Borrello — Restaurant in Trafford

Three of us were having a catch-up after not being together in a while.

We'd booked in advance and had requested a quiet table. We were initially shown to a large table in the middle of the front room. I was more than dismayed, but when asked the hostess seated us at a side table in an alcove. She saved the day, as the restaurant quickly got busy and noisy.

Good food overall. The insalata caprese could have benefited from "real" (perhaps local?) tomatoes instead of the hothouse supermarket version, but the mozzarella was superb, with the balsamic dressing adding just the right touch.

The garlic bread with cheese starter - more of a pizza, in some ways - was tasty, with just the right amount of garlic. The bread / base itself had a good texture.

Two pasta dishes (one with beef, one with chicken) were rated highly; portions were large, with the pasta done just right. The third dish was pollo al pepe, chicken in a peppery sauce. The chicken itself was dry in places (overcooked? poor quality?) but the sauce was excellent. Roasted potatoes were the perfect accompaniment.

Dessert was a bit of a letdown. The selection is small and nothing special, so we simply chose ice cream. There were only three varieties (standard vanilla, chocolate, strawberry) on hand, but in truth, the ice cream itself was rich and well-flavoured, so it redeemed dessert. A big plus is that it was from a local creamery.

The service was somewhat uneven. The busier the restaurant got the more difficult it became for the staff to keep up. Though small in terms of floor space, the tables and chairs are crowded together, meaning not only is it busy with a full house, but not easy for the staff to maneuver through the narrow spaces. The servers themselves, though, were always polite and responsive.

We dined on a Monday and it was packed. This might be because several restaurants in Sale don't seem to be open on Mondays, or perhaps it's just down to local regulars, but if it's like this every night be prepared for a lively, noisy atmosphere.

Prices were reasonable. We had the three-course set menu plus a bottle of wine and were surprised at the overall total. Easy to see why it's popular with people looking for a good meal at a decent price.

A couple of suggestions: 1) try to source more local produce when possible, especially for the salads; 2) expand the dessert menu - even adding some fresh fruit or pastries baked on-site would go a long way; 3) when someone requests a quiet table, either make it happen or explain it isn't possible; 4) hire a couple more people for service during the busiest hours.

A final note: I'm not sure why cash has to be used for the set courses but cards are allowed for everything else. I was uncomfortable about that. Accepting cash is fine, but it should be an option. Surely the card fees aren't all that high.

Overall, I'd recommend Borrello. We certainly plan to go back. And with a few improvements, I'll upgrade the review to...

I have been a regular at many restaurants and have tried various menus, but I have to say that the early bird menu at this particular restaurant is by far the best. Not only is the food delicious, but the service is always top-notch and you never feel rushed.

Let's start with the food. The early bird menu offers a great selection of dishes, from traditional favorites to unique and creative options. Every time I have dined here, I have been blown away by the flavors and presentation of the dishes. The chefs truly know how to elevate the simplest of ingredients and turn them into a culinary masterpiece. And the best part? The price! The early bird menu offers a great value for the quality of food you receive. It's the perfect option for those looking for a great meal without breaking the bank.

But it's not just the food that keeps me coming back, it's the impeccable service. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with a warm and friendly smile. The staff is always attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, making great recommendations and accommodating any dietary restrictions. I have never had a bad experience with the service here, and it's clear that the staff takes pride in providing the best dining experience for their guests.

And what sets this restaurant apart from others is that you never feel rushed. I have been to many restaurants where the staff is constantly trying to turn over tables and rush you through your meal. But at this restaurant, they understand the importance of enjoying a meal at a leisurely pace. You can truly relax and savor each bite without feeling pressured to finish quickly. It's a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of other restaurants.

In conclusion, the early bird menu at this restaurant is the best. The food is outstanding, the service is top-notch, and you never feel rushed. It's the perfect combination for a great dining experience. I highly recommend giving it a try, you won't be...

Borrello Restaurant, in the heart of Sale, offers an exceptional dining experience that consistently delights!

The staff, particularly Sam and Hari, are renowned for their warm hospitality, making guests feel like royalty with each visit. The waiting staff are engaging and fun, enhancing the dining atmosphere/experience. The restaurant’s central location, facing the Town Hall, adds to its appeal.

The menu features a variety of Italian and Mediterranean dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients. Customer favourites include the lobster ravioli, garlic pizza, and fillet steaks (although we are usually quite unadventurous and love the amazing tomato soup and spaghetti bolognese). The early bird menu offers excellent value, with generous portions at reasonable prices.

The restaurant’s interior is beautifully decorated, featuring exquisite mosaic art that evokes the ambiance of Italy. This attention to detail contributes to a romantic yet welcoming atmosphere, making it suitable for various occasions, from family gatherings to intimate dinners.

Overall, Borrello Restaurant stands out for its combination of delicious food, attentive service, and inviting atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Italian cuisine in Sale.

Thank you to all staff for making the place...