Not too long ago I wrote a piece here about Nino's; the Italian restaurant that had provided myself and my family and friends with over a decade of great Italian food, welcome and atmospheric dining experience. I also ended that piece by saying that Nino's had done so well in recent years, they had opened a newly re-vamped second establishment, and that I was readily eager to give it a try.
Well, tonight I visited Nino's of the Fighting Cocks Inn, Cliviger for the first time.
I don't really know what I was expecting, or if indeed I was specifically expecting anything. I just knew that with such positivity radiating from my time at the original Nino's, I had high hopes. Thankfully, the new version did not disappoint.
Atmospherically, the place is a very pleasant constant stream of the traditional welcoming Nino's one knows and loves, plus a newly regenerated feel of the cozy, comfortable and relaxed. Yet it manages to do all this with a distinct air of elegance and refinement. Crisp, modern and tasteful decor combined with a stunning outside setting and light, airy, well thought out spaces makes for a very nice place to be.
The flourishing standard and military precision of Nino's staff is still there, and what's more it has been kicked well and truly into overdrive. Highly attentive, highly dedicated staff came thick and fast all evening, in our case led by a very sweet, very accommodating and very charming waitress named Phillipa (who also certainly knew her way around a Kir Royal!). In terms of service - not much wrong at all.
Food-wise, again plenty of original Nino's favourites, techniques and styles, but also with a few new hits and hints to give it just enough of that originality. The presentation, taste and execution of what I experienced at least was all very agreeable and very welcome; an interesting Italian take on a fish chowder, a pork escallop pasta dish that was both very novel and delicious, and rounded off by a simply superb date sticky toffee pudding.
It does seem that Nino's popularity is ever on the up, and now in stereo. Cliviger's Nino's was packed to the rafters, but with a great plethora of ages and different dining/non-dining groups. It even has an aspect, probably due to the pub aspect of its origin, whereby a number of people just come to drink socially. The result is hearty, modern , warming, and sublime, so much so that a great restaurant experience is almost always guaranteed whenever you go. At least that is the impression I was given.
I cannot really fault too much at all about this new Nino's, and I shall certainly welcome return visits.
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