The best restaurants serving Italian food in East of England

We were wandering around Norwich looking for somewhere to eat on a freezing cold evening and came across Pinocchio’s. Service was very good and the risotto was the best I’ve ever tasted. I struggle to understand why there are so many negative reviews for this excellent restaurant. Would definitely go there again.

The place is getting very expensive. £4 for 330ml bottle of coke is extortionate. The food was nice and almost reasonably priced for what is really 2/3rds of a portion. The staff are always really very sweet, cannot fault them at all. The cost explains why the place is not difficult to get a seat.

A friend and I went for a meal last Monday 30th January. We arrived at 8.15pm and our order was taken very quickly, but not one thing was right. Both my friend and I ordered the vegetable and pasta soup, which on a positive note was delicious. However, my friend did not receive his at the same time. He waited patiently, then after ten minutes asked where it was. The waiter apologised, admitting he had forgotten. I had finished mine by then as my friend had asked me not to wait for him. For the main course, my friend ordered the vegan spaghetti bolognaise and I ordered pizza. My friend said his meal was tasteless and could have been hotter, and my pizza was barely warm, so I sent it back. I was promptly told that nothing could be done as the kitchen was closed (at 10 past 9?) so I mentioned that surely he still had access to a microwave. He commented that they don’t usually put pizzas in the microwave (Erm - I wanted it warmed up) but he did. For too long, though, as it was tough and inedible, so left it. We also asked for a jug of water. Along came a small jug despite there being two of us, and two dirty glasses, so we asked for two clean ones, which were then provided and should have been provided in the first place. Back to the jug, it was clearly a jug for one and not enough water for a whole glass each. For dessert, I ordered tiramisu and my friend ordered cheesecake, both of which were fine, but we had expected dessert spoons to eat with, not teaspoons… We had a 25% off voucher, which was why we chose Prezzo, but we will not be choosing the Buckhurst Hill branch again. The staff seemed in a rush to get rid of the customers who were left, so we didn’t order coffee, nor did we leave a tip, nor will we be returning, despite not being charged for the pizza I didn’t actually get to eat. Appalling service from a well-known and reputable chain.

We came to Colchester Dough & Co as we had been given a £60 gift voucher from Dough & Co headquarters for 3 absolutely disgusting takeaway meals from Maldon Dough & Co shop. Burgers not cooked properly, didn't get dirty fries we ordered, just cold chips. Maldon manager refused to deal with us, so went to headquarters instead, who were very helpful. Vowed never again to go to Dough & Co in Maldon and so we ventured to Colchester one instead. Wow, what a complete difference I am glad to say. Service was fantastic, very friendly and helpful. Food was excellent, the garlic bread was divine, soooo good. The rest of our meals were really good too. Would definitely recommend Colchester Dough & Co and will definitely go there again! But don't bother going to Maldon Dough & Co unless you want food poisoning!

Food was really nice and tasty Shane the waiter is rude off and totally not helpful - would go back definitely as the food was lovely but won’t because waiter was rude with no customer service skills

Bottomless brunch - food was mediocre as was the service but it was enmasse.... atmosphere was fab, great venue 😊

Not great value for money , food was bland , service diabolical, really dissapiinred

Service was very slow, went here for dinner on way home from work on a Monday night-wait time was 40 mins for starter to arrive and another 40 mins for dinner to arrive. Food was nice but won’t go back again-we’re overcharged for drinks and for a steak sauce that never arrived with the meal. Parking is free with a QR code so don’t pay when you arrive (you get 3 hours which was just enough time for our experience)

You won’t get a better pizza in England. Dough fresh every time, well stacked toppings and a nice thin crust which doesn’t leave you feeling bloated afterwards. Andy the delivery driver was very friendly, a real positive to the whole business. Regular customer now

Bueno, así que este pub sirve algunos de los mejores alimentos italianos que he probado, PERO casi tuvimos que rehipotecar para pagar la cuenta... un gin tonic y una pinta era £ 19. 50 ! ! El ambiente era increíble (viernes por la noche) y nos gustó mucho este lugar, pero los precios significaban que solo nos alojamos para una bebida. La comida no era lo que uno esperaría en un pub, pero era INCREÍBLE. Auténticos platos de pasta italiana, arancini, etc. con tanta profundidad de sabor. Qué pena lo de los precios o hubiera dado 5 estrellas...

Greeted and served by Jay who had a warm and kind aura to him. Made us feel very welcome and topped our airport experience! Food was gorgeous 👍

This restaurant is sited within the Best Western Atlantic Hotel, the menu choice currently offered is much reduced and not open on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, go elsewhere.

Went here as over on StcA and a big fan of Inspired Kitchen in Hemel so thought we'd try their spin off. Wish we hadn't. Not great service, 60p for oat milk instead of normal! Ordered a full English and 2 bubble n squeak breakfast. Expected a decent amount of food for the price but sorely disappointed. About a tablespoon of vinegary over peppered hollandaise, cold bacon (2 small slices) and soggy weirdly textured bubble. Had to send one back as the egg was rock solid. Ended up without a replacement as we were told (by the only pleasant waitress) there was a really long wait. Pic shows what you get for £13.50. Went up the road to Notcutts so mum could eat and we had tea n cake, much better service, food half the price and way better!!