As we take our seats at Larte one weekend afternoon we all agree this place has a super vibe. The Italian café, restaurant and art bar is abuzz with chatter, children playing and coffee brewing. It really has the feel of a place in Italy, and has plenty of Italian clientele sipping espresso and catching up. Service is friendly, too, with staff cheerily telling us about the menu and taking our orders swiftly and with minimum fuss. It’s a shame then that on this occasion the food doesn’t really possess all the home-cooked passion and heartiness we’re hoping for.
A board of chunky slabs of foccacia is brought out first, a nice touch. Or it would be if it wasn’t still partly frozen in the middle. We leave most of it. A glance around other tables suggests we’re not alone in our frustrations, as staff are removing piles of bread from almost every table.
Minestrone soup fares better, the huge bowl is chock full of ingredients and is rich with tomatoes and vegetables. Some fries, topped with freshly grated parmesan are also a hit.
A quinoa salad, from the daily specials, is less of a hit. The dry grains could do with some pepper, oil and lemon juice to perk them up. A taleggio and mushroom pizza could also do with a punch of flavour. The base is good, but the toppings don’t taste of much.
If the food is underwhelming, the venue still has charm. A bit more passion from the kitchen would be welcome next time.
WHAT IS IT…
A laid-back arty spot, ideal to catch up with friends
WHY GO…
For the vibe and events more than
the food
