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Pizzeria Prima Strada
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 11:30 am - 9 pm
Thu-Sat 11:30 am - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
34 reviews for Pizzeria Prima Strada
Review Highlights
"The wood fired oven makes me wild with joy."
(in 4 reviews)
"They have great thin crust pizza, with wonderful, fresh..."
(in 12 reviews)
"I usually get the margherita and the fennel sausage pizza."
(in 3 reviews)
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34 reviews in English
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Review from A. L.
Calgary, AB
10/21/2011
I cannot say enough good things about this place!
I lived in Italy for almost a year and this is the first pizza that tasted like I was back there; very authentic. Nothing bad to say about this place. I go every time I am in the city.
Love their diavola pizza with the right amount of salami! The funghi pizza is also amazing. The thin crust is always cooked perfectly, which is complimented by the rich sauce and perfect amount of cheese.
My 11 month old daughter had almost 3 whole pieces herself.
The service was also great and the decor is well suited. Overall, the best pizza that I have ever eaten! -
Review from Paul C.
Victoria, BC
1/15/2012 1 photo
Pizza that really schmecks. Have several times stuffed myself ridiculously full of this za on the theory that carrying those last two pieces home is more trouble than cramming them in with the eight that went before.
My one weird complaint is that the Man in Charge of Toppings seems always to be in such a hellfire hurry to spray the 'shrooms or whatever on to your pie, that generally two-thirds of a given topping end up on just one slice of the pizza, requiring self-redistribution of toppings with your fork. A minor peeve this is, however, as it does not affect taste. -
Review from Gagan D.
Vancouver, BC
When you walk in and see a nice big stone pizza oven, your expectations are already set pretty high. And you won't be disappointed.
Pizza is NOT American cuisine. It's NOT meant to have caked cheese-like goo holding it together, and it should NOT come with free cinnamon rolls, a dried crust or a 6 pack of pop. And keep your deep-dish, Chicago... we want our crust thin like (insert waif like super model name here).
And Prima Strada knows this. The pizzas we ordered (Diavola and Pepperoni) were as they should be. Soft in the middle, a bit crisp on the outside, and topped with just the right mix of ingredients; Spicy where they needed to be, fresh as they come.
I'd go back. Heck yah. -
Review from John A.
Vancouver, BC
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great pizza! But you might need to order more than you think you need to eat.
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Review from Sylvia L.
Vancouver, BC
7/23/2011
Went for dinner while vacationing with my kids. Was sat right away and ordered right away. So far, so good. Then we waited and waited and waited. I asked about my salad. The server went to go check and then came back and asked me what salad I ordered. Back to the kitchen to check. On her way back, she told me that there was a misunderstanding and that she thought I wanted the salad with the pizza. She then issued the most insincere apology. I get that mistakes happen. Heck I make them all the time :) But she followed it up by ignoring us the rest of the night. You would think that she would've tried to salvage it by ensuring the rest of the meal was great. But basically I was left on my own, nobody checked to see how dinner was and then when we were done, I had to flag the other staff for the bill.
I've had lots of superb thin crust pizza and frankly I don't get the hype. The tomato sauce soaked through the middle of both pizzas so much so that the crust was soggy. The green salad was way overdressed.
Disappointing. -
Review from Wade P.
Victoria, BC
11/20/2011
Great pizza, one of the best joints in victoria area. Bonus on the quality control of using high quality ingrediants. The service there is usually quick and good.
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Review from Mark H.
8/6/2011
Finally someone has Neopolitano ( thin crust ) down pat!
i don't bother with trying to sit in....just ask for the pie's 3/4 cooked, and thenI finish them in our oven at home. I've had better in NY and in Tuscany...but for Victoria pizza....unquestionably the tops for me.
There is truth to notes on pricing and wait times...I've adjusted accordingly.
