The Italian Cottage in Chorley

Which if you are wondering it means Oh Mamma what great value for money! My last review of this place was several years ago and I think it was 5 stars then. It’s not changed for me. We called in on an off chance at around 6pm on a Saturday evening. The place was busy and we didn’t hold much hope. Thankfully the lady front of house, I think she owns it and I remember her from last time we were there many years ago, kindly squeezed us in provided we were done in an hour. Perfect for us as we only wanted a quick bite. We ordered an Etna pizza and Ndjua pasta. I was DES so the mrs had a glass of house red and I stuck on the corporations pop. The food was awesome and service quick and polite full. What we didn’t realise was that we had snuck in on the pizza and pasta offer and the bill came to…………£20! You’d pay more eating at Maccas! Keep up the great work and don’t believe some of the recent reviews that get 1 star because they can’t split the bill for some grey army! But if people choose not to go then that’s fine by me. It’s a great local restaurant that won’t be as busy so we can enjoy it. Recommended.

Went with a group from our local u3a. Manageress told us they couldn't give individual bills, only as a total. We gave a preordered list of individual meal choices and a full deposit. At the end of the evening there was a discrepancy of over £100. Refusing to let 3 members leave without full payment in front of many customers. We returned to help sort it and eventually ,their mistake, was sorted. No apology. Very rude . We were very embarrassed. Certainly won't be going again.

Having been to this restaurant over the past two or three years once a month, I think this may have been our last time. Good points: 1. Hats off to the chef - pizzas/garlic bread always good - no complaints from us. 2. Happy hour prices - fab - keeps the place busy and costs down for the customer. 3. Local for us and free parking around the corner if necessary. However the customer is not number 1. We were not welcomed, we were not thanked for our visit. Our bill was brought over to us before we asked! The staff turnover is significant and those there now come across as surely. Compared to the ‘family feel’ of other Italian restaurants we go to, this place needs to change its approach for any repeat customers.

Good food and prompt...will go again soon

Food was very tasty, but the Lasagne would have been better with garlic bread and side salad.

Absolutely delicious food. Our party of four all had different choices and each one was excellent. Friendly and efficient service and a good atmosphere. We will definitely be back soon.

Second rate, will not be going back. Customer service is not up to scratch, the waiting time was unacceptable, waiters are poorly trained, if at all. Food was cold when it arrived, very bland. Our bill was well over £200 so is you are spending that amount of money, you should get value for money. We did not.

Lovely little family restaurant. We visited on a Sunday afternoon on a whim and had a lovey 3 courses for £15. Delicious food,relaxed atmosphere and friendly, efficient service. A little gem down the road - photos of the chicken livers, black pudding, pizza tonno, risotto di zucca, tiramisu and lovely rhubarb crumble.

Celebrated my daughters 30th with family Food amazing Cosy vibes Friendly service

Visited again, food is excellent as usual

Wow! What an absolute jewel of a place! Great food, great service, great atmosphere! There was literally nothing that could have been improved! Excellent 10/10 will be back!

bit expensive for what you got but the food was very good.

What a poor night we had ,the food was a truly awful The woman in charge if you call her in charge has no people skills at all, we will not be going back!!!

Love this Italian forever. Food briilliant . Service good as we always go early doors . No one in only us and moved my chair and was told not too. Like being back at school. Remided me of what id forgot a lady on the nxt table the same last time we were in . In future ill order a take away/or other Italians without the agressiveness of who ever she is in charge. She need 2 stand back. and reflect/ or take a chill pill. She needs to make customers feel relaxed not stressed .

Great atmosphere nice staff and good food. Not too expensive either

Lovely place to eat, we would definitely recommend. The service was great and the food was delicious. We had three courses and drinks and the price was very reasonable.

The food here is always excellent, the service is great. A very nice little Italian, highly recommended.

Fab food for a celebration. Great atmosphere and superb service

I do not normally leave reviews on dining out, but I am today. We visited here on Saturday night large party (16 ppl) for my mother’s 81st birthday. The food was awful. It totally lacked flavour for a good few of us. The lasagne was more like baby food mush. To the cook, I say cook as he or she was no chef. Lasagna you are meant to be able to slice like a pie, not serve as mush in a bowl swimming in tomato’s. PS I had to give 1 star to post, but honestly it did not deserve 1 star.

