Peroni for the wife, plus elderflower presse for Em). The only small criticism would be the coffee ordered for my Wife came with hot milk, which was not as ordered. Service was swift and friendly and the buzzing atmosphere and eclectic crowd just added to the experience. Although we only travelled about a mile, i would encourage anybody to make a journey to this seriously impressive Italian restaurant. 👏

Mothers day lunch 😋 what can I say not dissatisfied. Starter .main desert . Superb. Steak sirloin and fillet . What can one say to die for fillet best 👌 words do not do justice . Just go there enjoy best outside of Italy 🇮🇹 ballisimo xx

Wonderful in every way - food, service, atmosphere, staff. It was very full but the service was excellent. The food was delicious and the staff so friendly. Can't wait to go again.

I would share a pic, but the food didn't last long enough. Simona, our hostess, was wonderful and very knowledgeable of the offers and menus. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Definitely will be back here again. The food was chef's kiss.

This I have to say was just great, went there for a business meeting for lunch and would definitely recommend this restaurant. Friendly people, 5 star food, make sure you take a visit. Prawns for starter, chicken main course followed by profiteroles. Pictures of the food attached.

Had an outstanding light Sunday lunch hosted by Mina and Tracy. Mina has wonderful knowledge and advice on the menu. The food was served beautifully freshly prepared and flavoursome, the Pizza base was "melt in your mouth"... a must visit restaurant.

If you are lucky enough to come into the restaurant and be welcomed by Simona, you will be in for a treat. She is the light of the staff and your whole experience. My kids love to see her, she is so kind and full of love. When we visit the kids know they are in a family restaurant and feel safe and comfortable the whole time. The food is always out quickly, fresh and hot and made to order. we love to visit our friends here whenever we can and always suggest other families go. although for us it is a family favorite it is also lovely for dates, if you go on an evening that is warm sitting outside is lovely with the amazing plants and overhead coverings. the wine is always nice and their cocktails are wonderful too.

Absolutely Love this place! We even asked them to cater for a party that we were hosting for work at another location in the village and they didn't disappoint. Well outstripped our expectations with the quality of the food they delivered for us! Would definitely use again and everyone was left happy and full 🥰. It wasn't easy as out original date had to be cancelled and moved because of the poor weather and everyone at Nuova was BRILLIANT. They were patient and accommodating and never once gave me any annoyance to the flexibility that we asked for. Brilliant food, brilliant staff and a brilliant place! Thank you all for your efforts and service I couldn't recommend an establishment any higher! Spot on!

Went here on a Saturday evening was very busy but was well looked after. Everyone was so friendly service was excellent. Food was amazing will definitely be back very soon very well recommend

The place is very atmospherically entertaining and brings a certain Italian vibe; the food was nice nothing to say about it and the staff was very nice and helped with everything I needed; so overall I would say that this is a nice place to go and have dinner / lunch with who ever you want to bring .

Absolutely Love this place! We even asked them to cater for a party that we were hosting for work at another location in the village and they didn't disappoint. Well outstripped our expectations with the quality of the food they delivered for us! Would definitely use again and everyone was left happy and full 🥰. It wasn't easy as out original date had to be cancelled and moved because of the poor weather and everyone at Nuova was BRILLIANT. They were patient and accommodating and never once gave me any annoyance to the flexibility that we asked for. Brilliant food, brilliant staff and a brilliant place! Thank you all for your efforts and service I couldn't recommend an establishment any higher! Spot on!

Lovely food and friendly staff would highly recommend

Went for valentine's. It wasn't too busy when we arrived but was getting busier. The steak was lovely and the food was good. The kitchen was fast and the atmosphere was nice. The staff were a little uninterested and I can understand that on valentines, they will be busy and forgive that. Over all a pretty nice meal and a pretty nice place.

Food was lovely, could have been a bit warmer. Lacking atmosphere, no music and it was cold. Some people wore coats. Staff were lovely and friendly.

