Sapore — Restaurant in England

24-12-2024 - update... Outstanding!

I have updated my rating from 3-stars (with 3-stars for service) all the way to 5-stars.

The food was still the great quality and freshly prepared as I'd experienced over the years. Generous toppings on fresh pizzas. Great looking and tasting lasagne. The anti-pasti platter was plentiful.

Given it's been 9 months since my previous visit, the improvements to the customer experience has been vast. The staff were attentive, very friendly, and put bluntly... The polar opposite to my previous visit. Despite my previous comments about a service charge, I felt it was totally justified this time. Table service exactly as you'd expect and none of the "juggling" that seems to be the common practice in many restaurants (different size dishes randomly stacked and balanced with cutlery between) I witnessed none of that "juggling" and it contributed to a very pleasant evening.

I now have had my confidence restored in Sapore when recommending restaurants in Kendal. I look forward to returning in 2025!

30-03-2024 - update... and it's not for the better.

There appears to be a change of ownership, and compared to my numerous visits in 2023 it's fair to say, it wasn't the high standard I was used to.

Firstly, the food was piping hot, freshly prepared and well worth the wait. But this has remained consistent.

The starter arrived - spot on. Suddenly, the mains arrived, to our table full of crockery from the starters. The waitress proceeded to squeeze the pizzas around the already cluttered table, with expectation we'd stack our own plates! Totally unsatisfactory.

I asked for the bill, to be presented with a charge for "GiftTree" that no one had the courtesy to ask me about. A charity donation I challenged, and didn't wish to contribute to.

Secondly, a 10% service charge. For abysmal service. Our party of 3 people dining should be well within the realms of "normal" service, without incurring a service charge. I'm more than capable of collecting my food from the kitchen window myself. I fully understand the need for a service charge when a group of 8+ people all want to dine simultaneously. That puts extra pressure on the kitchen to deliver 8+ meals at once!

---- 2023 review ----

The food, service and atmosphere at Sapore has always been very pleasant. Nothing is too much trouble.

The menu is full of delights but not your regular Italian restaurant stuff. You'll find hand made freshly prepared meals that aren't necessarily the quickest served, but you wouldn't want or expect them to be.

Sapore served great quality dishes, at...

Sapore Italian Restaurant in Kendal

We were a family of six visiting for the first time.

Nestled in the charming town of Kendal, Sapore Italian Restaurant offers an authentic and delightful dining experience that brings a slice of Italy to the heart of Cumbria. From the moment you step through the doors, you are greeted with the warm, inviting ambiance characteristic of a true Italian trattoria.

Atmosphere and Decor: Sapore boasts a cozy yet elegant setting, with tasteful decor that combines rustic elements with modern touches. The intimate lighting and comfortable seating make it an ideal spot for both romantic dinners and family gatherings. The staff are exceptionally friendly and attentive, adding to the overall welcoming atmosphere.

Food and Drink: The menu at Sapore is a celebration of Italian cuisine, featuring a diverse selection of dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. From classic pasta dishes like Spaghetti Carbonara and Lasagna to mouth-watering pizzas with perfectly thin, crispy crusts, every item is prepared with the freshest ingredients and utmost care. The Lasagne is exceptional.

For dessert, the Tiramisu is a must-try. It’s light, airy, and not overly sweet, providing a perfect end to a sumptuous meal. The wine list is extensive, featuring a well-curated selection of Italian wines that complement the food beautifully.

Service: The service at Sapore is impeccable. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and are more than happy to make recommendations based on your preferences. They strike a perfect balance between attentiveness and giving you space to enjoy your meal.

Value: Considering the quality of the food, the generous portions, and the overall dining experience, Sapore offers excellent value for money. It’s a place where you feel you’re getting a true taste of Italy without having to worry about an exorbitant bill at the end of the night.

Overall Experience: Sapore Italian Restaurant in Kendal is a gem that promises and delivers an authentic Italian dining experience. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s a spot that’s well worth a visit. With its delicious food, charming atmosphere, and outstanding service, Sapore ensures that every meal is...

The place used to be amazing, however I've been hearing of it's steady decline. So we decided to go and see if the rumours were true.

To be honest I should have tried the calzone as I know they can usually do a good one at least in the past. However I thought I'd try something different.

The carbonara tasted like it was still raw and felt cold. If you look at the photos it looks like you could probably put it back on a frying pan and make an omelette there is so much raw egg.

Though the starter and two of the tables meals were nice after we complained they took over 15 mins to come and ask for a new order while the rest of our party were still eating which is ridiculous.

So the reason for the one star review is because two of our meals made us feel sick and we're inedible rather than just eh this isn't great.

Edit: The restaurant has replied so I will add this here as I cannot respond. Yes I arrived a little later as a meeting overran and the rest of the group were there. Taking our drinks order and starters everything went fine. The issues only happened after wed complained about the carbonara. We actually timed it and yes we had changed our mind in the time as to the fact we didn't want anything else it doesn't change the fact that no one came over to take the replacement order after the food was taken away that's what took about 15 mins. We understand that it may have been busy and that you didn't have the original meal that we wanted available but that doesn't change the fact that it either should have been offered to be remade or swapped right away rather than us waiting while the other members...