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Editorial
Il Carnevale, St Albans Rd
Stepping into Il Carnevale on Saturday night was a stark reminder of how, in a town over-run with bland, conveyor belt-style restaurants, the real, family-run eateries are finding life tougher than ever before.
This Italian restaurant on St Albans Road has enjoyed much success over the past six years, via the traditional route – word of mouth. However, this atmospheric and passionate Italian restaurant, which is a welcome break in one of Watford’s less-appealing areas, could be feeling the bite more than ever before.
The discount deals that are now available spoil guests, though clearly they are necessary on a menu that some would consider expensive. But never has the sentence, ‘you get what you pay for’, been more fitting.
Il Carnevale’s dip certainly isn’t a reflection on the level of service, the quality of food, the dedication of the owners or the wide-ranging menu, people simply aren’t eating in restaurants like they used to, and sadly independents like Il Carnevale are feeling it.
This is a family restaurant in every way, the owner, Luigi, is loud and proud, and does his up most to ensure everyone eating in his restaurant is welcome, and what a nice touch – when was the last time the owner of Pizza Express came out and asked you if you’re enjoying your pasta, or showed you how he prepares the fresh fish? He oozes the personal touch (and some more), something many of us have been starved of for too long in restaurants.
The menu is extensive, with starters that are difficult to refuse - Parma ham and melon or the avocado with prawns were popular, though the Italian steak, pasta, fish and lamb main dishes also warranted a return visit.
As did the homemade traditional lasagne and cannelloni.
Another plus is that the chef is happy to adapt dishes to meet requirements, which again was nice to see. Luigi is proud of his ‘specials’ board as well so make sure you don’t miss it, he’ll happily talk you through it.
This is authentic in every way, not just the food, but the greeting and the experience and it is up to us to make the most of places like Il Carnevale, it would be terrible shame if numbers continued to fall away.
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