La Bicicletta, West Horndon

[Humpy D]

Has anybody been to this restaurant? The reviews on TripAdvisor are very good but I would like to have an idea as to the cost of a meal there. The website doesn't have a menu and I drove to the restaurant last Saturday afternoon to see if there is a menu in the window but nothing.

It's not that I'm tight but I would like to know whether I'm going to a £20 a head restaurant or a £200 one!!

Thanks.

[12TS]

Sorry never been - but it's not going to be £££. I'd guess you should be able to eat there for £20 to £30 a head given its location, it's in a strange place, sort of in the middle of nowhere. Been going a long time though - 20 years+, so somebody must like it

[markoc]

Very nice by my experience. Chef/owner IIRC. The sort of place where he'll be out of the kitchen and asking how your food was, and also recommending things that might not be on the menu. Been a couple of times with friends who go very regularly as they live a few streets away. I've heard some people get upset that the food sometimes doesn't all come out together, but not seen it myself. I'd go more if it wasn't a drive away.

Alternatively for a good traditional italian, probably in the same price range and not a million miles away try La Toscana in Billericay (my local and I'd certainly recommend) or also Piero's in Ingatestone is supposed to be highly regarded.

ETA - I'd say around pricewise £10 for a starter and between £15-25 for a main course - but I haven't been for about a year. Certainly value for money when you consider the plastic high street italian's aren't far off those prices.

Edited by markoc on Friday 6th May 12:44

[_Superleggera_]

Love it here. Very unassuming and it has an unusual setting. However the food is wonderful and owners are truly lovely.

Quite reasonable. Around £20-30 a head.

[cahami]

Been there once, the owner/chef seems to base the menus around what he has in the cupboard all very pleasant
But generally I like to see a menu before I go just to get an idea.

[cahami]

Been there once, the owner/chef seems to base the menus around what he has in the cupboard all very pleasant
But generally I like to see a menu before I go just to get an idea.