Our first visit and for a birthday celebration lunch. So glad we went to Nuova. Beautiful food, engaging staff, great coffee. Looking forward to our next visit.

Amazing food with the nicest pizza i know and very welcoming and fun staff.

Will definitely be visiting again

Love this place. Food is great

Nice place, nice food, lovely atmosphere, but a tad pricey.

First visit today with family, with young children present. Wonderful hosts with the right amount of attention. Fabulous tasting food, festively decorated. We all loved it. Would recommend and will visit again soon.

Great service and best in town! Thanks to Mina and all the staff

Came for a 50 th birthday party…. Food outstanding and staff very friendly …Will visit again … Tracy always very good and so are the rest of the staff ..

Six of us enjoyed great food in a happy atmosphere. Service was simply excellent and looking forward very much to returning! Super value!

Our first visit and six of us enjoyed a great welcome and hospitality, delicious food in a happy and relaxed atmosphere. Heartily recommended and we all look forward to making many more return visits!!

Really good authentic Italian cuisine. Wide choice of dishes & fantastic service from Simona. We have been several times & never disappointed. Will be going back.

Feel that they’ve gone downhill. I had a prawn tagliatelle, had 4 prawns but couldn’t really taste them. My wife ordered lasagne and was disappointed - didn’t come with anything and was extremely salty. Would have expected a salad at least. Unbelievably they can’t make a decaf cappuccino. Place was really chilly but they did put the heater on eventually

A really memorable evening. Great food, service.

Tasty food. Great service, what more do you need!

Truly delicious authentic Italian food served in a similarly authentic Italian setting. Our waitress Simona was outstanding; fun, knowledgeable and attentive with an infectious smile. The Barolo we drank was also exquisite. We will definitely return again.

Very lovely spot... Great food. Good service.

Thankyou Simona and team for making our evening wonderful. We booked a large table of 15 for 4 birthdays, the food and service were incredible. They really went the extra mile to make the celebrations special Thankyou Thankyou Ciao

Excellent food scallops were cooked to perfection, would recommend the Calzone, could not fault anything and the deserts well the best Lemon Posset I've ever tasted. Will definitely be back, all the staff were very attentive and smiley.

Lovely place to eat, decent prices, absolutely lovely staff and beautiful food ❤️

This is quite simply the best pizza outside of Italy!!! Simona and her team are warm and welcoming. The menu is extensive and the vibe is buzzing. Sicilian family run business which adds to the authenticity of this beautiful gem in Ilchester. Alfresco dining in the summer months adds to the med vibe about the restaurant. You will not be disappointed.

A fabulous find. Lovely outside dinning area. The pepperoni pizza was delicious. Super friendly assistant. We'll be definitely going back .

We went here with my parents and children (8 and 11) so we were hoping for somewhere that would keep everyone happy and we found it! Their menu had something for everyone including veggie and children's options. The service was good, attention when it was needed but not too much. The price was reasonable, especially the main meals which were so generous we had to take some away with us. Already planning to go back.

Great, reasonably priced food and wine. Real Italian restaurant atmosphere. Brilliant service, but with good fun engagement from the staff....thanks Simona And it happens every time we go!

Incredible food and service. We will definitely come back! Mina and Tracy were so friendly and attentive to our table. Mina became best friends with my son who kept a saying hello; she responded every time with a big smile. I would highly recommend a visit!

Best local find I have ever found. Superb food and service 👌🏼

Fantastic. Very, very good. Great atmosphere and lovely staff. Can't recommend enough.

Service is always amazing here, food however is overpriced and usually over cooked, I have been to the restaurant on numerous occasions both social and business. And though as alluded to the atmosphere and service are great.

