Sapori Italiani, U TALIANA

U TALIANA is located just outside the city centre, and the restaurant’s temperament quickly draws you in. Italian music blends with the lively buzz around the tables, while the service moves fluidly through the room. The menu offers a wide range of classic Italian dishes, including specialities from Sardinia, such as the dessert seadas. We began with a tomato soup topped with a generous portion of Parmesan and basil pesto. This was followed by Sardinian ravioli filled with potatoes, sheep’s cheese and mint, served with a cherry tomato and basil sauce. The presentation was beautiful, although the filling itself could have benefited from a little more attention. What also held the pasta back from perfection was the absence of wine, which no one offered in the meantime, as well as the dish being served at a lower-than-ideal temperature. The experience was redeemed by a perfectly sized portion of tiramisu, with a well-whipped cream and a pleasant amaretto accent. The restaurant clearly works with quality ingredients and solid culinary technique, though the service would benefit from being more attentive to guests. That said, the place has an undeniable sense of authenticity, and it is particularly worth visiting on a warm summer day, when its atmosphere effortlessly transports you to Italian streets.