Va Pensiero

RADLETT - This is a great restaurant. We live locally and this restaurant is by far the best restaurant in the area. The food is wonderfully Italian, the service is excellent and the wine choice superb. Not overly expensive but can be a special night out all the same. Also if you're an Eastenders fan, you'll often see some of the local Elstree stars dining in this establishment.
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SJP
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, November 05, 2008

At Va Pensiero, I had the best Italian meal I have ever consumed in a restaurant.

Starters were gorgeous, I had the garlic bread with cheese which was absolutely wonderful. For the entree I ordered penne fiorentino and it absolutely blew me away. What a simple, perfect dish. The sauce was bursting with flavor, the pasta was tender and cooked just right. No giant shreds of spinach in the sauce, no specks to get stuck in the teeth; again, just right. The merlot was smooth and full and nicely accompanied the entree.

I didn't think I could physically manage dessert but somehow found myself with a plate of chocolate cake which was, in truth, a wedge of incredible fudgy goodness unlike any other cake I'd had before or since.

The restaurant is warm and inviting, neither down market nor pretentious... comfortable and elegant in its simplicity. The servers were pleasant and efficient and I would be delighted to return.

The only thing I can say about Va Pensiero which is even a little negative is that I found the price schedule to be high. Then again... you get what you pay for. Highly recommended.
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Karyn - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Sunday, June 15, 2008

Four of us had a beautifully prepared meal and service was good. no complaints.
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david blake
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, May 15, 2008

One of the worst meals I've ever had the misfortune to suffer. I have never written a restaurant review before but my experience moved me to post this review. Deciding to forego the two hour wait at the pub on a Sunday lunch was a mistake. Va Pensiero was half-full, predominantly with other refugees, the ambience was created by a number of diners who were actively complaining which created a low hum as a backdrop to the food. This leads on to the food which was appalling.

The quality of the ingredients was of the lowest order, their preparation haphazard and the menu descriptions irrelevant. The service as far as it went did not cause offence. As a local Italian restaurant, it should be compared with its peer opposite Golders Green station, both deliver to the same market, at the same price range and share much of the menu. The latter represents incredible value with good service, delivered in a semi-fast food environment. Va Pensiero by contrast and despite the higher price does not reach school meal standard.
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JC - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Sunday, March 09, 2008

this place has all you could wish for, great atmospheres, delicious food, friendly and efficient staff and is not overpriced. i eat here alot and love it.
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lily
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, December 27, 2007

Hi,

i had a great time it was amazing
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jjghhjj
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, August 09, 2007

The restaurant was very full and overflowing. The table was next to the street on the pavement outside the restaurant. The starters were nothing spectacular and quite simple. The main meal arrived somewhat slowly afterwards and was served with a side salad and a smiling waitress who talked a lot to my dinning companion with whom this was my first dinner date!
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Louise and Harry
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 0
Monday, June 11, 2007

I am writing this review because as soon as I stepped into the restaurant, I was approached by a waitress who was very unwelcoming and she upset me a lot. I asked to be seated and she was saying that she would not be able to seat me where I wanted to be seated and that the other spare seats were in the smoking area. I was on my own and I have dined out alone lots of times in other restaurants where the staff have been caring and considerate. The waitress in Va Pensiero on Sunday 6 May 2007 will know who she is.
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Elena
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Sunday, May 06, 2007

This restaurant is a real dining experience with an inviting and chilled ambience, friendly staff and fantastic food.. an absolute gem in East Finchley!
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Steve
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, March 30, 2007

Eat here quite regularly amd am never disappointed. Friendly staff, efficient service and a very good menu... food is always delicious and while the large menu may be daunting to some, it ensures that you never have to eat the same thing twice! A great local restaurant that is always packed...booking highly recommended on Thurs-Sat.
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Lorna
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, January 25, 2007