Il Bertorelli, York’s newest Italian restaurant

8:40am Saturday 1st November 2008

WHEN an advert attracts our attention, we try to respond. On this occasion, it was lunch main courses from £5.75.

Was it the recent refurbishment of the premises that attracted so many customers? Or perhaps it was the combination of a Saturday and half-term?

Although this Italian cafe is on two levels, with a well-signed step inside, access from the street is good. However, tables are close together, so furniture movement might be necessary should a wheelchair appear.

We were given a warm welcome and each handed a neat little folded menu. A souvenir I wondered. No, they were taken from us as soon as we had ordered but not before I had spotted the claim that the company had been serving delicious Italian food since 1913.

In addition to telling us that the menu was made from 100 per cent recycled paper, it also stated that there is a small possibility that nut traces may be found in any menu item. You have been warned!

My initial reaction to the menu was the price of everything.

Then I noticed the highlighted express lunch that included a complimentary filter coffee when ordered before 5pm. The Italians do lunch late!

Six items came within the express lunch classification; one pizza, one pasta and four salads.

Ann asked for the Sensa Pollo (Caesar salad of romaine lettuce, dressing, croutons, white anchovies and Grana Padano cheese shavings) priced £5.55.

There were no complaints and the salad went well with a piece of my pizza Margherita (£5.75). This stone-baked thin-crust pizza of tomato, mozzarella and basil measured 11 inches across.

Before the food arrived, two large cups of very strong filter coffee appeared. Ann had requested a jug of hot water to dilute the coffee but, even so, it was too strong for her.

The general menu offers a variety of appetisers. Antipasta was listed as perfect for sharing at £4.45 for one dish or £8.25 for two.

Pizzas and pasta range from £5.75 to £9.95 with some meat items being more expensive. Potatoes and vegetables would add to your bill.

Efficient staff ensured speedy service. Throughout our visit the venue remained busy with little evidence that the credit crunch was affecting business.