BTW - if it's winter and you see a Pizza that gets you thinking about perogies on the menu...try it. Also a quick shout out to Luc and Choux Choux for making their pepperoni pop! -
Review from Lanne S.
11/5/2011
I always order their Margherita pizza. The crust is so flavorful and just the right texture. I also like to order their bread as an appetizer. If you enjoy a little spice, the chili oil is great for dipping your crusts. Servers have always been friendly. Though I only come here with my +1 for a nice night out, it seems like a good place to come with a group.
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Review from Angela L.
10/30/2010
I try to hit Pizzeria Prima Strada every time I'm in Victoria, because it's definitely crave-worthy. So busy, but the pizza is worth the wait. Very lively and bustling ambiance with a mixed crowd. I really enjoy sitting at the bar and watching the chefs at work. Service can be a bit spotty at times, but I've never really had a terrible experience.
I like that there are specials of appetizers, pizzas, and desserts, with a relatively small but well-executed regular menu. Pizza has an excellent crust and flavour. The wood fired oven makes me wild with joy. I always get the Margherita, but my dining companions have enjoyed their various, meaty choices as well. Drink menu is solidly Italian, and I was happy to see the Negroni on the cocktail menu (I ordered one, and it was delicious). I indulged in one of the dessert specials one time, because I just couldn't resist the sounds of "chestnut tiramisu", and it was amazing. Smooth and rich without being too sweet. Mmm....Listed in: Dates are Great, Liquid Lunch
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Review from Reena M.
10/20/2010
OMG, I swear I was going to have a foodgasm just watching these guys make the pizzas! What is it with men cooking Italian food? This isn't the first time it's happened to me.
I have been craving Neapolitan style pizza since I left Naples in summer 2008 and (hardly) nothing can match it! Now when I walk by a place that says they specialize in Neapolitan style pizza, of course I am going to do anything in my power to try it. Which is totally what I did. My GF friend was so kind and understanding and patient to put up with my very anti-gf dinner suggestion, knowing that this place had the potential to bring me all the worldly desires I've been craving for exactly 2 years at that point.
We got seated at the bar since all the other tables were taken, but that was perfectly fine with me. Watching cute men stretch dough and rotate pizzas in the woodfire oven? I'm in.
And the taste? Delicious!! Sooo good. I got the Margherita (for fair comparison purposes) and definitely it was the closest thing to Neapolitan pizza I've had in N. America. It wasn't as good as the best pizza I had in Naples, but could I realistically expect it to be?
I had an amazing time at this restaurant and I'm dying to go back. I mean, I'd go to Italy... but going to Victoria is more economical. :)Listed in: Zippity do 'Zas
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Review from Stacy G.
6/21/2011
This is a top notch place to have a bite, just down the street from Craigdarroch Castle. They specialize in traditional Neopolitan-style, wood-fired, thin-crust pizza. It's wonderful to watch the employees roll out the pizza, layer them with toppings, miraculously spread it onto a pizza peel and quickly shake it off into the oven. The sausage-bell pepper pizza was good and the special, an artichoke-morel combination, was delightful.
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Review from Kelly H.
7/31/2011 2 photos
Off the beaten tourist path, it is cozy (about 50 seats total) and delicious. The centerpiece is an authentic wood-fired stone pizza oven where pizza artisans craft your food right in front of you if you sit at the bar. Service can be slow, but the wait for a thin and crunchy/chewy Margarita Pizza is worth it. Get a Caprese Salad with fresh mozzarella cheese and juicy green and red tomatoes. Although we had turned off our cell phones so we weren't charged ridiculous international roaming charges, you can sign up for the wait list and give your cell number to the hostess. They'll gladly ring you when your table is ready, allowing for a brief visit across the street to the pub that seems to double as Prima Strada's waiting area.
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Review from Stephanie M.
