The best restaurants serving Italian food in South West

Worst carbonara I’ve ever had. I don’t usually order this because so many places don’t know how to cook it properly but I thought I’d be safe in an Italian restaurant with such good reviews, but my main really was like a bland cream soup with boiled spaghetti floating in it. And with very pale and huge strips of bacon that looked boiled and very unappetising. Basically everything a carbonara shouldn’t be. It’s so frustrating when an Italian restaurant doesn’t know how to cook a classic Italian dish. However, the starter and pudding were fine and the rest of our party enjoyed their meals so maybe I just choose the wrong thing (hence the 3 and not 2 stars).

Before 2pm, I decided to treat myself to a Fat Toni's for lunch, I'm clicking through the delivery process on their website (I had elected to use their own website, rather than a third party site like Uber eats, in an effort to support the business itself) and I reach the part where you select when you want the pizza delivered. I have used the website to order a delivery many times, and am familiar with the ASAP option for delivery, which gives you a <60mins (for example) estimate. This time it said <192mins, I'm thinking, well yes, naturally it will take less than 3.2 hours for the pizza to be made and delivered, so , I continue. Imagine my surprise, when after I have checked out, and spent the £26 for my lunch, that I won't in fact be getting it in time for lunch, but for dinner at 5pm. Estimated delivery time, 5pm. In what world, does it take upwards of 3 hours to fulfill a pizza order from a pizzeria on a Friday early afternoon? I thought I might have made a mistake and the store didn't open until 4, no, it opened at 1. In what world does someone order a pizza at 2, that wants to receive it at 5? I assumed, as has been the case with my previous orders, that the estimate was to give themselves a safety net, it won't be any longer than 2 hours, but it's likely to be less than 1 (for example). Why give me the option to choose ASAP, 2pm,3pm,etc if the earliest time it can be delivered for is 5pm? And really, CAN that be as SOON as POSSIBLE? Because I wanted lunch, and not dinner, I looked into cancelling the order, alas, can't be done. The order for the pizza they presumably will not start making for at least another 2 and a half hours, cannot be cancelled. My desire for the pizza has since worn off, but I guess, I'll be seeing it at 5pm whether I like it or not.

Wow! The food was 'autentica' because it is freshly prepared to order, you are encouraged to tailor it to your own personal taste. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu, even the 'specials' board which changes. The staff are so friendly. Big shout out to 'Nina' who took our order and looked after us. It's great to experience an Italian restaurant with genuine Italian speaking staff. You feel Iike you are in Italy, historic map of Italy on the wall, another beautiful photo of Venice's Rialto bridge. It's the full authentic Italian experience. You can practice your Italian before your next Italian holiday. Will be a regular from now on. Thank you. Dino.

Saturday 8.45pm to be told kitchen is closed! Unbelievable

Friendly welcoming staff! Quick service. Nice atmosphere. And excellent food. This was our first time at this restaurant and it didn’t disappoint.

Came for a birthday lunch as a table of 10. From the moment we booked, the team were extremely helpful and went out of their way to accommodate us. On the day we were late due to traffic and still received 5* service. Food was fantastic, atmosphere was great. Definitely in my top 5 eating out experiences

Not my first visit, and certainly not my last. The menu caters for vegetarians and vegans, the food is consistently brilliant and the service is excellent.

It’s very popular but the ques are managed quickly & efficiently. It’s got great barista staff, albeit a wee bit expensive but it’s quality coffee & made well

My go to restaurant in Cheltenham for breakfast or lunch for business or with family and friends. This is what an Italian restaurant should feel like. Warm, welcoming, amazing (family) feel restaurant. Salv and all of his team make you feel welcome, always greeted with a smile and you leave with a belly full of amazing food. Never been disappointed with anything… the foodgasm bell chimes on!

We tried the restaurant for lunch and were not disappointed. The food was good and the staff was very nice and friendly. Great coffee and free limoncello.

So very sad to hear that Massimos has closed. We have spent many happy times there, with lovely food. We are left with our memories, and offer our good wishes to all the family in any future endeavours. Tim and Janet.

Good choice of Italian food. Very tasty and prepared well. We all had three courses and each was cooked, and very much as described. Staff were very helpful, courteous and attentive. We will certainly go again, maybe in the evening for the dinners.

Just had our first eat-in meal at La Bocca. The young lady who served us was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble. The team there made a tomato- and pepper-free pizza for my missus (not the greatest intolerance to visit a pizza restaurant, I grant you, but hey, that's how it is). My inferno pizza with extra cheese and jalapeños was superb and the Shiraz was one of the best I've tasted. Attention to service and cleanliness way up there! Definitely going there again!

Came here to try out the ice cream. Had vegan chocolate, absolutely delicious. Nice that there was seating and the staff were super friendly. Would definitely go back to try other flavours.

This is a really lovely family-run restaurant, in the middle of Coleford and with a free car park conveniently situated next to it. The service was excellent; really friendly, patient and caring with great attention to detail and frequent checking (from our waitress Gayana) to ensure everything was okay with us. It was a warm and comfortable environment and the food was of high quality (see photos). A most enjoyable meal complemented with tasty desserts and coffee. We'll definitely return next time we are in the area!