Unfortunately all the food we tried was not good. I had to send my lasagne (served suspiciously quickly) back as it was really saucy and tasted a bit acidic. It's like it had come out of a tin! Ended up with a margarita pizza which was really basic. Staff were friendly but not experienced. Considering the price, there are much better options in the area.

Well we have been looking for a good Italian restaurant for a while now and this gem ticks all the boxes. Lovely atmosphere in the upstairs restaurant and the food and service was first class. Will certainly be returning very soon.

Nice enough staff, nice enough atmosphere, horrible food.. The pizza dough was thick and stodgy and undercooked, and the mozzarella was chewy and tasteless. I ate the the toppings because I was hungry but it wasn't nice, and the staff didn't ask why I'd left the pizza base so I reckon they know it's rubbish food, probably happens a lot.. so I've knocked a couple of service stars off for that. Won't be going back. Also, £3 for a lime and soda is disgusting. This is Chorley not London!

Excellent small Italian restaurant. Food was delicious and the service was prompt and friendly. Will definitely eat here again

Visited for the first time last night with my husband and can not recommend enough. The food was delicious and the waitress was very polite and friendly. So nice to have found an Italian that’s local and which we enjoy. Will definitely be returning. The tiramisu was beautiful 😍

Really good food, friendly people a great place to go. Julia, age 9

Visited Chorley over the festive period and had our second visit to the ‘Italian Cottage’. Great host and staff team! Loved the food and the atmosphere! will look forward to visiting again when we are next up. B & P

First time here, definitely won't be our last. Food was amazing, staff and ambience were very good. Even the coffee was first class.

All I can say is avoid, avoid, avoid!! Absolutely awful! When an Italian restaurant cannot even make a lasagne, you know you are in trouble. 2 pieces of mince in a watery mess!

Spot on, lovely service and lovely food

A superb restaurant and experience. The food is well prepared and presented. The special fish dishes are as good as any Michelin starred restaurant.

Amazing food as usual and the staff were lovely as always! Felt like it was a bit rushed but I think they close earlier in the week as we got there for 7 and it was empty by 830. Would highly recommend though! The pizza pasta offer on a Wednesday is great too.

We have been here multiple times, and most of the time the food is great, representing good value for money, especially if you go during the offer periods. Our recent visit was disappointing though, because the service was slow, and the sweets are nowhere near as good as they used to be.

Decent food at decent prices. Had the swordfish on the specials and was happily content.

Top notch food and attentive service as always

Well I’ve been past this quaint little corner gem in Chorley and need to go and give it a visit when open. Seems interesting from the outside but let’s see how it pans out in the next few weeks….ratings are based on over average for now but could go up or down…!

Once again superb cuisine and service. rilliant Excellent food Super service Lovely staff Highly recommended

Great service, fantastic food. Will definitely be going back.

The atmosphere is quiet and romantic. The service is exceptional with no interruptions during the meal. The food itself is delicious and incredibly good value for money.

As always brilliant food and efficient service.

I went with 2 friends and had cocktails to start with .. I can recommend the Raspberry Bellini. Dinner was really tasty with good portions. House Red I can definitely recommend. Service was great .. can’t praise enough

Bland. Noisy. only seating upstairs, it was steep.

Great place could not fault place in any way

Always an enjoyable night out, defo recommend

Unfortunately the service we received for a big party was poor. We was made to feel like trouble makers even though we was first in the building upstairs. I would say we was average for noice but told to be quiet was made to feel uncomfortable and like we was being watched. Water was brought twice to our table for all of us even though two of us asked. Not a place for big parties more for families and couples. We unfortunately will not be coming for a big party again.

Yet again, Italian cottage was delightful. Always service with a smile and the food is delicious, last night was no different. We've been going to this restaurant for a good few years and have never had a bad meal, nor have we ever had any bad service. I would recommend anyone to visit Italian Cottage, plus their prices are very reasonable.

Excellent food which I can't recommend highly enough. Will definitely be returning. My Mum was grateful to the extent staff helped celebrate her birthday.

