La Casa Vecchia — Restaurant in Tunbridge Wells

A bustling little restaurant, it was very busy when I arrived; I guess Saturday evening wasn't the best time to plan a quiet dinner. I was a little disappointed to be presented with a "set price" menu for two or three courses instead of the "Á la carte" menu I was looking forward to trying the "king scallops with chorizo". All tables were full both inside and out so I guess it was a wise move by the owners to use a set menu so as to ensure all patrons were adequately served.

Besides food quality, customer service is high on my list of priorities. Wine was ordered and served, unfortunately the sommelier filled the glasses rather than offering a taste first. After he left I noticed a "soapy film" on the surface of my wine that clung to the sides of the glass, the taste was OK but only my glass appeared affected. I brought it to the attention of a waiter who immediately apologised and took the bottle and all glasses away.

The manageress returned with a fresh bottle and glasses, opened the bottle and offered me a taste; no soapy film this time. She apologised again and left us to get on with our meal.

Considering that the restaurant was filled to capacity for most of the evening, the kitchen did a great job getting food prepared and served at a reasonable rate.

My sea-bass was properly cooked and my wife's steak cooked just how she requested.

If it wasn't for the fact that I was only passing through Tunbridge Wells, I'd revisit at a quieter time and try those "king scallops...

It began with our entry to the restaurant, beautiful seating area, clean and not noisy.

Ordered Hummus as the starter and received a generous amount of humus but I cannot say the same for the bread.

Being from Turkey, I know what to expect when it comes to humus.

The humus was great, not to thick and not too soft. Great Taste!

Main meal, ordered hot piri with chips and seafood paella.

Beginning with the piri chicken and chips, I was left shocked both in disgust but delight.

There is only one way to describe what the chicken tasted like, and that is a fusion of dry moistness.

Some parts of the chicken were extremely dry whereas other parts were flavourful and juicy.

The chips were soggy and overly salty.

Next came the Seafood Paella which consisted of rice and peas, mussels and king prawns/small prawns.

First I tried the rice and peas, it was flavourful and alive with satisfaction.

After that, I decided to try the mussels which bursted with flavour. Lime went great with it.

The King prawns and small prawns were nothing special, just your average prawns.

Overall 7/10 at a push, although I must admit customer service was great.

Definitely advise going here if your with friends or family and are looking for...

Casa Vecchia is a little treasure. The food is good proper Italian (plus other styles) the portions are large and generous and really proper home cooked tasty. It is not at all expensive, the staff are lovely and obviously being set on the pretty Pantiles is an added bonus! (you can have a relaxing postprandial wander after lunch/dinner).... I think a lot of people go upstairs for the great live music and lively atmosphere but if you're looking for a cute TW bistro and you're hungry you cannot do better than Casa Vecchia. Huge pasta dishes, excellent home made pizzas, great fishcakes (the best), proper calamari, very good, well dressed salads - totally yum. We (the girls and I) have been all over Tunbridge Wells and further afield, throughout the years for our dinner nights out, but to be honest we all say Casa Vecchia is the...