We were greeted by a collection of friendly and courteous staff that were attentive from start to finish. We were given a small table for two in a cosy corner near the kitchen, a seat which offered both brilliant views of the restaurants atmospheric centre, while offering a private hub to create an intimate dining experience.
We were allowed time to browse the food and drinks menus before we ordered. The menu features a collection of classic dishes which offered something special with every bite, all while covering an array of fantastic Mediterranean food. With a menu covering the likes of pizza, pasta, steak, seafood and more, you are in for a treat when dining with Novellos. The restaurant has an early bird and an a la carte menu available and offers a Sunday lunch special, so there is plenty of choice for all who visit.
When visiting we dined from the a la carte menu and enjoyed calamari fritti and perfecto di pollo to start. If you are a fan of chicken liver parfait and chutney, then you need to try the perfecto di pollo from the small plate menu – this was delicious!
Once we had washed our starters down with a glass of wine or two, we moved onto the larger plates. We enjoyed the salmone rossa, served with new potatoes, beetroot hummus, dressed pomegranate and crumbled goats’ cheese, and also sampled the fresh mussels in white wine, garlic and cream.
Our main meals were enjoyed so thoroughly that we had to have deserts. By this point we were so full but felt we couldn’t leave without trying some form of pudding. We enjoyed a light desert of champagne, mango, and lemon sorbet which concluded the meal nicely.
Novellos seats up to 70 people and has received some modernising and décor works to create a comfortable and attractive atmosphere by the new owners Dean Lathbury and Dorian Koti. The business partners have previously worked together at Antico restaurant in Neville’s Cross, Durham and have been looking for an appropriate opportunity to start their own venture for some time.
In the coming months the duo has plans to expand with a bar menu and further investments will be made in the beer garden at the front of the site which will match the botanical theme of the bar. A new addition will also include the creation of a secret garden in a currently unused decked area on the first floor.
The business has opening hours of 12pm till 10pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 11pm Friday to Saturday and 12pm to 8pm on Sundays when a delicious Sunday lunch menu is available.
We had a fantastic evening at Novellos and would strongly suggest popping in for a bite to eat some time soon to experience their fantastic hospitality.