I will be honest, I am super disappointed. Myself and my partner thought we would nip in for some food before going out for the day. Big mistake!!!! I wanted to charge my phone and was met with a very hostile, rude and patronising manageress who blunty explained the insurance doesn't cover me charging my phone. The manageress also was singing loudly and didn't spend anytime interacting with us. We were the only two people in there and to upset us was probably not the best idea. We were also met with a chef who was constantly on his phone behind the food counter and staring at us. The prices are absolutely extorunate and the food really wasn't that great. It has gone downhill MASSIVELY and I have heard some pretty bad things about it from our friends. Will not be returning and will be letting our friends and family to not bother either.

Ordered 3 pastas and 2 garlic breads (one plain and one cheese), all bar one meal was tasteless. The plain garlic bread tasted of burnt garlic, the garlic with mozzarella didn’t taste like garlic, the divola tasted of absolutely nothing which is surprising given the ingredients and the bolognaise had barely any meat in and so dry. To top it off, I found a hair in my food. When I called to notify them, I was told that I would have to take my food back for her to look at, I explained I had a one year old at home that needed to go to bed but she insisted that she couldn’t do anything if I didn’t take the food. I asked her how she could know the food was tasteless by looking it, she said she would make the chefs try it… gross.

First time we've been out to a proper restaurant in years due to having young kids who never sit still. Now they're growing up a bit, we thought we'd risk them being good. We were made to feel very welcome, service was quick and food was great. Will definitely be going again.

Looked for a place to have a quick main course on Thursday. Noticed their website stated pizza and pasta were £7 from 5.30 to 6.30. Booked 4 of us for 6pm. Got there to be told that offer had been removed the week before. And that their website said that the offers were subject to change (it doesn’t). The very abrupt manager came to the table and told us that they would not honour their website offer. We then had little option but to go for the 2 course fixed price meal. We asked if our son could swap a starter from this to the cheaper garlic bread. We were again abruptly told “no swaps”. The food was good, but eating out is supposed to be a pleasant experience. This wasn’t. Management has a lot to learn about customer service. We won’t be returning.

Had another wonderful meal here today, delicious garlic bread to start then the spaghetti carbonara which was absolutely fantastic ! My friend had the penne carne and was likewise delighted. Great portions. Then a lovely coffee to end. Great background music. The staff are efficient and friendly. We will be going back ✔️😁👍

Upon arrival, we were curtly informed that we would have to go upstairs almost as if it was a penance. We explained that was no problem. After a wait of some minutes, we were allowed to proceed after it was designated fit!!! The first course, meat balls, was good but the pizza served as the main was atrocious. As we had arrived early, we qualified for the half price pizza, a meat feast. They should be challenged under the trade descriptions act. There were three small pieces of shredded chicken, two slices of chorizo and two pieces of unidentifiable meat. Was this because the price had been reduced? It does make you wonder. We will not return.

Had a great night last night. We were dining upstairs served by George and Kate who we couldn't fault. Nothing was too much trouble. Delicious food and a good atmosphere. Will definitely go again.

Visited last night with work colleagues and couldn’t fault . The food was fantastic , staff are brilliant , it’s a lovely cosy little place with a great atmosphere. Will definitely return with family . Thank you 🤩

Well had to say iv had better food was abit disappointed in the past had great food but tonight not that great and £17.50 for a chicken best and small bit off mash when asked for potatoes and veg not that great, place is good and staff are good but has put me off from going again.

Been here many times food very consistant never had a complaint

Always love it here. Very good food great service and fantastic value for money 💰

2nd visit this month and same consistent standard. Highly recommended. Food was tasty well presented and hot. Service was excellent without constant checking to see if everything was OK - because they already know

My husband and I visited this place for the first time on a Sunday evening before going to Chorley Little Theatre. We got a lovely warm welcome and made our way up the spiral staircase to our table. We were offered menus and a lovely young man took our drink order. We ordered off the 3 courses for £17 menu, which is available at certain times. This menu has quite a few starters and puddings and includes any pizza or pasta. We both ordered the black pudding on mash, with a creamy sauce and crispy onions -it was exceptional, really tasty, lots of flavour. We both ordered pizzas which were also fantastic quality and just the right size. Instead of a dessert we ordered cappuccinos which came with some Smarties!-nice touch. The bill came to around £52 with 2 glasses of wine and 2 Pepsis. The atmosphere was just right, a proper cosy Italian restaurant. The young man who served us deserves a special mention for being courteous, polite and attentive- he never stopped watching what was going on on every table so he was there at just the right time to clear plates, serve dishes or take an order. The other man was great too but we presume he's been at it longer! We came on a recommendation and we will certainly be back.

