Le Dolomiti - Restaurant Review

The traditions of dining are changing, and not for the better. People 'grab' a snack or meet for a 'bite' to eat. We're all drowning in fast food.

Eating out should be about sitting down, taking your time and enjoying well-cooked food, fine wine and excellent service. Thankfully there are still places where this can be found and one of them is Le Dolomiti.

The first thing that strikes one on entering the restaurant is its size. With room for 80 plus, it's a great venue for a party or family meal and also offers live entertainment. Yet Le Dolomiti also has a friendly, intimate feel, with a dark wood interior draped with ivy, and walls adorned with pictures and full wine rack - and the sublime sound of Frank Sinatra floating through the air.

With a set menu, an excellent a la carte selection (and a special roast on Sunday), we were spoilt for choice. We took our time, sipping a superb light, fruity Fleurie (as recommended by the waiter), as we chose.

Our starters arrived promptly: my scallops were wrapped in bacon and sautéed with garlic, butter and spring onions, fresh and juicy in a rich, meaty sauce that complemented them perfectly. My partner's deep fried calamares were crisp and tender, accompanied by a piquant tartare sauce.
For my main course I chose lobster thermidor. The meat, spectacularly presented in the split shell and topped with a delicious mustard, cream and cheese sauce, was succulent and plentiful. Served with a selection of satisfyingly al dente seasonal vegetables, it was pure indulgence of the best kind. The same selection accompanied my companion's noisettes of lamb, perfectly pink and delicately flavoured and set in a sherry and rosemary sauce which enhanced the slight sweetness of the meat.
Yes, we were full. But we simply couldn't resist that dessert menu. My partner's generous portion of tiramisu was almost, but not quite, as good as the exceptional crème brulee that melted creamily in my mouth with every spoonful.

With a great atmosphere, welcoming staff and extensive menu Le Dolomiti is my kind of restaurant - one that makes going out an experience to savour and enjoy.

Eric Charles