Il Michelangelo, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
When you walk into Il Michelangelo you could be forgiven for thinking you’d suddenly been transported to the Amalfi Coast, which is what the owners of this fine dining restaurant set out to achieve – to give customers a very authentic Italian dining experience. They have a sea front terrace, but just for a minute, forget this is Weston-super-Mare, and that it’s the Bristol Channel outside, not the Mediterranean; inside is all huge windows, white walls, some with huge murals of scenes from the Sistine Chapel, the tables are draped with white linen, vines and lemons decorate the rafters, and of course, there’s a statue of Michelangelo’s David.
Service is very attentive and the wine list is an impressive one. The A La Carte menu has all the classics from Italy that you’d expect, and some seriously tempting seafood dishes. Start off the proper Italian way, with Antipasto Michelangelo, a sharing platter with distinct regional flavours. Otherwise opt for Timballo di Salmone (smoked salmon, crayfish, avocado, baby leaves, honey mayo dressing), Bresaola Rucola E Parmigiano (bresaola cured beef, rocket, Parmesan shavings, basil oil), or Asparagi Grigliati (grilled asparagus, wilted spinach, king oyster mushrooms, vegan hollandaise sauce).
Move on to mains; something from the grill, a hand stretched rustic pizza, a risotto, or a classic pasta dish – Ragu Bolognese, Spaghetti Carbonara, or Orchidee All’Aragosta (orchid-shaped pasta filled with lobster meat, creamy lobster and crab sauce). You might go for a different taste of Italy, with dishes like Costolette D’Angelo (lamb cutlets, dauphinoise potatoes, char-grilled courgettes, red wine jus), Vitello Milanese (pan-fried veal escalope coated in breadcrumbs, rocket salad, Parmesan shavings) or Catch of the Day.
And desserts. The ultimate Tiramisu, made with Savoiardi biscuits, cream, coffee and Amaretto liqueur? Torroncino Affogato (nougat of Torroncino served with a warm espresso)? Torta Della Nonna (Tuscany tart filled with lemon custard, almonds and flavoured with roasted pine-nuts)?
Let’s just leave that here.
Open: Mon-Fri 12:00-3:00pm and 5:00pm-10:00pm
Sat 12:00-10:00pm
Sun 12:00-9:00pm
T: 01934 708342
All information correct at the time of writing