The best Italian pizza in England. Grazie 🙏

Service was absolutely terrible. Said to the waitress I was ready to order, was waiting for her to bring a pen and pad but she insisted on memorising the order, after reading out the order to her (for 2 people) she then said let me get a pen and pad and never returned and was just ignoring the table. 5 minutes later had to go up and ask for the order to be taken. Felt sorry for the Blonde waitress as she was the only one who seemed switched on and was carrying the entire place. When starters arrived, had to ask for the bread we ordered twice, the balsamic vinegar twice and then had to ask for a side plate 3 times. The glass of coke was the worst glass of coke I’ve ever had. Basically a glass of ice and tasted like watered down coke (had a coupla sips and just left it). Mains were okay, but again had to ask for the side of chips which she had also forgotten. Food was very average. Extremely disappointed with the standard of this place considering all the reviews it has (which makes me question the legitimacy of them) Finally asked for the bill and she brought over the dessert menus even though I said didn’t want dessert. Terrible experience, disappointed to say the least.

Always absolutely brilliant food and excellent atmosphere! Service is fantastic and the restaurant is always full but it doesn’t affect the quality of the food which is always top!

Amazing food and great service.

If I could give Nuova 10 stars I would! After moving into the area over 2 years ago we have been to Nuova many times. Every time we have visitors we make an effort to introduce them to it too. I've had many dishes from their menu and never had a bad one. Simona is and absolute delight too. She is happy to give recommendations and always makes us feel like we're at home.

We had an amazing family lunch sat outside. The calzone, pizzas and pasta were all fantastic, as was the wine. We were particularly grateful to the chef and Simona for their attention to the allergy requirements of one of our party.

Stopped here due to its convenient location near the motorway. The setting and atmosphere is lovely and I loved the look of the outdoor area, unfortunately it was too cold for us to sit out there. The staff were attentive. The food was OK - nothing particularly wrong but not the best pizza ever. The restaurant was empty when we arrived and soon filled up, and they were busy with takeaways too. Would return if I was passing again.

Amazing! Staff are amazing! So kind friendly welcoming and all out 10/10 service! Food is AMAZING! (Hats off to the chef) 10/10 would recommend coming here! Simona was lovely really looked after the whole table! Thank you for making my birthday so special and thanks...

Me and my boyfriend went in there for a quick bite to eat looked nice from the outside but once inside they clearly don’t take gays and felt out of place I kissed my boyfriend and they said ewww can not that in this fine establishment all in all very disappointed but atleast I get a bum from my boyfriend tonight

The atmosphere and food were absolutely brilliant. We had starters, mains and desserts. Staff brilliant. Definitely will visit again

I have coming to this restaurant for years, and it never fails to disappoint! The food is outstanding and the staff are all absolutely lovely. Simona has especially made all of our visits extra special! She is a big part of our ilchester life and...

We booked for a surprise lunch for my sisters 30th birthday, and we couldn't have chosen better. We got in early to set up, they didn't mind us blowing up balloons etc. Plus the venue itself is really lovely. Simone the manager looked after us,...

We loved the evening at Nuova, good atmosphere and even better service with the fantastic, Simona. This is why we should be supporting a local business like this as their care and service are streets apart from the likes of the ASK’s of this world....

Lovely staff, great traditional Italian food. Worth the price

Had a wonderful meal here last night. We were a group of 8 and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their food. The staff were lovely and so helpful. We will definitely be back!

Wonderful food and service 3 adults We all thoroughly enjoyed our meal Scallops, bruschetta ,seafood, meatballs, tagliatelle, chicken, deserts Authentic Italian flavours

I absolutely loved this Italian restaurant with amazing delicious authentic pizza 🍕. Many thanks!

Excellent food, cooked fresh, Staff are very friendly, good atmosphere. Very Italian!!!

The salmon pasta dish had hardly any salmon and was not freshly prepared the veal chop was not cooked had to sent it back half way through the meal it came back minus the spaghetti that was with it😩😩 will not be going again ever...

superb atmosphere, clean place to dine. the food portion is big but taste is not as my expected.. outdoor decorate with grapes plants..

Our friend took us here for dinner. The atmosphere service quality of food, quantity of food, brilliant! Prompt service. It has a terrace which looked great too all under cover with Italian looking vibes etc to create the holiday feel.. I have booked again for...

