Italian restaurant near-ish Winchester/Southampton?

[E65Ross]

guys, any recommendations for a nice Italian restaurant near the winche or Southampton area? I've been to Regginas in Botley a few times and that used to be nice but was disappointed last time I went, and have heard from others who've said it seems to have gone downhill a bit in the last few years.

Many thanks in advance

Ross

[Bluedot]

Might be a bit too far but can highly recommend Villa Romana in Fareham!

[Huntsman]

La Dolce Vita in Hamble.

Its very unpretentious and good fun, nice and lively and busy.

Reasonable price and nothing you could moan about.

[E65Ross]

Thanks chaps. Will take a look at their websites and menus

Someone else has mentioned Keats in Ampfield/Romsey.... Any good?

Cheers

[trando]

The food at Keats is ok - very trad Italian - but the atmosphere is a bit old fashioned. Depends what you are after..

[normalbloke]

Interested to follow this and what you find. We used to enjoy Italian years ago, but our tastes have changed over time, however, reading this has got my taste buds thinking. I have however also heard Villa Romana is quite good. Good luck!

[KTF]

Franco & Paolo in Locks Heath centre is meant to be very good. I am going there on Saturday so will find out then.

http://www.francoandpaolo.co.uk/

[KTF]

Nice meal with them last night. Franco is front of house and will make pretty much any dish you want as its all freshly made to order. He is from southern Italy so it's farmhouse 'hearty' type meals and portions to match.

Food quality very good and a step up from the franchise Italian places. He likes to chat so will give you the chapter and verse on his background, the restaurant, how long he has worked with the chef, etc. Clearly passionate about what he does and the cooking, etc reflects that.

[E65Ross]

Thanks for that. I have booked a table at Villa Romana, the menu looks good. I'll bear the other places in mind for later, as I'm always after new places to eat.

Thanks chaps.

[Bluedot]

I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
They have a car park out the back but it can get a bit tight, there's normally room along the High St and I find it's easier to park there.
Let us know what you think anyway.

[GarryDK]

Scoozi! is pretty good its on Oxford street Southampton.

[E65Ross]

Absolutely fantastic meal out. Staff were friendly, ambience was nice, the music was good and the food was just spectacular.... Really enjoyed it and will certainly be going back there again.

Thank you very much for the recommendation.

Ross

[joema]

Le Fenice in Eastleigh is lovely little restaurant worth bearing in mind.

[Bluedot]

E65Ross said:

Absolutely fantastic meal out. Staff were friendly, ambience was nice, the music was good and the food was just spectacular.... Really enjoyed it and will certainly be going back there again.

Thank you very much for the recommendation.

Ross

Glad you enjoyed it, I've always an excellent meal there.