L'Italiana

After a couple of failed attempts to get into this always-packed restaurant, we finally managed to book ahead so we could see what the fuss was about. We weren't overwhelmed, but we weren't underwhelmed. It was solid but unspectacular. Welcomed warmly, we chose a range of dishes including prawn cocktail, calamari and bruschetta for starters, and lasagne, ravioli, and pizza for main course. My lasagne was a little bit too salty for my taste, but the food was generally pretty good if not exactly inspired. We'll try them again some time soon, just in case. [Jan 13] 16 Jan 13 L'Italiana

Only been once as can never get a table - you really need to book. Starter from special menu was really good. Menu's mostly pizza pasta I would have like to see what more the chef could do. My pizza was very tasty. I will keep trying to get a table. [Sep 11] 14 Sep 11 L'Italiana

I've been eating there since they opened and they have always been fabulous. They are great with small children. Customising a dish for a little one is never a problem and my son loves going there because he is made to feel so welcome by the staff. We had dad's 70th birthday at the restaurant with a big group of friends and they made dad feel like the most important person in the world for the whole evening. For a change it is a real Italian restaurant where the food and family friendly atmosphere wouldn't be out of place in italy. There isn't a lot of space so you'll have to fold your pushchair but they do have good booster chairs for the little ones. [Jan 10]

29 Jan 10 L'Italiana

The last time we ventured in here it was a ghastly american diner-esque burger joint. Glad to report L'Italiana have done a very nice job of the decor, it feels cosy, with a hint of authentic pizzeria about it. Staff were welcoming and informal, and it was reasonably busy for 9pm on as Tuesday night considering it's pretty small inside. The Menu offered more choice than some of the other local options, but I was surprised at prices for the 'carne' section. Portions are big - for example a bruschetta starter can easily feed two. So are accompaniments - although for £5.95 for a tomato and red onion side salad, I would hope so. I had a sage and mushroom tortellini which was pretty average - if you closed your eyes I think you'd struggle to work out what it was. Doubt it was freshly made. The OH's penne amatriciana was better. Puds were split between a specials board (about £6 a pop) and a plastic menu with photos on, you know the kind. We tried a toffee cheesecake from the specials board - again, doubt it was homemade. A decent portion, though. Would we go again? Probably not - there are better Italian offerings in St Albans, from the brilliant Cosa Nostra through to the more special occasion Cibo di Vino. [Jan 10]

20 Jan 10 L'Italiana