Vancouver, BC
8/17/2010
This place is essentially a pizzeria (ie., not an Italian restaurant with
other options like fish, chicken or risotto dishes), so because I cannot
eat gluten, I was very limited in my menu choices here. So first of all,
if dietary restrictions are an issue, there are undoubtedly better options in Victoria. (I went only because my fellow diners really wanted authentic wood-fired pizza, which they serve here. I did try a couple bites of pizza and it was excellent).
All that said, I was actually quite happy with the antipasto plate that I ordered. It was very reasonably priced and had large portions of olives, marinated veggies, bread (which the rest of my table shared) and three kinds of cheese. Aside from being very tasty, the portions of cheese were huge and probably alone justified much of the cost.
Overall, the staff were very helpful (one called their other location to
see if the menu there had more gluten-free options) and it was great fun to sit at the bar and watch them dress the pizzas and move them in and out of the huge wood-fired oven. Although I was limited in my choice (understandably so, as a celiac in a traditional pizzeria), I enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to those who can fully indulge. My fellow diners enjoyed their dinner immensely. -
Review from Andrew W.
Victoria, BC
5/2/2009
Easily the best pizza in Victoria. I didn't realize how atrocious the city's offerings were until I ate at Prima Strada. Incredible thin crust pizza with insanely fresh ingredients, cooked in a brick oven.
It's popular and they don't accept reservations for small parties - be prepared to wait if there are a couple of you.
My only gripe is the music. They always seem to blast Chromeo, which feels totally incongruent to the feel of the restaurant. No big deal. -
Review from Sebastian W.
Victoria, BC
11/26/2009
Cool little pizza place located in the heart of Cook Street Village. Trendy inside, with very cool light fixtures, and all the pizza is cooked in a wood fire oven!
The Good: Really quality, fresh ingredients. I've spoken to the owner before, and he really seems to have his heart into it, traveling around to find the best ways to make the pizza. Not your typical ingredients, and if you like thin crust, deffo the place to go. The Funghi pizza is really really delish. The appys are really good too... super good salad and antipasto plates.
The Bad: Like previous reviews have said, if you take too long with eating your pizza, it tends to get soggy and floppy. I prefer to be able to pick up a slice, not worrying about dropping half the ingredients on my lap. The prices have gone up as of recent, and I realize that they do seem to use quality ingredients, I'm not positive you get your moneys worth. Each pizza ranges from $15-$17 and (in my opinion) aren't large enough to share. It can turn into an pretty expensive meal, so I suppose you are paying for atmosphere too.
The Ugly: These are the main reasons for the 3 stars. Wait/reservation time. I realize that only so much can be made at a time, but I think they take on too much a lot of the time. If you have a reservation, it tends to range from 30 minutes to 45 minutes after your reserved time to get in. I've had really amazing service, but on the other end of the spectrum, I've had amazingly bad service. Like really really bad.
Overall.. good every once in awhile, but there's a lot of other restaurants I prefer to go to. Il Posto is just around the corner, and for a couple of dollars more, you can get a pizza with just as good (and unique) ingredients that's about triple the size. Whatever floats your boat! -
Review from Tanya J.
Port Coquitlam, BC
5/4/2010
I must start out by saying I'm not even a huge fan of pizza. But oh my god.
Deliciously fresh. The pizza dough is unlike anything I've had before. The The Panna e Pancetta (with cream, fresh gigantic dollops of ricotta, and thinly sliced-before-your-eyes pancetta) was amazing. Loved the atmosphere and the giant wood stove. Super friendly service.
Also liked the cute little details that made this place special, like their mini clip-board bill holders and to-go pizza boxes, complete with instructions on how to reheat your leftover pizza to perfection in your oven at home. If I lived in Victoria, I would be here often. -
Review from Weirdie B.
Victoria, BC
2/14/2009
The negative: 45 minutes after our reservation was made for, we finally got a seat. It took 10 minutes for our drink orders to be taken, another 20 for them to arrive. Ordering another drink later on in the evening is hit or miss, as some of us got ours, while others had to ask a few times and still didn't get anything. Apparently, they can only put 4 pizzas in the oven at one time, so you can imagine how long it takes to actually get your food on a Friday night with the restaurant full of people.
