When thinking of Italian cuisine, it’s hard not to consider pizza, pasta and gelato. But there is so much more to discover, experience the delights of Italian cooking with us at Pallant Restaurant.
In Venice, the cicchetti custom is to stop by the bars for a glass of local wine and some small bites to eat. For Venetians, relaxing in the company of friends and sharing delicious food and drink is considered essential to life and well-being. From simple stuffed olives, to arancini and pork milanese, our Chefs have created a platter of indulgent bites to enjoy throughout August and September at Pallant Restaurant.
Each dish on our menu is individually priced or for £12 you can choose a selection of three dishes, why not order a mixture to try with your friends or family. Our Olive all’ Ascolane (green olives stuffed with meat then deep fried) are light and tasteful with delicate flavour and are great to enjoy on a summer evening with a glass of chilled Prosecco. Originating in the early 1800s, the stuffed olives were known to have been invented by the cooks of wealthy families as a way to use up any leftover meats from the daily feast.
Rice was brought over to Italy in the 10th century and leftover risotto was rolled into balls forming Arancini, one of the most traditional Italian foods we have on the menu. These deep fried rice balls resembling oranges (arancia in Italian) can be stuffed with a variety of mixtures. We are serving a vegetarian version, Arancini al Zucchini (courgette and basil flavoured risotto balls with chilli jam).
Perfect with a glass of white wine or Prosecco, our truly magical melt in your mouth, Pork Milanese is super tender and deeply flavoured. Evidence dates back to around the 1st century BC indicating that the Romans enjoyed these dishes of thin, sliced meat, that were then breaded and fried. We are serving ours simply with a tomato salsa.
Click to view the full cicchetti menu, served 6pm until 9pm every Friday and Saturday (weather permitting) throughout August and September – please do book your table in advance calling 01243 770827.
Buon Appetito!