Best ITALIAN in Brighton and Hove

[Guinness Boy]

Are we in danger of a little bit of food snobbery here?

Is it not possible for someone to make excellent and very tasty food of a specific national origin if they themselves don't come from that region?

Of course it is.

In danger? Post 6 onwards confirms it.

Snobbery is essential here. I've been asked a favour for a 40th for people who know Italian.

*sotto voce* They're my wife's friends and my own opinion is that they should probably have booked a weekend in Florence or Sicily but they didn't.

The snobbery is a bit important because......

Controversial that Donatellos only gets one mention on this forum.

I thought it was good

Not it's not. Because anyone with taste buds thinks it's shit.

 

[Guinness Boy]

To expand on Edna's point Theo Randall is one of the best Italian chefs in the world and he's English. However, since Latin in the Lane closed my experience is there is nowhere in Brighton that would even come up to scrutiny by one of Theo's Commis.

 

[Brighton Breezy]

Mediterraneo Delicatessen in Clyde Road.

Does bespoke menus and is no doubt the most authentic Italian restaurant in Brighton and Hove if you want the full experience. One sitting per night, intimate atmosphere. Sicilian food. Only opens as a restaurant Friday and Saturday nights. When you book you discuss the menu you would like and what sort of food you would like to try etc.

 

[CheeseRolls]

Of course it is.



Snobbery is essential here. I've been asked a favour for a 40th for people who know Italian.

*sotto voce* They're my wife's friends and my own opinion is that they should probably have booked a weekend in Florence or Sicily but they didn't.

The snobbery is a bit important because......



Not it's not. Because anyone with taste buds thinks it's shit.

I agree with the general sentiment here. I do think the standard of Italian restaurants is poor, mainly because the menus lack inspiration and generally prices do not reflect this. The food at Donatellos tastes fine, they deliver reliable and relatively cheap Italian style food to a large crowd. If I hear a large group is heading to Brighton at the weekend and want a recommendation where to eat, Donatellos is right up there, they will likely find you a table and you won't get ripped off. Sloppy mistakes in my experience are few and far between, so in summary consistent and reasonable value. Just not somewhere to recommend for a memorable meal for a special occasion.

 

[Guinness Boy]

I agree with the general sentiment here. I do think the standard of Italian restaurants is poor, mainly because the menus lack inspiration and generally prices do not reflect this. The food at Donatellos tastes fine, they deliver reliable and relatively cheap Italian style food to a large crowd. If I hear a large group is heading to Brighton at the weekend and want a recommendation where to eat, Donatellos is right up there, they will likely find you a table and you won't get ripped off. Sloppy mistakes in my experience are few and far between, so in summary consistent and reasonable value. Just not somewhere to recommend for a memorable meal for a special occasion.

Fair point well made, though I'm still sure their lasagna is just a frozen one that's been microwaved!

 

[Notters]

I agree with the general sentiment here. I do think the standard of Italian restaurants is poor, mainly because the menus lack inspiration and generally prices do not reflect this. The food at Donatellos tastes fine, they deliver reliable and relatively cheap Italian style food to a large crowd. If I hear a large group is heading to Brighton at the weekend and want a recommendation where to eat, Donatellos is right up there, they will likely find you a table and you won't get ripped off. Sloppy mistakes in my experience are few and far between, so in summary consistent and reasonable value. Just not somewhere to recommend for a memorable meal for a special occasion.

But the service at Donatellos is often DREADFUL. There are plenty of other places that are just as cheap with much nicer food.

 

[Notters]

Fair point well made, though I'm still sure their lasagna is just a frozen one that's been microwaved!

As it is at most places.

 

[CheeseRolls]

But the service at Donatellos is often DREADFUL. There are plenty of other places that are just as cheap with much nicer food.

Not in my experience anyway.

 

[knocky1]

HE'S NOT ITALIAN

Why do people think this? He was born in barca, and has Catalan parents.

Here we go again. Cliff Richard is Indian etc,etc...You may upset his parents saying they are Catalan.

 

[Barrel of Fun]

Has Angelo retired? I haven't been to Hove for a while and was told that Topolino Duo has been closed.

 

[scamander]

Unsure if anyone has mentioned it but Alfrescos is pretty darn good. A table upstairs means great food, service and a view.

 

[Fran Hagarty]

Leonardo in Church Road Hove. Close to where Topolinos was, but better. http://www.leonardo-restaurant.co.uk/#/about/4558027764

 

[ringmerseagulltoo]

Has Angelo retired? I haven't been to Hove for a while and was told that Topolino Duo has been closed.

Yes he has. Great shame. He is an avid Seagulls fan and we have been going to Topolino duo since it was simply Topolino further down the road. Always made welcome and well entertained.

 

[Ulloa's Soul Patch]

Seasons on Boundary Road...
Amazing food, brilliant staff and any pub, restaurant or bar that serves Peroni on tap, gets a thumbs up from me!

 

[Barrel of Fun]

Yes he has. Great shame. He is an avid Seagulls fan and we have been going to Topolino duo since it was simply Topolino further down the road. Always made welcome and well entertained.

Ditto. I hope it is a well earned rest and nothing sinister.

 

[BensGrandad]

What is Topolino now or has it closed. I used to go there but now go to Buonne Appertito but only the Burgess Hill one not the one in Hove.

 

[Nitram]

La Capannina, just off St James Street, good range of basics and specials, reasonable prices, went there last night with a group of six all said it was excellent.

 

[Eeyore]

Pinnochio's. The food is lovely *

*After 10 pints.

 

[The Spanish]

Long gone but umbertos in rottingdean was brilliant for a comedy provincial Italian. Many a good time in there. Umberto used to literally bully people into finishing their plates and take great offence if you said you were too full.

 

[scooter1]

Seasons on Boundary Road...
Amazing food, brilliant staff and any pub, restaurant or bar that serves Peroni on tap, gets a thumbs up from me!

The penne romana is very good, but find the choice of pizza a little limited