The positive: The thin crust pizza is an interesting change from the usual pizza places around here. Though if you don't eat it as soon as you get it, the crust ends up really soggy. The toppings were all nice and fresh. The atmosphere was pleasant, except that the staff seemed to not be able to agree on what music to play. Every few minutes, someone would go over to the hostess station and change it to another song, whether the current song was finished or not.
I won't be back. -
Review from Matthew L.
Edmonton, AB
12/10/2009
It took about a year, but I have finally indulged in the greatness that is Pizzeria Prima Strada. This may be a good thing, as the staff appears to have ironed out all of the kinks mentioned in the previous reviews.
We arrived around 7PM on a Friday night, a party of two, without a reservation. The hostess seated us roughly 5 minutes after arrival at a communal table, very nicely reminding me of the finer establishments San Francisco Bay Area, where I once lived.
As the temperature was near freezing, we opted entirely for hot food, but I made sure to take advantage of the Driftwood Ale on tap (delicious move!).
We started off with the special Gnocchi in Brown butter and sage, which I found to be perfectly textured, nice and crispy on the outside, but tender on the inside. The brown butter was flavorful, but not too salty.
Our Funghi pizza (porcini cream sauce, roasted mushrooms, roasted onions, thyme, mozzarella, and pecorino - no tomatoes) arrived shortly after. We chose to savor, rather than devour the pizza, with subtle, yet complex flavors.
The crust is perfect. I do not know how well it holds up more than 15 minutes after leaving Prima Strada's brick oven. The crust, and the pizza in general is neopolitan in origin - thicker than the New York stuff, but thinner than everything else that seems to pass for pizza in these parts.
Our neighbors at the communal table had ordered truffle oil to place on their pizza and very kindly shared with us. I would recommend this addition.
All in all, this was a fantastic pizza experience with a sophisticated, but not pretentious atmosphere. Considering the quality of the ingredients and the finished product, the prices are good. Provided you order an appetizer, one pizza is good for two people.
It's clear that Prima Strada's owners are passionate about their work. I'm happy to say that we have a pizza place in Victoria which rivals the pizzas at the much-too-pretentious Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles (which also serves a great neopolitan pie). -
Review from Melanie W.
Victoria, BC
5/7/2011
Simply as good as pizza gets outside of Naples. Everything about this place screams perfection....the wines, the salads, the PIZZA...the atmosphere is good-taste-casual and while it can be hard to get into, it will make your heart (and mouth) sing.
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Review from Dan D.
Victoria, BC
Updated - 5/5/2009
I went for lunch at Prima Strada for the first time last week. I have to say it was a lot quieter than at supper times!
Same menu, great thin crust pizza with really quality ingredients.
They've got a patio on the street, now. It was full, but only seats about 6 or 8 so no big surprise.
The antipasto plate that used to only be a special is now permanently on the menu. I still love it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/16/2009
I really like this place. I must've been a dozen times now and it keeps getting better.
It's… Read more »
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Review from Mike M.
Victoria, BC
3/24/2009
After living in Toronto, Calgary & now Victoria and eating at all of the other pizza Joints in these 3 cities, I can honestly say that Prima Strada makes the best pizza ANYWHERE!!!
The atmosphere is great, staff are very friendly and the service is great!!
Unfortunately like ANY popular restaurant, because of the huge demand to eat there and limited seating, one does have usually wait, especially during prime hours...
I can say the wait is certainly worth it!!!
My wife & I eat there at least twice a week if not more -
Review from Eric B.
Victoria, BC
3/13/2010
If Tom Douglas' Serious Pie in Seattle is the sexual napalm of pizza (is it ever!) then Prima Strada is perhaps the Jennifer Aniston of John Mayer's past. You think you've hit the jackpot but it's not sexual napalm.
