Gastronomia

7 The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN2 5TD 01892 618281

Gastronomia has a very special place in our hearts because it was here that we had our wedding reception, and boy, did they do us proud.
We were promised an "Italian feast", and that is what we got, so if you’re after an impartial, objective review, you’ve come to the wrong place.  We hadn’t been for a while, but made a point of visiting them for our anniversary lunch.
Mercifully all the things they do so well are still on the menu - lovely chicken casserole, sausage and lentil casserole, fish soup, fantastic lasagne - my personal fave, which I had on this occasion.
The missus had gnocchi with basil and pumpkin pesto, which I don't think even touched her sides - she certainly didn't let me have any!  It's lovely to sit there with your bottle of prosecco and scan the shelves for goodies - we seldom manage to walk out without making a purchase.
If you don't fancy cooking, it's always a nice option to go to the deli counter and pick up a few things.  Especially those anchovies!

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Comments

[flavio cereda]

I have recently moved to Kent from Surrey and was keen to try this place out (I am from Milan and am always on the look-out for decent 'Italian' restaurants). Sorry to say this place is a joke. Not only is it overpriced something special (think Knightsbridge prices) but the food is really nothing worth the effort. I tried the Gnocchi and for £ 8.00 I expected something really quite different. Then again - £32.50 for the 'house' champagne and £ 4.95 for a glass of mediocre wine ? I can only surmise the location guarantees it trade because frankly I saw nothing in there that justifies returning - it seems to appeal primarily to the local well-heeled but frankly unfussy clientele that do not mind being taken for granted. Oh yes: the take-away counter was also quite unappealing. Opera music in the background and lots of panettoni hanging everywhere may fool some punters but I would urge readers to stay away unless you enjoy being taken for a serious ride. Disappointing.

[Anke]

An honest review, thanks Flavio. Anyone else care to comment on Gastronomia?

[Olly Wright]

What a refreshing change to hear someone who knows what they are talking about. It's time somebody opened a decent Italian restaurant in TW, that provides true value for money. Tunbridge Wells deserves better - any offers Flavio!

[Jonathan]

My niece had her wedding reception here in March 2009 and it was a terrific event. The food was excellent and the staff and service was superb and everyone had an enjoyable time especially my niece and her new husband.

Since then my partner and I have been back on a number of occasions and would not hesitate to recomend it to anyone who loves good food in pleasant and friendly surroundings.

[martin]

I've been into Gastronomia very recently, sinced it started opening evenings and it is terrific- there seems to be a new management style about the place, different table layout, very homely and "sexy" background music playing, none of that old opera stuff and not a pannetone in sight. Loved the cuisine, especially the stuffed figs and grilled peaches to die for! would def recommend!