Lambarelli’s Ristorante D’Accadia

There was some good and some bad unfortunately. I’ve been going to Lambrelli’s for about 20 years now, and I’m all for changing with the times, new menus etc, but I was disappointed with the changes that have happened. There are also some changes much needed! We booked our table for 8 o’clock and arrived a couple of minutes after. We then tried to order the first wine on the menu and they were out. The young lady behind the bar was friendly enough, but her appearance was not really what I expected for a nice Italian restaurant on a Saturday night. She was wearing a short black denim skirt. One of the waitresses was also wearing black jeans. If you want to charge people restaurant prices then the surroundings have to live up to it. When we were eventually told our table was ready about 8.30 we went upstairs to our table. After reading the earlier review I expected some changes, but was sadly disappointed. It was the same lino flooring with the ‘caution, wet floor’ sign. The same small basic tables and hard chairs with the same plastic table cloths. This has really never been an issue for us, as the food has always been excellent and reasonably priced. When the waitress came to take our order, she couldn’t answer our simple questions such as, ‘what sort of breads do you get with Italian breads?’ she told us she didn’t know, because she didn’t really look. We did order the Italian breads at £3.75 and were disappointed to receive three warm dinner rolls. The standard dinner roll that you would get complimentary in any restaurant. We ordered olives, which we had to ask for again and they were brought with one cocktail stick for me and my partner to share. We ordered Mozzerella mushrooms to start and got four small mushrooms and a handful of undressed salad leaves which we were charged £5.75 for. A little expensive for such a basic dish. They were tasty enough, but unimpressive. My partner requested Spaghetti Bolognaise for main course, which was not on the menu and the chef was very obliging and said that was possible. I had a Seafood Calzone, both dishes were delicious and up to Lambrelli’s usual standard. I found the menu little changed really, most of the old favourites were still available, but the menu was a little less reader friendly. The introduction was a nice touch telling you about the family history and also naming the pizzas after family members. We finished our menu with a Latte and a filter coffee. The Latte unfortunately had to be sent back, as it was approximately two inches of milky coffee in a tall glass with a four inch head of froth. The replacement was prompt and good though. We did have to ask for the sugar unfortunately. I understand things have to change that Lambrellis are trying to make a living, but don’t try to compete with companies like Nonnas who have spectacular interiors, well trained and turned out staff. But remember people have lots of different experiences, travel the world, sampling different cuisines and watch tv and like to be more adventurous in their cooking at home, so they know a good Italian bread like Foccacia or Ciabatta and that isn’t warm, ed up dinner rolls. Stick to what you do best, good, tasty, fresh food, friendly personal service, a relaxed atmosphere and don’t overcharge for the basics like garlic mushrooms unless you are serving up something a bit more impressive! We will be back, but not yet for a while and will be cautious about what we order.

I went here for the first time in five years a few weeks back.
Firstly i found the food very authentic italian with the portion size being quite generous. The food came well presented and full of big flavours. The main courses were again very pleasing on the eye and well priced for the generous portions given. The highlight was my wifes steak with gorgonzola which was excellent.
The restaurant was very busy and this added to the cosy intimate feeling of the restaurant as the tables are very close together, entertainment was being provided by the party of 12 on the next table even though it was a little loud.
The service was quick and preicse with a family run element to it. The whole place had a homely feel about it. Overall a throughly enjoyable evening would definately go many more times

Used to visit Lambrellis regularly about ten years ago and it was always homely, friendly, rustic with a traditional family feeling. Portions were always on the generous size and very authentic italian cuisine.
Went for a family members birthday early January 2010 and I was disappointed to say the least. The service was very slow and the courses arriving at different intervals — some had finished their starters before the last one had arrived.
The portion sizes have shrunk drastically and the prices have increased — almost to the level of Nonnas but without the snob value.
The family ‘rustic‘ feel has also gone with the food now being served as ‘nouvelle cuisine‘ style with all the dishes competing for the ‘highest food tower‘ award! and the sauces being a few spots around the edges of the plate made into a fancy design.
I was not impressed and would much prefer the old fashioned italian deli/​restaurant to the new age, pretentious French style it has become.

Just over a year ago (or maybe its even longer) I made the decision never ever to go to Lambarellis again.
On the last couple of occasions the service was rude and the food was just distinctly average.
Its going to have a lot to live up to now with Nonnas opening up just up the road. Lambarelli’s seems to be stuck in a time warp with its 80’s décor, old fashioned stodgy food and poor service.
Not one I could recommend, it gets one star because I didn’t have the heart to give it none.

Been eating here since it opened in the eighties and never had a bad experience.
Same welcoming owners, and Antonietta is still the head chef
Large interesting menu, special offer nights and now redecorated.
Always stayed authentic and homely.
LOVIN IT!

We used to go regularly for tea with our kids and the service was always super very family friendly however a change of chef has altered the experience