The fennel sausage pizza special had very nice combination of sausage, leeks and red onions that gave it a very nice sweetness to it while my girlfriend's proscuitto crudo was nicely layered although a bit heavy on the arugula. The thin crust and hot oven combined to blend the flavours really well although the crust gets mushy fairly quickly (tsk, tsk).
The pizza is pretty big but not quite big enough for 2 - a salad and a pizza would be enough for 2 average eaters. It is also a bit pricey for a pie but good pie is hard to find and good pie requires expensive ingredients which is what they use and it requires care and attention which is what they apply - you get what you pay for.
If you've never had sexual napalm then this is going to be one of the best pizzas you've ever had but once you've had sexual napalm you'll merely enjoy what is a very, very, very good pizza. -
Review from Brad W.
Victoria, BC
3/2/2009 3 photos
I have been to Prima Strada twice, the first time for takeaway and the second time with a party of four to stay for supper. Both times I was impressed with the staff, they were eager to explain the stories behind there menu selections and provided good service. Ask about the origin of an ingredient and you are likely to get a more detailed provenance than you bargained for. I had the Salsiccia Piccante pizza, the Driftwood Ale ($24 a pitcher!!) and the Tartufo for dessert.
The Salsiccia pizza is spicy from the dried chile seeds sprinkled on top, not too spicy for me but it was for my friend, so if you don't like spicy ask for the chili seeds on the side. It has made-from-scratch fennel sausage (and you can taste the fennel!), bell peppers, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. I've had it twice and enjoyed it both times. The first time was takeaway, and the crust towards the centre of the pizza was too thin to crisp up, a little soggy really. I chalked that up to the fact that that it was in a box until I got home, so I was surprised when the fresh out of the oven pizza I had in the restaurant wasn't much crispier. Maybe the thin crust is a little too thin? Nevertheless this is still a great pizza, and I'll likely have it again.
The Driftwood Ale is pleasantly crisp and hoppy, but not too bitter (your friends who don't like hoppy beer will still be OK with this). The $24 price tag on the pitcher was unexpected but it's the first I've had it so maybe it's an expensive beer.
The dessert menu relies heavily on sorbetto and gelato, which is OK with me. The Tartuffo is chocolate hazelnut gelato with vanilla in the center, I had it with espresso poured over it which I heartily recommend; probably one of the best desserts I have had this year.
The by-the-glass part of the wine list is all Italian, and I didn't know enough about Italian wine to pick one. They name their wine after regions rather than grapes, so unless I know the region it's hard to pick a wine. I'll study up and try some next time.
Overall I had a great experience and I'll definitely go back, the atmosphere is comfortably energetic and the service is friendly and attentive. I can't ask ask for much more.
Reservations for parties of 8 or more, parking on the street and around back. -
Review from Pam S.
Victoria, BC
4/25/2011
This wonderful, authentic Italian restaurant is in my neighborbood - I feel so lucky! The pizza is delicious! I usually get the margherita and the fennel sausage pizza. The Funghi (mushroom) pizza is also excellent. The only pizza option that I have not enjoyed, is the Rucola E Crudo, which has uncooked arugula and prosciutto on the top. The Antipasti items are also fantastic, although I'm disappointed that they discontinued the Cannellini Beans. Their take-out service has become much more efficient, and even if you have to wait a few minutes, the pizza aromas from the brick fired oven, and the lively ambience always makes the wait go faster. The restaurant has always been crowded and noisy when I've eaten there, but I find that just adds to the great atmosphere.
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Review from danna m.
Victoria, BC
1/4/2011 6 Check-ins Here
mmmm.... brick fired pizza and calzones.
need i say more?
ok. maybe a bit...
it's usually slammed for lunch and dinner, so plan ahead - or you could do a 'take out order' but just don't call at the rush hour times. They run the place ol' skool rules and won't bother with anyone being high maintenance.
enjoy your yummy yummy pizza (try the one with arugula on it!) and maybe a lil' home made gelato to top off your rustic italian meal. -
Review from Gillian F.
