Cafe Italia — Restaurant in Bolton

"Ceci n'est pas une pipe" is the title of a famous painting by René Magritte of a tobacco pipe, with the meaning of the words "This is not a pipe" written in French underneath. This absolute masterpiece of Surrealism forms a type of paradox from the conventional theory that objects or things correspond to what they are called or how they are seen.

In the same theme, I say "ce n'est pas italien" = This is not Italian. I do not say this lightly, I do not wish to alarm or insult. I simply, cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, allow the great culture of Italy and the absolute incredible gastronomy of the great chefs of Sicily to be compared to the kind of offering, that this eatery (this is not a restaurant) serves it's guests.

You will go to this 'eatery' and see what you believe to be 'Italian' food, served by 'Italian' staff. Allow this to be your warning. This is NOT ITALIAN FOOD. Italian food is made with love, passion, lust for life and flavour - the food (if you can call it that) served here, is not made with passion or love, if it was, you'd be able to taste it.

The Garlic Mushrooms were horrendous. No seasoning and so watery, you might as well not concern yourself with ordering a drink.

The Polpete (Beef Meatballs) were anaemic on the inside, again, unseasoned and not worth the time or money.

The Olives (THE ONLY PART OF THE MEAL WITH ANY FLAVOUR) were cold, as if they had only just been taken out of the fridge. The portion size was adequate. In all honesty, I should have just ordered 10 of these as at least I wouldn't have much to complain about.

The Spaghetti Alle Vongole was the WORST I have ever had and I exclusively order either this or Spaghetti Alle Puttanesca when I go out for an Italian meal. The pasta WAS NOT al-dente, it was closer to al-wet-cardboard. The sauce HAD NO FLAVOUR. None. Nil. The clams were anaemic and so small, I was concerned they were taken from their mother too early (yes, I know, my feeble attempt at humour).

The Ricotta and Spinach Cannelloni - USED EXACTLY THE SAME SAUCE AS THE POLPETE. Again, unseasoned, rushed and thoughtless.

To end this monotribe, I will quickly state the following:

1. One of the waiters did not smell like he had showered. You don't serve food if you have body odour - it is unacceptable.

2. People come out to have a relaxing, comforting meal in an establishment that cares about the food they are serving in an atmosphere that is welcoming and thoughtful. What makes you think that they want to listen to DJ Otzi - Hey Baby, on full volume disturbing their already shameful culinary experience.

Will I be returning? NO CHANCE!

Oh, parking? What parking? I have a feeling that after attending here, you will want to perform the walk of shame all the way back to wherever it is, you parked your car. And - if you are still hungry (and you will be, because you won't finish your meal here), there is always a McDonalds just across the road (where you will probably find something that has far more flavour).

I am glad that people have had 'good' meals here, but what I experienced...

Probably past this place a billion times going round the round about and rely dont know why I haven't tried this place sooner!! 🤩

Called in on the off chance this afternoon to grab a light bite and galss wine after a busy day, an ended up staying a few hours and indulging in a feast!! 😆🥂..

The staff are lovely and feendly an more than happy to help! An deffemtly like to keep ya glass full 🤣!!. They have a great selection of wine & and beer, an also offer cocktail an soft drinks.

The food it's self is amazing!! 🤩 they have a great selection of traditional Italian dishes on offer from risotto, pasta, steaks, pizza, and gnocchi 🍝🥩🍕 with some amazing special that you rely can't miss!! For those that like their sea food, they had an amazing selection of fresh fish dishes on offer, I opted for the asparagus smoked salmon and a prawn start. an sword fish main, both dishes were simply stunning , and went well with the wine recommended by the staff!! 🍷..

If ya made it this far into your meal and ya haven't already had to loosen your belt, an still have room after filling ya face 😋! You rely should check out some of their handmade cakes & brandy snap cannoli for that sweet treat, or something lighter Why not try the lemon sorbet 🍦🤩🤩...

Simply put, this place is a true orthentic Italian restaurant run by Italians, cooking Italian food right!! 🧑‍🍳🍝🇮🇹..

Will I be visiting...

I really wanted to love this café as we were looking for a mid-week local with an interesting menu. Unfortunately we left disappointed. My partner and I ordered the brie special as a starter to share, followed by sandwich "salsiccia & friarielli" & sandwich "salami picante". Sadly after cutting into the brie starter we found it was still cold and in some parts frozen in the middle and had to send it back. Kindly we were offered a replacement which we accepted without knowing it would take another 20 minutes to arrive. I was embarrassed to have to let one of the staff know was still frozen in the middle. We decided to not wait for a third attempt and move onto the sandwiches. The "salsiccia" was OK but the friarielli tasted more like frozen spinach, the "salami" had a really lovely balanced flavour and was the stand out of our visit. Unfortunately what made this a 2* was that the waiter promised us that he would not charge us for the brie and we paid in good faith. However after analysing the receipt on leaving the restaurant we had indeed been charged for the brie. We had to return to the restaurant, which did result in a refund and I think this may have been just a misunderstanding between staff members but still unsure. Sadly...