Ciao Baby Cucina
Above:
Above:
I’ve lost count of how many times I have walked past Ciao Baby Cucina on my way to the cinema in Basingstoke. I have no idea why I’ve never eaten there, but I’m certain I’ll be a frequent diner following the delicious meal I had recently.
Ciao Baby can be found in Festival Square which, if you have been before, you will agree is rather a unique setting. Outside, tables, chairs and patio heaters entice diners into the many restaurants, but none have quite the presence of Ciao Baby Cucina.
Spread over two floors, the interior is modern, clean, with a splash of Italian charm. We were greeted with huge smiles as we entered the restaurant and there was a real buzz about the place as other diners were enjoying their evening.
Impeccable service
Our waiter, Adriaan, is possibly the most efficient, friendly waiter I have ever come across. As we sat down I commented on how busy the restaurant was, only to find that this Saturday evening was the quietest it had been for a long time. Even though (I thought) he was a busy man, he spent time chatting to us, making sure we understood the specials that evening and even recommended a wine to compliment the meal (Modello Della Venezie Bianco Masi, £16.50). It wasn’t just us who seemed to get the special treatment either, every table had his undivided attention.
Feeling fresh
Onto the food. I love Italian, and could have picked practically anything from the menu, it all sounded so delicious.
For starters I chose the Pappa Al Pomodoro (£5.90), soup made with ripe, sweet tomatoes, open textured white bread, garlic, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil. There was plenty of it (maybe too much), but it was delicious: nothing can beat a soup made entirely from fresh ingredients. My companion went for the Antipasto Di Verdure (£6), a vegetable antipasto consisting oven roast tomatoes, marinated olives, green beans tossed with mint, caponata and wood roasted peppers brushed with pesto. All were perfectly cooked and flavoursome, but again, this starter could have been a main course (or perhaps we just have very small stomachs?).
Thanks to Adriaan’s tempting description of the special, ‘Bis di Noci’, my companion couldn’t resist giving it a try. Scallops of chicken and veal were panfried so they were lovely and tender, served with a nut, pancetta, marsala and cream sauce.
I chose the Pollo Alla Griglia (£13.50), free range spring chicken marinated in lemon, ground black pepper, coarse salt, olive oil, garlic, white wine and fresh rosemary then baked in the wood burning oven: simple, but tasty.
We were guided towards the deli counter to see for ourselves the desserts on offer. All of them had been made from scratch in the restaurant’s kitchen, and what a feast for the eyes. If only we had had room in our stomachs to sample a slither of each. Instead we decided to share a piece of coffee and walnut gateau along with our coffee (£5.50): the perfect end to a romantic Italian evening.
The verdict
Service: 5 stars
Atmosphere: 4 stars
Decoration: 4 stars
Food: 4 stars
Value for money: 5 stars
Book your table
Ciao Baby Cucina, Festival Square,
Festival Place, Basingstoke RG21 7BB
Tel: 01256 477299
www.ciaobabycucina.co.uk