Ivano's

Higher Lane, Whitefield

This week, I popped into local Italian restaurant Ivano’s. Previously called Angelo’s, this small, independent Italian has been a seemingly popular fixture on Higher Lane in Whitefield for the last few years. I’m not entirely sure why it hasn’t appealed to me before. I think the location put me off for starters, and I imagined it to be canteen-style in nature. However, I’ll try anywhere once and, having heard some, quite frankly, raving reviews about this little place, I thought it was high time I gave it a go.

I’m so glad I did, as I was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience. On a Wednesday night, it was quiet, as to be expected, but it was peaceful and relaxing. I’ve walked past on an almost daily basis for years now, and it feels much bigger when you’re on the inside. The tables are quite close together, given the size of the place, so I can imagine you’d feel like you were sitting on top of other parties if it was packed out. Luckily for us, that didn’t matter.

During the week, they do two special offers, an Early Bird and an Early Diner menu, both offering three courses for a set price. We opted for the Early Bird menu, which allows you to choose from a selection of traditional yet basic Italian starters, and indulge in any pizza, pasta or risotto from the a la carte menu for main course. It makes a change to be given so much choice on a set menu. Normally, it’s rather restrictive, and your decision is often made for you, given that there are only a couple of things that tickle your fancy. 

To start, I had garlic mushrooms. Rather than the popular, deep-fried version of the mushrooms, covered in cheese and doused in breadcrumbs, they were cooked in garlic butter, making for a delicious and healthy alternative. It may have looked rather amateurish, resembling a snack from a cafeteria, served with a retro side salad reminiscent of something from the 80s, with a notable absence of the more contemporary rocket leaves and balsamic vinegar, but it tasted delicious. It was a very generous portion too, which is always a bonus.

Garlic mushrooms

For main course, I had Tagliatelle Pavarotti, a deliciously creamy pasta dish consisting of ham, mushrooms, onions, garlic, tomatoes and cream. This concoction was exactly how I like my pasta to be: rich, creamy and full of flavour. It must have been an ample portion, as I felt fed, full and firmly satisfied by the time I’d finished, although it didn’t stop me wanting to lick the bowl clean. There was nothing cafeteria about this, it was top-notch Italian cuisine, and ridiculously good considering it was part of such a reasonable offer. 

Tagliatelle Pavarotti

You’re given the choice of rounding off your three-courser with the ‘Sweet of the Day’, tea or coffee. The ‘Sweet of the Day’ actually turned out to be a choice of three classics: chocolate fudge cake, vanilla cheesecake or profiteroles. For me, it was a no-brainer: cheesecake wins, hands down. It was a stodgy, American-style cheesecake, but had a creamy taste, however, I was confused by the fact that it was baked into a pastry case, rather than onto a biscuit base, so not a traditional cheesecake. I fail to understand why, as it served no advantage. The small scoop of ice cream splattered on the side didn’t help to subdue the stodge, as it had a strange, gloopy texture. Not sure I can explain that one, which is perhaps a good thing. 

Vanilla cheesecake drizzled with toffee sauce

Ivano’s plays host to regular tribute nights at the weekend, paying homage to some of the country’s most popular artists. Having been impressed with the food, I’m keen to give the Olly Murs night a go on Friday 31 March.

All in all, Ivano’s is a cosy little Italian, which provides great food in relaxed, casual and friendly surroundings. The Early Bird menu offers superb value for money, making it the perfect place for an affordable, top quality midweek teatime treat that won’t break the bank. If you’re after something a little more upmarket, the Early Diner menu offers English meat and fish dishes at a slighter higher price of £16.90 per person. At lunch time, you can enjoy any pizza or pasta for just £5.95, meaning you can enjoy a cheap and cheerful meal at any time of the day.

The full menu can be viewed online at:

http://www.ivanos.co.uk/