Great food, friendly staff, lovely atmosphere. Actually feels like you're sat outside in Italy when you are in the garden. Have only sat inside once and it was amazing to see the chef's hard at work with the pizza oven.

We went as a family of 5 two sons a grandson and us. We were lucky with the weather we could have sat outside buy our grandson wanted to sit indoors. We chose Italian as my grandson loves pasta, he wasn't disappointed with ice cream...

We went here with my parents and children (8 and 11) so we were hoping for somewhere that would keep everyone happy and we did! Their menu had something for everyone including veggie and children's options. The service was good, attention when it was needed but not too much. The price was reasonable, especially the main meals. Already planning to go back.

Went as a family and everyone thought the food was amazing. Everything was fresh and treated great. The service was really good too. Casually mentioned it was my birthday and they put candles on my pudding. Already planning a return trip!

Excellent pizza, honest prices 👌 Our server Mina was knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended

AMAZING restaurant, lovely service and waiters, and the food was delicious! 10/10 would come again! The environment was so lovely as well, beautiful restaurant.

Lovely location, great food and friendly service

Outstanding authentic Italian food served quickly and to a great standard. I had the garlic pizza bread to start topped with caramelized onions which was brilliant, with a great dough consistency. The calzone I chose for main was equally good and service throughout was brilliant. A great experience!

Fabulous service and great food! Food was Clarence’s very fast and the girls were very nice and polite.

Nice food. Nice service. Would happily stop there again if passing by.

Well it has been a long time that we had the pleasure of eating at this restaurant. Some twenty odd years, so we thought we would give it a try. So we booked up for lunch, 1.30 we arrived and meet by the delightful Simona,...

We had a joint birthday and works meal last night for a large group of us at this superb tucked away restaurant. We were all super impressed by our delicious food, the service was fantastic and every waiter seemed very polite and happy. Frequent checks...

Fantastic food, great outside seating area, very beautifully done with the plants and flowers, growing their own grapes. The lady serving us was very friendly and accommodating, as our three year old insisted he wanted chicken with he's spaghetti Bolognese. If we visit Yeovil again, we'd definitely eat here.

Great place visiting is always a pleasure

We've driven past many times and vowed to come in, we'd eaten here years ago and we loved it but our trip didn't live up to expectations. We didn't book but we were told we had to sit outside even though it was empty. The...

My good lady & I where visiting my daughter and her partner based at the nearby Royal Naval base. Our last visit to this restaurant was this time last year, even then the food was outstanding. I was lucky enough then to meet the owner...

Absolutely amazing food- really really good! We stopped for lunch whilst travelling and we had a pasta dish and pizza and it was all tasty, fresh and cooked to perfection. I had a pizza which was the best pizza I had ever eaten. Can’t remember...

I was visiting my daughter who lives nearby and we have a wonderful family evening at the Nuova Italia. Simona and all the staff made us feel so welcome and our boxer dog was welcomed too. Delicious food and a lovely venue.

Locale magnifico,pasta di ottima qualità chef preparatissimo e competente e proprietario eccezionale molto amichevole.Staff sorridente e gentile.lo consiglio

Found by chance while returning from Cornwall on the A303 back to the South East. Stopped for quick refuel for the family and greeted with very friendly, and swift service with 'best tasting pizza ever' - quoted by my 12yr old. High praise! Will def...

Fantastica serata!!!!! Cibo spettacolare,staff stupendo e locale bellissimo molto curato.Lo consiglio a tutti

Outstandingly delicious food, a perfect rare steak and fish with Mediterranean vegetables, and great staff. A role model for restaurants found en route, in this case, Exeter to Salisbury . Has a good child friendly garden with play area. Will break our journeys to far West Country here again, many thanks.

A lovely restaurant with delicious authentic Italian food and a chill atmosphere. The perfect spot for a nice dinner with family and friends.

Amazing food, very fast service, always welcoming every time, highly recommend, tony is very knowledgeable professional at his job, well looked after

Good atmosphere and very good and tasty food