Valentines in Norwich with no reservation... We knew finding a table in the evening would be impossible so decided to journey to Norwich in the early afternoon in the hope to secure a spontaneous table for two.
Who knew what a torturous struggle it would be... walking around for 40 minutes up and down streets, peering through windows, being turned away, before finally sitting down in a busy restaurant next to a party of wild screaming kids. Needless to say we hadn't opened the sticky, brightly coloured menus before making our escape back into the bustling lanes with an overwhelming sense of relief.
We recommenced our hunt for food feeling deflated and hungry but only took us 60 seconds at most to come across the welcoming entrance to Paolo's Restaurant. Looking at each other, we thought the chances of securing a table would be minuscule, but with an optimistic smile we stepped inside....
Who knew what a torturous struggle it would be... walking around for 40 minutes up and down streets, peering through windows, being turned away, before finally sitting down in a busy restaurant next to a party of wild screaming kids. Needless to say we hadn't opened the sticky, brightly coloured menus before making our escape back into the bustling lanes with an overwhelming sense of relief.
We recommenced our hunt for food feeling deflated and hungry but only took us 60 seconds at most to come across the welcoming entrance to Paolo's Restaurant. Looking at each other, we thought the chances of securing a table would be minuscule, but with an optimistic smile we stepped inside....
We were greeted with a friendly smile as I apprehensively asked if they had a table for two. With a yes we were taken through a calm, quiet and relaxing restaurant to a table with a beautiful window view of the city and handed a menu which complimented the earthy, warm decor. My girlfriend and I were impressed with the reasonable priced menu and settled upon the £8.99 menu that included a main meal and a small glass of wine. |
The waiter was very prompt in bringing us our drinks and to accompany the glasses of wine he placed a jug of water on the table. A detail I always look out for and am hugely satisfied whenever I witness it.
The open nature of the kitchen allowed smells to travel into the restaurant with ease as we watched the chef prepare my freshly made pizza base, add the toppings and place into a massive pizza oven. We were served our main course quickly despite the restaurant filling up with couples. The food was exceptionally fresh, light and full of flavour and the house wine complimented our dishes wonderfully. We felt well looked after by the waiter and once we had finished our mains we weren't rushed to choose a dessert or pay the bill. We were disappointed by the dessert menu however. Pictures of the desserts accompanied each choice, but looked like catalogue pictures straight from a wholesalers. |
Why do so many restaurants put so much effort into their starters, mains and decor but neglect the dessert menu with mere frozen, already made puddings?
Altogether our experience was a real delight and well worth the £8.99 each paid. My rating would have been an unfaultable 5 stars, however its sad to say the dessert let it down. Paolo's Restaurant made our Valentines lunch a really special experience and would strongly recommend visiting for yourself.
Altogether our experience was a real delight and well worth the £8.99 each paid. My rating would have been an unfaultable 5 stars, however its sad to say the dessert let it down. Paolo's Restaurant made our Valentines lunch a really special experience and would strongly recommend visiting for yourself.