Boasting all the charm and kitsch of a local Italian, La Nonna has been drawing the crowds in Birmingham since it first opened its doors back in 2004 and it’s still going strong. The premise here is simple - serve uncomplicated Italian food that wherever possible, is made with locally sourced ingredients.
The dining room at La Nonna is pleasingly old school, featuring dark wood accents, exposed brick walls and napkins folded into wine glasses. The menu is just as traditional, divided up into starters, mains and desserts, as well as dedicated sections for fish and pasta dishes.
You can begin your meal with starters such as pan-fried scallops wrapped in pancetta and served on a pea puree, or perhaps a portion of deep-fried calamari served with tartare sauce for dipping. Dine the Italian way by ordering a pasta dish before your main course, with options to choose from at La Nonna including wild mushroom risotto and a seafood linguine. Mains meanwhile, might see the likes of bacon-wrapped chicken breast stuffed with Gorgonzola cheese and drizzled with a creamy dill and white wine sauce, or monkfish cooked in brandy and served with risotto rice. You can also pad things out with a selection of sides, such as sauteed potatoes, mixed salad or a bread basket.
To round off your meal, you can tuck into some classic Italian puddings - think tiramisu, profiteroles topped with lashings of melted white chocolate or creme brulee. If you prefer liquid afters though, there is always the option of exploring La Nonna’s exclusively Italian wine list.
It is also worth noting that La Nonna boasts an intimate streetside terrace for alfresco dining and that on Thursdays, you can head here to enjoy steak and wine night, where you’ll receive a complimentary bottle of house wine with every two main courses.