Santa Lucia Trattoria Kingston

Dined here on a Saturday night for a family catch up. Good Points: Great service efficient and friendly staff nothing is a problem for them, not too noisy (can actually hold a conversation), nice ambiance, decor and perfect lighting. Killer cocktails the JFK was amazing (Citrus Vodka, watermelon liqueur, fresh lemon juice and a splash of apple juice, shaken together and served chilled) The food however, was a bit blah. Some of us didn't bother finishing our meals and weren't interested in doggie bags not even for the dogs! We had the following: Frittelle di Zucchine very small, oily little fritters. Sadly I make better ones at home. Calamari alla Griglia well cooked calamari, but as a dish it was pedestrian. Funghi Pizza great GF base, but topping could have been a little more generous Desserts weren't exciting us so we left and had Messina (just around the corner)

We phoned to book a table, and just as well because Saturday nights are obviously very busy. The wait staff were happy and friendly, and even though they obviously did not have allocated tables to serve, the wait staff that attended to us were very well organised. The Salotto has full bar service and a variety of table arrangements. The menu is obviously italian, and there's a wide range of traditional dishes to choose from. After our delicious herb/garlic bread we both ordered Saltimbocca and they came as large serves with beautifully cooked tender veal. A dish to remember!

We visited as a family and had a mostly delicious main. The chicken and mushroom in cream and cognac sauce was delicious. Desert however was very disappointing. The Tiramisu was basically sponge, cream with cocoa over it. Very bland and no taste of coffee or coffee liqueur. Such a shame to end a nice meal with a tragic dessert.

An Italian restaurant with a fine tradition (4 generations of the family) from its historical base of the Santa Lucia restaurant in the 50’s, not all that far from its current position in Kingston. Always a bit knock-about, a bit casual but trying to be a bit more elegant. That style continues today. We had calamari and saltimbocca, both pleasant but not knock-outs. The dessert menu was uninspiring. A small but adequate wine list with serves by the glass if wished or a modest BYO charge. The service was of a high standard and the meals were served promptly (not always a feature of the Santa Lucia of the past). Atmosphere was a bit stilted (perhaps this is a COVID issue) but there was plenty of space and not too much noise.

Recently visited Salotto with a group of 8 friends and was not disappointed! We all enjoyed our meals. My calamari was a bit too oily, but the magnificent risotto made up for it. Garlic prawns, zucchini fritters and the spatchcock were also well received. Sadly, we couldn’t fit dessert in! Great wine menu and the staff were were friendly and attentive. Will be back!