Tipped

whatever you want it to be

May 10, 2009

Centenove's been there for many years, I remember when it was just long, cantine style tables - plain and simple. Now, its more lived in, they have those funky glittery pieces on the wall and funny light bead curtains on the window. But whatever the look, the food has always been your good, filling, home-made-with-care Italian food.
I like it because they make me feel like friends whose house you are at trying to accommodate you. They treat you the same whether its just you there or a full house. And there is often a full house.
Run almost entirely by Italians, the other nice thing is that they have a nice big screen where they play the football sometimes, but one would never notice. The young, trip-hop, hip-dining atmosphere still prevails.
So with this mix of people coming in and out, the hominess, and the food is good. I had ordered a pasta, but asked for something with more veg in it, and they put together a nice broccoli with eggplant pasta. Very gentle, tasty and filling. My boyfriend wanted a homey bollognese with a kick, so they added the arabiata. Presentation is nice and clean. My aubergine starter came on a thin crisp bread that made it feel like a dipping, also very yummy and light.
with a bottle of wine, came out to less than 30GBP/person. not bad at all for the quality, atmosphere and dish size.

Keywords: cuisine: italian, young crowd, football, hospitable, stylish