North Vancouver, BC
11/4/2009
I used to live right around the corner from this place, and it unfortunately(for me) opened right before I moved away!
If you are looking to try a real thin crust italian pizza with very fresh and unusual toppings then this is the place to go. They have a good amount of options on their menu to choose from, my personal favorite being the mushroom pizza. If you are looking to grab a dessert after I believe they give you a few different choices or single or double scooped gelato too.
If you are eating in, the restaurant has a very warm and cozy feel, not to mention you get to watch the staff making the pizza's in the background with their giant stone oven.
It's not really cheap though so it is best to go with a couple of people and share a few dishes. The Pizza's being between $12-15 dollars and their salads are roughly $10. -
Review from Naveed A.
Victoria, BC
4/22/2010
Pizzeria Prima Strada is my new favorite restaurant in Victoria. The ingredients that they use are simple and fresh and wonderful.
You need to try the Tartufo for dessert it is the best gelato ball you will ever have.
Go here and eat and be merry. -
Review from Andrew P.
8/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
If you are looking for typical American style pizza this place may not be for you. But if you like something a bit more sophisticated, this place is definitely worth seeking out. They have great thin crust pizza, with wonderful, fresh ingredients. The service was excellent. We will definitely be back to Prima Strada the next time we're in Victoria.
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Review from Kitty C.
Langley, BC
3/2/2011
Good food. Very nice staff. I walked in with 4 friends and they got us seats really fast while it was very busy. Saddly the pizza wasn't enough for my friends and the tiramisu rather lacking in flavour. But the flavour of the pizza was most excellent.
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Review from Sim M.
8/1/2010
You cannot compare it to Serious Pie. With that said, I really enjoyed the the famous Funghi pizza and Focaccia. The other pizza (I don't remember the name) was ok. The staff was friendly and decor inviting. All in all a good experience.
Listed in: Victoria,BC
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Review from Tyrone N.
Victoria, BC
6/24/2011
I am not a pizza lover,but this place changed my mind. It was simply the best pizza I have ever had!
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Review from Jennifer H.
Victoria, BC
1/12/2010
If you're expecting the usual pepperoni and cheese pie, don't come here. Best word to describe Prima Strada? I'd use sophisticated. Wood fired oven, thin crust, fresh ingredients, homemade dough...perfect. My pick for that craving something different feeling would have to be the Funghi pizza. Mushrooms and onions caramelized to sweet perfection. They have a long list of gelatos for dessert if the special isn't for you. All I can say is, if you're brave enough to go for the pumpkin gelato and the waitress asks, "One scoop, or two?" Get two, I wish I had because I was tempted to lick the bowl after just one. Prima Strada really stands apart from other pizza joints not only for it's trendy sophistication, but for the fine dining ambiance and the outstanding service.
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Review from Utopian C.
Victoria, BC
7/4/2010
Wow ...Pizza and the ingredients are very fresh. My son loves watching the whole baking process over the wood fired oven. I have been to both the locations at Cook St and at Bridge St. I prefer Cook St. location over the Bridge street one.
Lot of options of vegetarians as well likes salads, antipastos & gnocchi. -
Review from Shannon B.
9/15/2009
The atmosphere was cozy and fun at the same time and the service was impeccable. The waitstaff were friendly and attentive and the pizza chefs looked like they were having a blast!
The Funghi was my favorite - mouthwateringly scrumptious with a rich sauce, a flavorful combination of mushrooms and perfectly carmelized onions. YUMMY!! The meatballs appetizer was excellent - the large portion could easily be a meal in itself.
The cosmitalian cocktail was delicious and strong and the wine list had a wonderful selection.
Overall it was a fabulous meal and I will DEFINITELY be back!
