La Pergola, Lyndhurst, New Forest, Hampshire
The Passarelli family run this very welcoming restaurant in Lyndhurst, and they have done since 1997, so they’re old hands at it now, they really know what they’re doing and that’s reflected in the high quality of the food that they serve. They use locally sourced ingredients to create all manner of authentic Italian dishes; main courses of Saltinbocca alla Romana (escalope of veal, pan fried with Parma ham & sage), Filetto al Pepe (Prime Scottish fillet with crushed pepper & red wine sauce), and Fegato alla Veneziana (claves liver with bacon, onion & red wine sauce).
The pasta and pizza menu has equally mouthwatering offerings; Penne alla Michaelangelo (pasta quills with smoked salmon, asparagus & cream), farfalle con Pollo e Pomodorini (pasta bows with chicken, fresh tomatoes, olive oil & rosemary), and Pizza con Prosciutto (tomato, mozzarella, Parma ham & oregano).
You should go. The vibe is lively, the service very friendly and attentive, there’s a big bar area for drinks and a terrace for al fresco dining; sit beneath the wisteria and vine clad pergola and just enjoy it, being there, eating good food. You can go for morning coffee, lunch or dinner; park on the premises, let the kids have fun in the play area, and if you’re celebrating a birthday or something, then book up.
Open: Tues-Sun 11.00 am-2.30 pm and 6.00 pm-10.30 pm plus Bank Holiday Mondays
T: 02380 284184 All information correct at the time of writing