Nuovo - South Woodford

5:43pm Wednesday 20th August 2008

ONE glance inside the Nuovo restaurant, in South Woodford, and I feel it will be way above the budget of a trainee reporter.

And as the waiter pulls out my chair for me to sit down, my concerns are reinforced.

But as I study the menu I realise the food is actually very reasonably priced. As a lover of Italian cuisine I am spoilt for choice and have to make the agonising decision of whether to go for pizza or pasta.

My starter of mushrooms al forno costs £4.95 and is described as stuffed with parmesan, garlic, onion and breadcrumbs. My mouth is already watering.

The food comes out quickly but I am rather taken aback by the sheer size of the course.

With a rich cheese sauce, not described in the menu, swamping the mushrooms it is almost in proportion to a main course.

I had a little moan that I would never be able to eat anything else after this, but my dining partner happily disagrees with me and tucks into his deep fried brie in breadcrumbs with much enthusiasm.

But I’m rather confused about the segment of orange which appears on his plate along with a strawberry. What is that all about? About 15 minutes after finishing my starter, a dish of large ravioli discs filled with scallops, prawns, ricotta and mascapone arrives along with my friend’s enormous pizza.

It is on the upper end of the price scale at £12.95 but I was tempted by the scallops which I have never tried before.

I am slightly disappointed that I cannot actually identify any within the course, but it tastes delicious as does my friend’s pizza which comes topped with spicy chicken, bacon and baby spinach.

As I take a breather and wonder how I am ever going to get up from my seat after all that food, I notice that the restaurant is packed.

It is early on a Tuesday evening and there is hardly a spare table in sight. Groups of friends, couples and families fill the venue, laughing and chatting as the soft background sounds of jazz music drift over us.

Tea lights displayed on the wall in a pretty arrangement provide gentle lighting and the red walls exhibit contemporary art work which is neither over the top nor understated.

Despite feeling fit to burst I can’t resist pinching a few mouthfuls of my friend's cheesecake and although I don’t normally like eating desserts, it is actually the highlight of the whole meal.

The experience has been very satisfying, the service prompt, the atmosphere relaxing and the food tasty.

But I think what makes Nuovo’s stand out, and why it was so packed is the staff.

They clearly take pride in their menu and work together as a team to serve the tables ensuring everyone is happy.

The total bill, including drinks, came to £41 and we leave feeling satisfied in more ways than one.

Nuovo, 88-90 High Road,
South Woodford,
London
E18 2NA

Tel: 020 8532 2828

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