Ginali's — Restaurant in England

Decided to take myself on a solo dinner this evening to Ginali’s in the High street. I’ve been walking past this place my whole life and never once thought to visit. I walked through the lovely courtyard into the lobby where I was greeted by a lovely lady named Sam. She was very welcoming and attentive but in no way smothering, I explained that I don’t really do solo outings due to being introverted and anxious. Sam made me feel very welcome and totally at home whilst I browsed the menu.

I ordered the Carbonara and Garlic bread with cheese and it was fantastic, the carbonara was a huge portion, it was creamy and rich but beautifully made and the garlic bread was a huge loaf and super delicious.

I felt so comfortable eating out alone and have to thank Sam and the other waitress who’s name I didn’t catch, two lovely welcoming women who are a real credit to this establishment!

I’ll definitely be back to try more menu items 😋 Oh, and the prices were very fair and the meals...

Great food. But the service, particularly as we had young children with us (a 4 yo and a 2 yo), was VERY slow (albeit friendly). The restaurant was busy but wasn't full at any stage of the evening, and, whilst the adults wouldn't have minded waiting for their food, we politely asked for the children's food to be brought out ASAP. And to give the hungry children something to nibble on we asked for some olives. But the olives didn't appear until they brought them out with the adult starters almost half an hour later (just at the point I was about to cancel the olives as a lost cause!) And, rather than bring the children's food out with the starters, there was no sign of them. After our starters were finished, we then had to wait a further half hour for our main courses to appear, and, along with them, the children's food appeared. Whilst I wouldn't take hungry children to this restaurant again, I would go again because of the good quality...

Saturdays are for eating out, especially at lunch. Decided I would check out this restaurant, and it did not disappoint.

The staff - they were polite and accommodating (even if that guy with his wife who wanted a table of 4 for a party of 2 just to be seated at the window would disagree and quickly left)

The food - it is DEFINITELY value for money. If you walk in hungry, you are definitely leaving content with the portion sizes, well priced. We both had the 'Today's Special' - Salmon & Prawns Spaghetti. You can tell it was freshly caught and not pre-packed fish from the nearest ASDA.

The atmosphere - it was a little dark, but I guess that's what makes up the whole ambience. Seating closer to the windows, especially in the spring or summer, would complete the feel. Of course, there are outside/garden seatings available, but the weather does not yet permit.

All in all, this place 'has my heart'...