It’s been a few years since I last dined at Little Italy in St. Andrews, and since I was last there it is not so little any more… it has in fact doubled in size. I was always fond of this restaurant, but was worried that since it has expanded the quality of the experience would have been affected, but my fears were soon gone.
You always receive a warm welcome, and as I watched other diners arriving, I noted that regulars are greeted like old friends. As always, this place was very busy, and I would advise booking in advance, as it is generally full to capacity, even during the week.
The restaurant was close to full when we arrive just after 8pm, and there is a good atmosphere. People were clearly enjoying themselves. The décor is authentic Italian, with red walls, old black and white photos of Italy adorning the walls, and even a model motorbike in an alcove!
We were shown to our table, and left for a good 15 minutes to peruse the menu, which I was grateful for, as there is a lot to choose from. I always feel that such a large menu can be a little daunting, and sometimes prefer fewer choices, but that is just my opinion.
Our waiter took our order, with me opting for the bruschetta provolone di Parma (toasted Southern Italian bread topped with tomato, garlic, provolone cheese, Parma ham and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil) to start, followed by bistecca cosanostra (grilled beef medallions and sautéed fillet of veal, finished in champagne, paprika and cream sauce, and served with sautéed potatoes) for my main.
My dining partner chose pate della casa, homemade smooth chicken liver pate, served with Italian toasted bread, followed by the vitello alla Milanese – fillet of breaded veal escalopes topped with butter and sage, and served with spaghetti pomodoro.
After a brief five-minute wait our starters arrived. My bruschetta actually made my mouth water as it was placed in front of me. Simple ingredients, well-seasoned, and delicious flavour. Nothing too overpowering with the use of herbs, and the flavour of the cheese and parma ham shone through deliciously. The portion size was very good, and in terms of preparing me for my main, it could not have done a better job. It left me satisfied, but ready for the main event.
My partner’s pate, whilst delicious, was a little runny in consistency, which made it slightly difficult to spread, but did not spoil the overall enjoyment of the flavour. Again, a large portion, which I thought very generous.
Not even 10 minutes after out starter plates were taken away, our mains arrived. I found this to be a perfect break between finishing the first course, and the mains arriving. The aromas which filled my nostrils as the plates were placed on the table was delicious.
Another two very large portions, which for me is a wonderful thing, as I have a huge appetite.
My partner, who has a much smaller appetite, found the portion sizes a little daunting, but I always argue that I would rather have too much and leave some, than not get enough and leave hungry!
Both my beef, and my veal were perfectly cooked (medium rare as requested) and the meat was wonderfully tender, and practically melted in my mouth. Again, well-seasoned, the flavours were a delight, with the immediate hit of paprika, followed by the subtle champagne undertones, all wrapped up in a deliciously creamy sauce.
The flavours lingered long after I’d finished eating, and this was an extremely welcome sensation. The sautéed potatoes were well done, and had a good crisp to them. Once again a very generous portion, with me even leaving some on my plate (which is unheard of for me!). Not because I didn’t like them, but purely because I needed to leave room for dessert.
My partner’s veal whilst tasty, was a little on the chewy side, but the overriding flavours of the dish were pleasant. Simple tomato and herb flavours, which were not too overpowering, and pleasant on the palate, topped with a good serving of grated Parmesan cheese from out polite and attentive waiter.
After a short break we were offered the dessert menu, and whilst I was feeling rather full, (and my partner was practically bursting!) I thought it would be a sin to review a restaurant without sampling the desserts, so I plumped for the cannolo Siciliano (traditional Sicilian dessert. Wafer roll filled with ricotta cheese, chocolate drops and candied orange peel) and my partner chose the coppa amarena – vanilla ice cream topped with cherries, cherry brandy, cherry sauce and whipped cream..
The flavours of my dessert were delicious, with the candied citrus flavours cutting through the rich ricotta cheese, but the portion size, once again was huge, and with such a heavy dessert, I only really managed a third of what was on the plate. If I had not just eaten such a huge meal, then I would have happily devoured the whole plateful, but sadly I had to admit defeat.
My partner’s choice was basic, yet tasty, with the sweetness of the cherries wonderfully complementing the simplicity of the vanilla ice cream.
All in all, this was very pleasant experience. If you want authentic Italian cuisine, with good service and a buzzing atmosphere, then I would definitely recommend Little Italy.
Little Italy
2 Logies Ln, St Andrews KY16 9NL
t: 01334 479299
w: Littleitaly.cc
Prices: small plates and starters:£4.10-£21.90
Main courses: £9.90-£29.70
Value: 8/10
Menu: 9/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
Service:9/10
Food:10/10
Total:46/50
