I used to think dining out for Italian food was a waste since I could easily make it at home. However, a restaurant on Stanley Street called La Famiglia has been making waves, winning multiple national awards, including being named the best restaurant in the North West by The Italian Awards. Intrigued by the hype, I decided to give it a try.
My partner and I visited on a quiet Thursday afternoon and were seated at a cozy table under the staircase. We started with an antipasto di terra, which included olives, artichokes, cheeses, crackers, and Carasau bread. The menu had a variety of enticing options, but I opted for the seafood pacherri, a best seller with prawns, calamari, mussels, and scallops in prosecco and seafood bisque with a hint of chili.
The food took a bit of time to arrive, but another glass of white wine kept us company. When the pacherri came, it was a generous portion packed with flavorful seafood. The dish was a delight to eat, with the scallops being sweet and buttery while the prawns were crisp and juicy.
For dessert, I chose the caramel and white chocolate cheesecake, which was indulgently delicious. The flavors blended perfectly, and the caramel drizzles added a subtle sweetness. The cheesecake was definitely the highlight of the meal for me.
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with La Famiglia. While I may not be an expert to declare it the best in the North West, the food was exceptional from start to finish. The restaurant’s understated aesthetic and authentic menu create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that lives up to its name, “the family” in Italian.
I highly recommend giving La Famiglia a try, even if you, like me, were skeptical about dining out for Italian food. The experience may just convert you, as it did for me. I can’t wait to go back and try more dishes, like the black ravioli with octopus.