Having worked for the NHS for some 38 years (even though I was only looking at 2),meet up with a number of former colleagues for my retirement meal and what a meal it was We were seated upstairs which is more spacious and the both the food and the service was absolutely brilliant. It had been nearly 5 years to day since we last eat here and it’s a good as it was before . Nothing to much trouble and reasonable prices too We will be back .

Enjoy coming to the Italian Cottage. Very good garlic bread. Spaghetti carbonara was excellent and portion size just right. Couldn't resist the rhubarb crumble and ice cream.

We have visited this place a few times now and would highly recommend it to everyone. We arrived slightly late to our booking but they were very accommodating and got us seated straight away with a little moving around. The food was amazing and very hot.

Cosy authentic little place in the centre of Chorley. Enjoyed the food but the lasagne had no bechemel sauce but perhaps that's not the Italian way - I don't know? Also the chocolate fudge cake dessert was very small for the price. We didn't order off the specials board as we went during the £7 pizza pasta happy-hour, but it sounded very good for something special. The staff were friendly and hard working, and the place was clean. We were given a table upstairs where it was very noisy and busy so I would have preferred to have been offered a seat downstairs as the volume was making by ears ring but I don't want to make a fuss. We would certainly come back though and give it another try.

Very disappointed. Went for a meal with work colleagues. All ordered food and plenty to drink. However, we were rushed. They insisted we ordered food even though not all our party had arrived.(they were late) A starter was ordered but they insisted it came with the mains and refused to serve it earlier. I ordered pizza with feta and rocket and there was little or no feta and the 3 portions of fries ordered along side the mains came once everyone had finished .Over all a very disappointing experience with absolute no desire to return. Rude and pushy staff who would benefit from a course in customer service. Wouldn't have given 1 star but needed to write a review.

Fantastic meal for my dad's 60th, no fuss, well organised and lovely food.

It's been along time since I've been here but it won't be as long next time.Called on a Saturday night there was a nice atmosphere considering it was quite early.I choose a starter of lobster ravioli off the specials board and also my main from here as well. Both were cooked just right with some great flavours.See you soon.

A party of 6 of us have just had a fantastic meal. We had booked for 7.30pm and initially were told we’d be served downstairs in the restaurant which we didn’t really want. On arrival, we were told that we had a table upstairs which is much more cosy. All of us have had brilliant service, lovely hot food, timely service and really attentive staff. I cannot praise Sam snd her team highly enough for what we’ve had tonight. The restaurant was flat out upstairs and downstairs when we arrived and yet we didn’t have hardly any time to wait. 100% rating from all of us.

Amazing place, Amazing food, amazing service, look forward to going again

Great food and a lovely atmosphere with friendly owners and Service

My favourite place.suffer with anxiety and always feel so at ease. Food is absolutely beautiful

Really nice food, the 3 course meal was very nice. Alcohol was quite expensive, but I think that everywhere now.

We took our 2 young granddaughters for a meal. A lovely evening with great food at a reasonable price. Only problem was that our table was upstairs. I'm partially sighted and struggle with dimly lit areas and the staircase was a bit daunting but, fortunately, it didn't marr the occasion. Perhaps mobility could be a consideration during any booking calls. Many thanks for a lovely evening.

Great place great food great staff would definitely recommend.

Good service reasonable prices.

