The best restaurants in United Kingdom serving Italian food

Really disappointed with the service, went in for a meal and only two other tables occupied at the time, we were asked for our drinks order, this then took nearly 10 minutes to materialise whilst staff chatting behind the bar. We then thought as drinks came over we could order our meal but the server dived off to greet other customers arriving. Another 2 parties arrived and half an hour later we were still waiting to have our food order taken. In the meantime the other parties that had come in had been served food! There was no apology for delay the entire time we were there and sadly, although the food was good, I won't be back again.

Came for dinner quiet early around 6 is. Ate hummus, carbonate and tiramisu. They where really really good. The restaurant was full, great service, got sang happy birthday. Really nothing to complain about. Will definetly come back.

Im sorry but the food is just … not it. The owner is friendly and funny and they tried. But please improve on the food. We know its frozen.

Thank you italian farmhouse managers and staff. What an outstanding service I have had. I hired italian farmhouse for my daughters birthday and from start to finish the service I received was amazing. I was unsure of what I wanted and kept swapping and changing my mind not once was I made to feel this was an issue,I just in the end decided I wanted something basic and simple like sausage rolls, wedges, sandwiches. I got this with the fun element for kids making their own pizza! They loved it and went down a treat! I have a niece who I didnt inform had a nut allergy ( my bad ) they were prepared to clean all surfaces allow us to check ingredients and make something for her but understandably said whilst they would do their best they couldn't guarantee so we declined and they allowed us to order in a pizza, this obviously is someones business but I feel to do this they want more than just money they want to give and make customers feel valued and welcome I was so impressed. Staff constantly checked everything was ok, constantly asked if anything else was needed they were prompt in bringing out food and keeping the area clean and tidy, nothing at all seemed to be a bother to them. I also had a courtesy call making sure all had went ok as I'd changed my mind that many times. Thank you so much italian farmhouse for an amazing memory for my little girl. We will most definitely be becoming regulars!

Wonderful , welcoming Italian restaurant . We visited tonight with our Tibetan Terrier and she couldn’t have been made more welcome and was given her own blanket to lie on while we were there . It was lovely to see a home cooked Italian menu and the food was piping hot and oh so tasty . Special mention to Emma our lovely waitress for whom nothing was too much trouble . We will be back next time we are in Ambleside

2nd visit for lunch. 1st visit I had the butter chicken baked potato. This time I tried a sandwich. Hard to choose but went for the ham hock cheese and pickle. Bread super soft, ham good qualify and plenty of filling. Came with fries which were very hot and crispy. Quick and friendly service. Will definitely be going back to try something else. Can't rate this place high enough.

Bizarre customer service... We enjoyed excellent meals at Portofino New Brighton, over several months, but on this occasion we have have been put off from going there again. On the plus side, the food quality is normally excellent , and on most visits staff were attentive and helpful, but one of the young Italian waiters is unfortunately not good at English, and this impacts on service; he often has to refer questions to his manager, because he doesn't understand them. He doesn't even understand some basic restaurant terms, such as 'gluten' On this latest occasion though, it was the manager who took our food orders; his English is good, but the Sea Bass my partner ordered, came with a completely unrecognisable sauce, not one described on the menu. She also suspected that the sea bass was mackerel (or another different fish). When my partner questioned him, he was adamant that it was sea bass, but bizarrely said that "we sometimes change the sauces". Er, no....I thought, restaurants do not "change sauces" without discussion with the customer. The manager also offered to go to the kitchen to discuss the matter with the chef and he would " come back shortly" But he didn't return. At all, ever..... He hadn't left the restaurant because we saw him chatting to other customers at the bar, on our way out. At the same sitting, I was given Ravioli in a rather sickly cream sauce, instead of the Canneloni dish which I had ordered. I didn't complain because we had already questioned my partners dish, so I just eat the meal, which I didn't enjoy. So this restaurant has lost 2 regular customers due to what appeared to be odd, bizarre behaviour by the manager. I notice that Portofino, New Brighton, don't respond to any of these reviews; They obviously don't care, not interested. They should be . If you go there, be careful that the staff have properly understood your order, and reject it if it isn't exactly what you ordered , is my advice.

Perfect food Perfect service Perfect prices Perfect restaurant Perfect experience Steak and pasta out of this world Faultless

Wonderful atmosphere, reasonably priced food Very delicious food Fast service We were rushing to eat before going to the Theatre so we never had time to try out their lovely desserts. We will definitely return

We waited to be seated on Sunday lunch time despite all of the top floor being empty. The decor is nice and it does feel fancier than some of the other Italian chains. We shared the Cromer crab arancini starter from the specials menu which was very good. My partner opted for the calzone which was large, well risen and packed with filling. I enjoyed the stick pig pizza which is essentially two flavours, both of which were delicious. The staff were friendly and accommodating. The food was high quality and very tasty, this was reflected in the price which we found to be quite steep, especially for a chain/shopping centre . £17+ for a pizza. £8 for some starters and puddings.

Well where do I start.Everything apart from service was very disappointing.The food was tasteless. Literally no flavours whatsoever…I have never had such a bland food…This has to be addressed….Service was very good and welcoming but food spoiled entire experience ….That’s a huge shame….Please - owners - speak with your chefs….

I enjoyed a lovely lunch with my friend. Marc looked after us very well, he was very knowledgeable about the menu, and went out of his way to make sure our dietary requirements were met, he is a credit to the restaurant.

We had a meal there last night lovely we went early and the meal. Was very good price are very good. The service brilliant.

Novellos food was beautiful,service was great,food,potato skins are unreal but I left 4 starts because I was asked out by the waiter whilst I'm only 16.

Da Vinci’s has been a long standing favourite of ours and our visit on Sunday did nothing but enhance this. It even had a massive thumbs up from our michelin star Italian friend. Owner / chef Craig cooks very good Italian food from a menu consisting of starters , pizza , pasta , grills , desserts and a small selection of dishes on the specials board. Giovanni manages the restaurant with ease and is always glad to interact with all the guests. We arrived on Sunday and the usual warm welcome from Giovanni awaited us before taking our seat at the table. The menu stays the same and there were some delights on the specials board that were actually going to go down a treat. To accompany our starters of Arancini , Polpette and the Carpaccio of Beef we chose Anno Domini Falanghina. There was then a nice surprise as Craig had made for us a special Gnocchi dish that was delicious. For the mains we all enjoyed the specials which were a Pan Fried Fillet of John Dory with clams , white wine and potatoes as well as the Pappardelle with veal and button onions. All washed down with a delightful Valpolicella. For dessert Craig had made a fabulous Chocolate Torte. A cocktail followed by a coffee brought an end to a fantastic afternoon. Da Vinci’s really is a credit to not only my hometown of Hornchurch but the Essex dining scene. Thank You Craig and Giovanni for a fabulous afternoon and look forward forward to seeing you again soon.