Nonna's |
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The following review has been written by Sheffschefs after a visit to the establishment. All visits are made anonymously, as ordinary paying customers. To read user reviews of this restaurant click here. The time seemed to be right to return once more to our old favourite Nonna's, one chilly Saturday evening in November. Our love of the place did take a knock initially when we rang to book and were told that we could have a table for either 7.00 p.m. or 7.30 p.m. but would be required to leave by 9.00 p.m. or 9.30 p.m. respectively. We do really dislike this annoying habit of 'sittings', which doesn't allow you to go out for the evening and enjoy a meal in your own time. Anyway, we accepted a 7.30 p.m. booking and hoped for the best. Nonna's had recently launched a new website and menu, so we were keen to sample new dishes. We slotted into a cosy corner for two and were immediately taken with the absolute buzz of the place. Memories of a packed bistro in a back street of Venice flooded back. Nothing seemed to have changed decor wise, still cosy and traditional in the back room, with a more cosmopolitan feel in the front dining area adjacent to the deli and bar. We were easily tempted by olives and fresh bread, as expected, both delicious. Our waiter reeled off the day's specials and we were both immediately tempted by the roast squash risotto. After a quick deliberation we opted for one starter portion and one main course portion, so that neither missed out on this culinary delight. The remaining starter was a roast aubergine pate and the remaining main course was a wild mushroom cannelloni with potato cheesecake. The risotto was divine, absolute melt in the mouth stuff, beautifully creamy with just the right bite to the rice. The only difference between the starter and main was the portion size and wisely, they don't over do the starter, so you still crave a main course after finishing it. The aubergine pate again was superb, light and tangy, with an extra kick from the accompanying salsa verde. The wild mushroom cannelloni was pronounced good, but not something that will join the list of our favourite Nonna's dishes.
With 30 minutes of our allocated slot remaining, we still had just a little room left for pudding, so we chose panna cotta with passion fruit and a Torta Cioccolato - chocolate hazelnut cake with chocolate sauce and hazelnut parfait. Both were delicious. 9.30 p.m. came and went and we weren't rushed from our seats and neither as far as we could tell was anyone else. New diners had appeared at the surrounding tables, but all change-overs had passed in a natural unhurried manner.
Luxuriating in our extra time, we had a couple of excellent filter coffees for the perfect end to a lovely meal.
Nonna's - The first time Chic Italian where the in crowd go. Recently expanded to include a deli and a more casual dining area. The Mediterranean style decor makes for a pleasant atmosphere, though many regulars make Nonna's their own so you may feel a little like an interloper. The staff do, however, make you feel very welcome. Up market Italian favourites include Crostini, Bruschetta, pastas, and a selection of meat and fish dishes. Tastes divine, as close to Italy as you can get on Ecclesall Road. So, as one of the most well established eateries on the infamous Ecclesall Road, Nonna's has a reputation that goes before it, but we decided to put the old favourite to the test at the busiest time of the year. As a late booking, we'd accepted a table in the front of the restaurant, near the bar and deli, to escape the early or late 'sittings' system in operation in the main restaurant in the run up to Christmas. We weren't sure what to expect, but in the event were delighted - it was light and airy but buzzing with atmosphere. Thumbs up from all. The food was divine - a good selection of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, including traditional favourites with a twist, such as wild mushroom risotto and roast sea bass with peppers. All of us had a different main course and each one of us declared it delicious. The wine list too was extensive, though a little pricey. It being Christmas we splurged on a rather good bottle of red on the recommendation of our waiter, and although we winced at the price, we really did enjoy it. The waiters were very attentive and efficient, though we did feel we were being rushed through initially. After twice asking for a bit of a pause between choices and courses though, we were thereafter left to linger and enjoy the meal at our own pace.
Overall, we had a fantastic evening and maintain that Nonna's is one of the best Italian Restaurants we have eaten at. It definitely passed the Christmas test and it remains on our favourites list. In fact we thought we would award them a Sheffschefs Restaurant of the Year.
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