Pucci Restaurant, Walsall
When it comes to eating out there is nothing I enjoy more than a nice Italian dish in a relaxed atmosphere with family or friends. But Walsall has a rather limited choice and it has proved difficult to find somewhere which can really satisfy my tastebuds and hunger.
Thankfully, I came across the delights of Pucci Restaurant and Pizzeria in Upper Rushall Street and may have found the answer.
Situated inside Lyndon House Hotel it is not one of the most prominent town centre eateries and to many people it may be unheard of. But from my pleasant experience it is definitely worth a visit if you want good food, at a fair price and with friendly service.
On arrival my friend and I were warmly welcomed and taken to a table in the restaurant which had a homely and comfortable feel.
After studying a wide range of dishes, including stuffed aubergine, we eventually settled on our meals and were pleasantly surprised to receive our first course within 10 minutes.
For the starters I went for some spare ribs which, unlike some places, were not just bones and contained a hefty amount of meat. I thought these were well priced at £5.95.
My friend went for the mussels in garlic sauce and there were so many I couldn't resist a taste myself - we were both suitably impressed, especially for £6.95.
Washed down with some house white wine we were more than ready for our next course and thankfully there wasn't much of a wait. Within 10 minutes I was presented with a giant portion of mouth watering spaghetti bolognese, one of my favourite meals.
My friend was also suitably impressed with her lasagne at £6.95, with both meals well complemented by a large helping of garlic bread and cheese at just over £5.
Unfortunately I was unable to find room for a dessert which was all the more frustrating because of the wide range of appetising dishes such as chocolate fudge cake, fresh fruit salad, ice cream, banana split and cheese cake.
Under new manager John Mal the restaurant was clean and pleasant and had a selection of dishes from fish, pasta and pizza. The waiter was very efficient and more than happy to answer our queries about any of the meals which were cooked to perfection by chef Sergio Pante.
With adequate parking provided for visitors and being open seven days a week, including lunchtimes, the new-look restaurant definitely gets a thumbs up from me and is sure to be a hit with Italian food lovers.
Great service, large portions and nice surroundings made me more than happy to part with my money for the bill which, with drinks, which came to just over £41.
ADDRESS
Pucci Restaurant, Lyndon House Hotel, Upper Rushall Street, Walsall
Tel: 01922 638784
By Craig Hughes
