La Campania — Restaurant in Arun

So this is a mixed review really, I came in at 1:45 and asked for a table of one, which wasn't a problem for the host. But I was told to bare in mind that the kitchen closes at 2:30, that's cool, I get it, I work split shifts in a kitchen, but perhaps a better approach or better wording?

Took around 10minuets a waitress to take my order.

I ordered a starter of the pan seared scallops wrapped in prosciutto. The scallops were cooked perfectly, a nice little crust, the prosciutto was nice and moist, yet with a little bit of crunch. I had to add a little salt to the scallops other than that, the dish was lovely.

For my main, a carbonara, I asked if they could make a traditional version with no cream and they happily said they could. The bowl of pasta arrived, first impressions a decent size portion, lots of pancetta, I was actually surprised at how much pancetta there was as the dish only cost £14, absolute bargain if you ask me. The pasta was nice and al-dente, the sauce on the other hand had been over cooked, or the pan not cooled enough before adding the egg mixture as it had scrambled. Non the less, I ate half of it, again I had to add some extra seasoning, this is probably due to the fact that the sauce wasn't coating the pasta and was sat at the bottom of the bowl, it also contained white onion and garlic?.. I desperately tried to get some sort of attention without talking to someone or bringing it up.. the usual check backs that happen in a restaurant mid meal didn't happen.

I asked the host at the end for the bill, he seemed surprised that I hadn't finished my meal, I explained about the eggs being scrambled and he agreed, and mentioned that if I had said something he would've gotten a new one made for me. By this point I was quite full and for the price I couldn't and wouldn't complain.

Lots of people in the restaurant were commenting on how amazing their food was. So I'm assuming a simple mid judgement from the chef accrued. It happens!

This experience wasn't one of those, ag man it was horrible, I'll never go back etc. I just felt like leaving a genuine and honest review.

With all that being said I'd go back and try something else.

I think myself, being a chef and working in the industry I know what to look out for in terms of service etc. not that it was a cold service. Maybe one of those, only 40mins left...

My wife and I came here based on the reviews but won’t be returning. I usually only write reviews if I have nice things to say but I think this has to be an exception.

Initial impressions were good as we had a friendly chap seat us and promptly sorted our drinks and starter which was fine.

We had been in the restaurant for an hour when our mains finally arrived, with no apology or explanation for the delay.

I had ordered a medium 8oz ribeye steak, which I could tell immediately was not cooked properly (nor was it a ribeye). The steak was tough as an old boot and cooked through. I politely notified the waitress who had served us, who immediately questioned my complaint. “I think I can see a little red”. There was none. I know steak very very well indeed, and it was not ribeye, nor was it medium.

After some angry exclamation from the kitchen (yes- really! It was an open kitchen, and those working inside had a good look at us) another steak appeared. This time cooked more appropriately, but still the worst steak I’ve ever attempted to eat. More like a cheap rump you may find in a lacklustre pub.

The manager (initial chap I believe) was very amenable, and the waitress mentioned above offered us a coffee, but by this point my wife and I both felt very uncomfortable. Not once did I receive an actual apology, and the full price of the meal was still charged regardless.

My wife was underwhelmed by the tagliatelle meatballs which were somewhat tough and the dish on the whole fairly bland.

No one offered us a second drink until I called them over.

Maybe on a different day we would have had an enjoyable meal like many of the other reviews posted here. However, based on such an extremely uncomfortable experience I can’t ever see us returning!

I hope the management can use this review to perhaps take a look at:

-The response of the waiting staff when a complaint is made. A customer should never be questioned.

-The attitude coming from the kitchen which we can all see and hear.

the cuts of beef used for the steak(s).

the delay experienced in receiving a main course, when many of those who had arrived after us were close to finishing theirs when ours...

La Campania is a gorgeous restaurant, with very friendly - though not at all overbearing - wait staff and hosts. They seemed to be enjoying their roles too and eachother's company which gave a lovely, easy atmosphere.

Busy restaurant so book in advance. Caters very well for vegan and gluten free diets.

The food and wine we had was delicious! The scallops wrapped in pancetta with a mint and pea sauce were something else - divine! I had the pollo Milanese for seconds and even just the tomato sauce on the pasta was very tasty. My partner said the same of his bruschetta starter and lasagna too. And the olives are massive and flavourful! We had a wonderful sweet wine that the waitress recommended. She told us a little about how it was made, then we were brought amaretti biscuits that are traditionally dunked in it too which was a lovely touch. We enjoyed this with a gorgeous hot brownie.

This indulgent meal for two - bottle of wine, 2 glasses sweet wine, 2.5 filling courses was under £90. Wonderful! I'd happily visit here many times over. Thank you for a wonderful evening and I wish your team all the best.

La Campania was also a lovely first meal out with the COVID precautions in place. All staff were in visors, guests were wearing masks when walking through to tables, track and trace code is in place, disposable table cloths were used and tables were disinfected between each sitting. Tables are closer than 2 metres, but I don't know how sustainable this gorgeous little business would be if they took away that many covers. I'm really, really glad that we went and it didn't feel very different from a dinner out...