Pinocchios Restaurant

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This was the official website for Pinocchios Restaurant in Norwich.
The content below is from the site's 2012 archived pages.

In 2015, two brothers from Italy Sardinia, Gonario and Andrea V., took over the Pinocchios Restaurant from the former owners. They now serve a wide range of traditional Italian cuisine for every occasion, including stone-baked pizzas; authentic pastas; steaks on stone; classic meat and fish dishes; as well as antipasti platters and desserts. The restaurant under the new owners receives very positive reviews from customers.
The current website for Pinocchios is found at http://pinocchiosnorwich.co.uk/

Pinocchios Restaurant
11 St Benedicts St
Norwich NR2 4PE
England

 

Pinocchios Restaurant

2008 - 2012 Testimonials

***** Madges…
Bristol, United Kingdom
11/28/2008
Pinocchio's Restaurant does really, really good food. The place is independent, and offers things like Ribeye steak, excellent mash potato, and great puddings and starters.
The quality and service were both very high, and the prices were ok for the quality.

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**** Angela W.
Bel Air, Maryland
1/29/2012
I was visiting my granny during my college winter break. For Norwich, this is a very nice dining establishment. I've been here twice with my grandparents and have never been disappointment.
The pasta was always fresh and well-prepared, perfectly al dente.  The flavors are great and atmosphere is casual. My type of restaurant. The staff was really thoughtful and patient which I appreciate. We took a long time before ordering because I was relating a story to my grandparents about the great professional NYC rug cleaning company who were able to save one of my parents' antique rugs (my grandparents had gifted them when my parents were married) from a terrible stain caused from an overturned bottle of wine. My grandmother was amazed that there was no lasting consequences. I was showing them the pictures of the rug before and after the cleaning when I heard our waitress clearing her throat. I looked up and she smiled asking if we were ready to order. Sorry about the delay, and thank you for being understanding.
BTW: the wine list is decent and we all enjoyed the desserts
Can't wait till the summer when I will be back in Norwich. It seems that coming to the Pinocchios Restaurant is becoming a tradition during my visits to England.

2021 Update: 2012 seems like a hundred years ago after surviving this past year, 2020 in Bel Air, Maryland. It's been such a fraught year with my mother in an assisted living faciklity in the next town of Forest Hilles. To protect the resisdents, the facility has to enforce stricted safety rules because of the Covid 19 pandemic. Fortunately, Hart Heritage Estates, where my mother was living is now Covid free. All the resisdents and staff have had their vaccinations. The caregivers at Hart Heritage Estates have been amazing. All the staff have worked hard to make the residents safe and well cared for. I am now able to visit. The last time I was there. I brought a photo album of pictures from my time in England. My mother remembered Pinocchio's Restaurant since when she would visit her parents (my English grandparents) they also would go there to eat. I was rather surprised because many days her Alzheimer’s totally messes with her memories.

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***** Kevin J.
Henley-on-Thames, United Kingdom
11/19/2012
Blimey! How many times have I walked past this place? A drunken patron caught me looking at the menu and advised me that it's the best f)(;ing food around ere. So, attention piqued, I came in. An old boy playing guitar, happy faces, friendly staff and (unusual in Norwich) heating boded well. Then the food. Blimey again. He was right the best f()£ing food I've had in a long time. Visit this place. It's superb.

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**** Hearha…
Norwich, United Kingdom
6/21/2011
Good food. Friendly service. I went on a tuesday night with my family and it was quite busy. The only negative thing was the delay in bringing our food.

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***** Rector…
Norwich, United Kingdom
5.0 star rating 10/3/2010
Reliable food, friendly service, and open early enough in the evening to be convenient for pre-theatre eating. A regular Norwich favourite.

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**** Soaja…
Leek, United Kingdom
11/19/2008
Went to Pinocchios with a group of 5 friends and had a fun evening. The food was very good quality and the service was reasonable, but there were some delays in bringing food. The strangest thing was that they ran out of both olives and ciabatta bread the evening we went, as well as not being able to offer a bottle of the house red! Bill was quite reasonable (about £25 per head) but would recommend asking for a table upstairs when booking, as we were in a direct line to the door and it was freezing every time someone went out.

 

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More Background on PinocchiosRestaurant.net

Pinocchio’s Restaurant: A Culinary Gem in Norwich

Pinocchio's Restaurant, located at 11 St. Benedicts Street in Norwich, England, is a well-established Italian eatery known for its authentic cuisine and inviting atmosphere. Owned and operated by brothers Gonario and Andrea Vilia, who hail from Sardinia, Italy, the restaurant has been a staple in Norwich's dining scene for over two decades.

History and Ownership

The Vilia brothers took over Pinocchio's Restaurant in 2015, bringing with them a passion for traditional Italian cooking. Their dedication to authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients has earned the restaurant a loyal customer base and positive reviews.

Cuisine and Menu

Pinocchio's offers a diverse menu that includes stone-baked pizzas, authentic pastas, steaks, and classic meat and fish dishes. The restaurant also features antipasti platters and a selection of desserts like tiramisu and zabaglione. The extensive wine list complements the menu, offering a range of red, white, and sparkling wines suitable for any occasion.

Ambiance and Interior

The interior of Pinocchio's is designed to provide a warm and rustic atmosphere. Comfortable seating, immaculately laid tables, and stripped wooden floors contribute to the inviting environment. The restaurant's décor reflects its commitment to offering an authentic Italian dining experience.

Customer Reviews and Reception

Pinocchio's has received numerous positive reviews from patrons. On popular review platforms, the restaurant holds high ratings, with customers frequently praising the quality of the food, the friendly service, and the buzzing atmosphere. One reviewer noted, "We all enjoyed our meals, and the bill was less than expected, which was a pleasant surprise."

Another reviewer mentioned, "As a group of five, we enjoyed a pleasant Italian meal at Pinocchio’s. The food was decent, but it's right at the very limit of what I could call value for money."

Cultural and Social Significance

As a longstanding establishment in Norwich, Pinocchio's has become a part of the local dining culture. Its commitment to authentic Italian cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular choice for family meals, gatherings with friends, and romantic dinners. The restaurant's presence contributes to the diverse culinary landscape of Norwich, offering residents and visitors a taste of Italy in the heart of the city.

Press and Media Coverage

Pinocchio's has been featured in various restaurant review platforms and local publications. Described as "a stylish Italian brasserie and Norwich institution," it has been lauded for its extensive menu and the rustic warmth of its dining room.

Audience and Clientele

The restaurant caters to a wide audience, including families, couples, and groups of friends. Its diverse menu and accommodating atmosphere make it suitable for various occasions, from casual lunches to celebratory dinners. The availability of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options ensures that a broad spectrum of dietary preferences is met.

Known For

Pinocchio's is particularly known for its authentic Italian dishes, especially its stone-baked pizzas and traditional pastas. The restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods has solidified its reputation as a go-to destination for Italian cuisine in Norwich.

 

Pinocchio's Restaurant stands as a testament to authentic Italian dining in Norwich. Under the stewardship of the Vilia brothers, it continues to offer a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. Its enduring presence and positive reception among patrons underscore its significance in the local culinary scene.

 

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