Cucina Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Tandridge

This is our first visit to Cucina Italiana as well as our first visit to a restaurant since COVID. My concern was that there were too many seats and tables out and I think there should have been less under the current climate. As a result it was hard to maintain 2m distance. On the other side, as we went early it was not as busy but by the time we were leaving the restaurant was filling up fast that you were very close to those queuing as your were leaving.

What was also disappointing was that we were not offered hand sanitiser on the way in (thankfully, we had our own). But you did have to wear a mask as you entered and exit the restaurant and if you needed to use the toilets. The waitresses had the full clear face masks on. However, because I was slightly nervous, I would have preferred if they had an additional face mask on.

I started off with a latte which was very nice but could have been served in a larger cup and been a bit hotter. We went straight for the main course. My son had the steak and was unfortunately disappointed. It had no seasoning until he added salt and pepper. He would have appreciated if it had been accompanied by roasted vegetables rather than a salad (3). I had the RAVIOLONI ZUCCA (large hand made pumpkin ravioli, with brown butter, sage, nutmeg, walnuts (5). That was delicious! The dessert was also good, chocolate brownie with ice-cream (4) and tiramisu (4).

We met up with friends who had TORTELLONI RICOTTA & SPINACI (V) Tortelloni with spinach and ricotta filling, served with a choice of tomato sauce (5) and STROZZAPRETI SALMONE , hand twisted pasta with smoked salmon, courgette, herb mascarpone, dill garnish (5).

All in all, the food was good and the company was excellent despite being nervous about the social distance. Would we go again? Absolutely, when the...

It's good but could be better. Cucina is a very popular restaurant and I have never seen it quiet. However unlike real Italian restaurants the experience is a little too rushed for my liking. This rushed feeling begins when you book and are told that your table is only available for 1.5 hours, so you're instantly feeling the pressure.

Service is warm and welcoming in the true Italian way but again too quick. No sooner had I taken my first sip of the tasty Montepulciano and our starters were hurriedly placed before us. The main course came before our starter plates had even been removed! However the server was lovely and it wasn't her fault but this felt very awkward.

As my photo shows the goats cheese starter was a bit thin on the ground with rocket so presentation was poor. Could have done with more chutney too! So the starter was disappointing. Otherwise the main and dessert were good although the dessert came out literally one minute after I had ordered it! I could have used 5 minutes to begin to digest my main and clear the palate.

In summary, Cucina is a pleasant Italian style restaurant and is popular - particularly for special occasions as the repeated rounds of 'Happy Birthday' testify. However, this beautiful and friendly restaurant needs to slow down a tad and think about the little details that make dining great for the customer. Such attention to detail will help to maintain it's reputation and to maintain it...

When I tell you...this place is exceptional!! If you're looking for that authentic Italian restaurant, with good atmosphere and ambience, this is it.

I was pleasantly surprised with my experience here. Even though we would have to travel a little further out, my cousin and I, chose this over Prezzo simply because of the reviews, and I can see why!

The service was great. The waiters and waitresses were attentive and helpful. Service was also very efficient.

FYI: The terrace is a great spot for when sun is setting. ;)

We individually had the prawn linguine and salmon and aubergine pasta with lots of Parmesan and broccoli sides. It was a reasonable price of about £35 each we paid and felt it was completely worth it!! I go to a lot of restaurants, so have become very particular and fussy about what good service is etc. But, I can't fault this restaurant..I left feeling satisfied, that my meal was substantial, portions were good, and it was healthy home made food in some ways, from fresh! Omg, and I nearly forgot. The cheesecake, was lush. I am not that much of a heavy cheesecake fan, but this was once again well made. We shared that between us.

It's friendly and inviting. We made conversation with the twin waiters, who are so fab and smiley.

Although I am based in Redhill, I am looking to make this my...