Ooh la la. I can't believe no one has written about Donatellos! Ooh la la. Well mi hearty's, gather round and i shall tell you of a magical place where pasta grows on trees and the pizzas are bigger than your face.
Oh it's true!
Donatellos is situated in Brighton's posher south laines (as apposed to the north ones) It's just round the back of the old Hanningtons which by the way i'm going to personally start a campaign to reopen, although it was posh and i never went in there, it was historic and painted blue!!
The restaurant itself is huge. It's spread over 2 floors although there are a couple of levels on each. Actually, maybe three floors. Oh confusing, butit's a big big place. However, despite this it maintains a small restaurant type feel to it. They manage to squeeze a lot of people in which helps keep a lively atmosphere. Upstairs is where most of the large parties take place and there are smaller more intimate tables downstairs and some outside for the summer.
I've been there many a time for many an occasion. With a small group from school to celebrate our exam results, in enourmous groups for birthdays, and with Isobel as part of our famous food crawls (ooh, making me hungry). Parties are very much welcomed and upstairs theres a real feel good atmosphere which ends up all the tables joining in together to wish someone happy birthday. There was once a stripper but i care not go into that now. Or ever. Although don't let this put you off going for a more intimate occasion as this too is wonderfully catered for. If looking for somewhere quiet though then this might not be best, it's a very alive place.
The cost is good. You can spend as little or as much as you like really. There are starters from about £3 and pizzas starting at about £6. Pasta dishes start at perhaps £5 but there are also more expensive met and fish dishes on offer. The puddings are great (personal recommendation, the tiramisu, oooooooh, now i'm really hungry - have a boost bar here but the school library bans eating so i am being forced to sit and look at it with the library peoples eyes on me for any sign of criminal behaviour) There is also a bar downstairs. So eat drink and be merry! There is some sort of meal deal type thing on offer which i think consists of a stater and main course for about £7. Probably should ceck that though, but it's definately good value wholesome food!!
The staff do all seem to be quite italian really which is lovely although take an italian phrase book if you're unsure and don't be offended ladies if you're called "laddy" (woohaha, only joking, they all speak lovely english) Watch out for those pepper grinders though!
The toilets are tres nice, but definately not as good as the ones at the tin drum!
Soooooo, not really sure what else i can say about it. There are photos of famous people shaking hands with the manager. Tony Blair even, what better recommendation is there??
Right, so now i shall leave or i'll miss my train. Really in the mood for a pizza now though!
Emily's fianl thought: Is Jamie Oliver important??
Random?
ps. despite the name it has no connection with teenage mutant hero turtles!
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