Food stunning, staff friendly and welcoming , my first time eating at an Italian restaurant and I wasn't disappointed

A friend and I were booked in at another venue, when we got there, it was double booked and packed, so we had to find another restaurant, quickly. I live in the Ribble Valley, a gastronomic delight, and my friend in Knutsford. Spoilt for choice. We googled and landed on this place. After driving through the “not so nice” parts of Chorley, we turned a corner and it was there, an unassuming white building, with what appeared to be not much life going on. We were dubious. We looked for alternatives. Then decided to go with it. I am so glad we did. The place is an absolute find. The staff are so friendly, the place was packed ( always a good sign) and the menu was perfect. Decor and style was spot on. We had one of the specials each and a garlic bread with cheese and tomato with a house salad. The food was absolutely delicious. We will definitely be back. Only reason I gave a 4, not 5 was that the only white wine available by the glass was the house wine. A little more choice would have been welcomed.

Haven’t been for so long but thought let’s give it another go and thank god we did! The team where so nice and attentive, taking time to speak directly to our children. The food was scrumptious and a bargain at £7, during happy hour.

As usual ..a fabulous meal..friendly staff . A lovely treat for my birthday

Good food, good service, good atmosphere......😉👍

Staff and interior are lovely. Food was only average, nothing special.

What a great little place. Went in for lunch and wasn't dissappointed. I often find that Italian restyarnts can be hit and miss, but have to say, I was very impressed. Not too pricey either, which under the current circumstances, is a bonus.

This restaurant is a hidden gem. When you walk in the door you can smell garlic and it’s so cosy and welcoming. The food is of an excellent standard and the Thursday set menu for £17 is great value for money. The cocktails are really good. There is plenty of choice on the menu. The staff are very friendly an helpful. Highly recommended.

We love the tomato garlic bread. Giglia pizza was delicious. The staff are lovely.

Great value meal out with attentive service and tasty food. Staff are really nice and efficient. Plenty of choice and the food is very nice, 6 happy people on a busy Friday night with no complaints at all. Been here quite a few times over the years and it's better than ever!

The atmosphere inside is conducive to good Italian food and left pleasant memories

Great place. Food is good. Nice and cosy to spend time.

We were really looking forward to enjoying a relaxing evening at the Italian Cottage but we felt very much under pressure to order, finish and pay our bill. The service was actually the worst I have ever experienced. The waitress was glaring at us with...

I was part of a party from work. My first visit to this restaurant. Food very average, only had pizza but wasn't the best. The waitresses were very good. But the bill was returned 3 times as it had drinks on which we hadn't ordered. I personally won't be returning.

Very Friendly staff and the Food is Amazing! I took my 2 daughters for her 16th birthday and she was impressed that such a nice place tucked away in chorley.I would definitely recommend going if you like Italian food...💯👍🏻

Love this place , really authentic Italian with nice atmosphere, great food and attentive friendly staff

Rang up at about 4:30 on Saturday afternoon while we were having some drinks in Chorley and they managed to squeeze us in at 5:30. It was packed, there was not a spare table in the restaurant. Me and my friend shared a bottle of...

Amazing food! The lasagne was incredible! 100% recommend Italian cottage, this was an incredible experience eating here and very nice staff. Honestly impressed others would be too! :D

Lovely restaurant. Great food. Great value.

Love this place , super food and good hospitality, will go again x

Lovely atmosphere, really friendly staff and great food. Perfect night out

Daughters birthday treat, meal out with friends and family. She had never been here before and loved it. Atmosphere lovely, we had a table upstairs all together ,party of 9. A mixture of starters, mains and desserts purchased all of which had no complaints. Can recommend Pork Belly, garlic mushroom starter and a main special dish - which was crab, prawn, chilli and garlic and pasta. Polite friendly service from all staff. If you were to think of additions to menu, some of my party suggested a choice of Italian ice cream! Thank you for a lovely evening.

Lovely staff great food and atmosphere. Happy with pizza or pasta

Returned here following closure of our regular Italian. Choice on menu very good especially as my wife is vegetarian. Quality was fine and service really good. The place was very busy especially as it was mid week. Would definitely recommend booking as its quite a...

Meet up of friends for a Xmas meal. Excellent food and excellent service. Couldn't fault anything. Exceptional. Will definitely revisit.

Fantastic restaurant. Party of 9 including 2 kids and a Vegan, we all loved our meals. Good portion sizes, fresh ingredients. Excellent value for money and friendly fast service. We will visit again!