Luxurious delight to my taste buds (Martini Restaurant (Bath))

Member Name: Trish70

Product:	Martini Restaurant (Bath)
Date:	03/03/09 (116 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent menu and wines

Disadvantages: Still trying to think of some

MARTINI RESTAURANT
Location 8 - 9 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EH
Telephone
Tel: 01225 460818
Website: .martinirestaurantbath.co.uk

Opening Times
Mon -Fri
Open for lunch from 12pm to 2.30pm and for dinner from 6.00pm till 10.30pm.
Saturday
Open all day from 12pm to till 10.30pm.
Sunday
Open for lunch from 12pm to 2.30pm and for dinner from 6.00pm till 10.00pm.

The Martini Restaurant is located on George Street, between Queens Square and the Circus, Bath. Parking can be an issue in Bath however there is car parking available just off Queens Square and also in the Royal Victoria Park. On street parking is also available in Milsom Street which is approximately 5 mins walk away.

It has been a long time since I had eaten at Martini Restaurant and to be honest I remembered I liked the food I had eaten, and wondered if would still enjoy it. On this particular evenng a family function at Martini Restaurant to celebrate the 18th birthday of my neice provided the oportunity to test their dishes again.

I was meeting 20 other family members (age ranges from 9 - 68years) at the restaurant I was the first one to arrive and a little nervous about entering by myself. I should not have worried. I was made to feel welcome from the moment I walked in the door and treated like a long lost friend, who had come into their home with open arms. What struck me instantly was all the staff was smiling and genuinely happy.

While waiting for my family I decided to have a glass of wine, I was not sure which wine to choose and the bartenders who on my description of 'I would like a light, crisp wine which is a little fruity' provided a dreamy Pinot Grigio (£14.95). It was so nice I ended up ordering the bottle. Although a little more expensive than I usually pay for wine I could not have faulted the way it was presented and poured. The wines that are on offer come from regional Italian growers and the wine list provides an excellent selection for all the clients' moods.

I decided to wait at the table which had been booked and I was a little concerned as there were so many of us how the seating arrangements would be handled. Unlike most restaurants where I have had to carry my own drinks to the table the waiter automatically picked up my bottle of wine placed it in a cooler and guided me to the table. We were provided with a long table which was laid out in wonderful fashion including fresh flowers. Sitting within six foot of the restaurant windows the early evening light cast down into the room which provided a relaxing atmosphere which complemented the contrasting sand coloured walls and the flooring which is a mixture of natural wood floors and carpeting. Whilst waiting for the rest of my family I also noticed that the waiters were always on hand if I had a query.

The selection of food was most difficult (it all looks so good I wanted to try everything) as well as their menu there is a specials board, both menu and the board summarise the main ingredients so you can get a feel for what you are ordering.

When the rest of my family arrived, I was interested in how our waiter would take our orders as other restaurants' when faced with my family en-mass tended to get a little flustered. However, our waiter had a plan which effectively took all orders without missing a thing! He was very knowledgeable of the menu and provided an excellent insight and clarified dishes.

For a starter I choose a simple mixed basket of breads with olives (£2.25) which was shared between myself and my mother which was just right for the two of us. Although I am not a keen lover of olives my mother mentioned how delicious they were, I found the bread to be light and no sign of being stoggy. The combination of garlic bread, tomato topped bread all I think had light drizzles of olive oil is defiantly worth trying.
For main course I delved into one of my favourites yes Pizza. As soon as my Pizza Martini arrived I could tell it has freshly made, with Parma ham, rocket, tomatoes, delicious fresh parmesan cheese and truffle oil (£9.85), I found that the Pizza base was light and blended in well with the flavours of the Parma ham and truffle oil, to create a luxurious delight to my taste buds. There was only one problem the size the pizzas are very big (so the walk to the chauffeured driven car afterwards was needed!!!) and no matter how much I tried I could not eat it all. My niece sitting next to me had ordered Lasagne di Carne (£8.10) which boasted layers of egg pasta, Bolognese sauce, smooth béchamel sauce and mozzarella which she thoroughly enjoyed and when she could not finish it someone else offered to finish it for her as he loved the food so much!! Throughout our meal our waiter was always on had to offer more parmesan, water (at no additional charge), a joke and to assist us with any questions. This was a wonderful change from having to 'call' for a waiter which is what I have had to do in other establishments.

For desert, I could not eat any more however; my mother had ordered Tartufo Amaretti (£3.75) and two spoons for us to share. Tartufo Amaretti is a combination of amaretto ice cream which holds a vanilla centre, and is smothered with crushed amaretto biscuits. Needless to say I ended up helping my mother eat this and I am glad I did with the bursting of flavours and a tantalising texture this desert is a must try.

As one who smokes I went outside after the meal to enjoy a cigarette and to finish my wine (there is no smoking at the tables) however staff are waiting with Zippos in hand to light your cigarette. Which I though this was a lovely touch .

Although the restaurant was busy there was a relaxed buzz to the place without being overpowered with other conversations or music. Throughout the meal at no time were we rushed, and we all were made to feel as part of their Italian family. The service from all the staff was excellent, I could not fault it. The food was delectable and the menu provides so many options, however if you find it difficult to choose the waiters always have a suggestion up their sleeve. Although Martini does not provide a children's menu we found that the children at out table shared pizza which was sufficient for two children. The rest rooms are located 'downstairs in the basement' are clean and fresh with excellent lighting. One advantage of this is you actually pass the kitchens and can see the chef's at work, and from the brief glimpse they appeared to be very passionate about their creations. I was tempted to try these recipes at home however I know I could not do them justice, so I will have to return, to the Italian food extravaganza in Bath to sample more of their culinary delights.

Martini Restaurant also provides outside catering for various occasions and social events.

This review can be seen under Ciao (yocal) and Dooyoo (Trish70)

Summary: Little Italy in Bath,