La Locanda Del Duca
Latest Reviews
I have lived in Eastbourne for about two years now and have visited several of the restaurants here, but until yesterday I had never visited La Locanda............ I will definitely be going back!
I must admit, I'm not normally a fan of Italian restaurants, most of which, although not unpleasant, tend to serve just either pizza, (might as well go to Pizza Hut!), or bland pasta dishes. Anyway, my family took me to La Locanda as a birthday treat, and what a lovely treat it was!. First of all I have to say the waiters and waitresses are absolutely charming.......very, very professional, yet very friendly at the same time. The décor and the atmosphere were excellent and the table laid beautifully. I found everything just that little bit more upmarket than your average restaurant, (but not at an up market price). I'm not normally one to notice these things.......I tend to be simply interested in the food! To my delight, the menu was really extensive. It was a Sunday lunchtime when I went, (It's a good job that my wife had booked a table as it was packed!), and there was a set roast menu, along with loads of loads of meat, fish, pasta and risotto dishes. Between us we had a mixture of roast, fish, meat and gnocchi. Personally I had sardines to start, followed by medallions of monkfish in a seafood and mushroom sauce.....absolutely delicious. None of my party had a single word of complaint.
One of my family is a vegetarian. She absolutely loved what she had, but the one slight downside that I noticed was that the menu is a bit limited for vegetarians, (not that that is ever going to bother me!).Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and certainly a cut above the other restaurants in the town that I have visited, and I shall definitely be going back.
I must admit, I'm not normally a fan of Italian restaurants, most of which, although not unpleasant, tend to serve just either pizza, (might as well go to Pizza Hut!), or bland pasta dishes. Anyway, my family took me to La Locanda as a birthday treat, and what a lovely treat it was!. First of all I have to say the waiters and waitresses are absolutely charming.......very, very professional, yet very friendly at the same time. The décor and the atmosphere were excellent and the table laid beautifully. I found everything just that little bit more upmarket than your average restaurant, (but not at an up market price). I'm not normally one to notice these things.......I tend to be simply interested in the food! To my delight, the menu was really extensive. It was a Sunday lunchtime when I went, (It's a good job that my wife had booked a table as it was packed!), and there was a set roast menu, along with loads of loads of meat, fish, pasta and risotto dishes. Between us we had a mixture of roast, fish, meat and gnocchi. Personally I had sardines to start, followed by medallions of monkfish in a seafood and mushroom sauce.....absolutely delicious. None of my party had a single word of complaint.
One of my family is a vegetarian. She absolutely loved what she had, but the one slight downside that I noticed was that the menu is a bit limited for vegetarians, (not that that is ever going to bother me!).Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and certainly a cut above the other restaurants in the town that I have visited, and I shall definitely be going back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We love this place! We regularly recommend it to friends as it just works so well. Lovely atmosphere, welcoming and friendly staff and really good menu. We've never felt rushed and have never been disappointed. If you want a quick pizza, then pop next door to their other restaurant -Pommadoro. Or if you have youngsters who don't want what's on the menu, you can have something from next door's menu.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An Italian family run restaurant for several generations. We went on spec on a wet Wednesday evening and it was packed! Luckily we were able to get a table, but it would be advisable to book ahead if you can. Apparently, it's always popular! certainly the food was good, the ambience great and the service was as you would expect from somewhere where they pride themselves on a genuine love of what they are offering.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Everything about this restaurant shouts quality and care about food. Complimentary bread and olives are delivered on arrival. We started with white bait and sardines, both cooked to perfection. Followed with fegato which was the best calves liver I've eaten outside of Italy. Great coffee and reasonable priced wines. A great meal served by cheerful staff. We enjoyed it so much that we have already booked our next lunch, this one with Italian opera thrown in!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
...or Italian?
I confess that the nearby place was full (on a wet Wednesday night!), so we skipped down to Cornfield Terrace and into La Locanda... It was pretty full too, but the smiling waitress found a table for two and whilst one of us opted for the two course- deal, the other wanted pasta and a mozzarella/tomato salad.We had a conversation with the clued-up waiter about a wine choice; 'strong red' said one, 'less alcohol' said the other. Both of us liked the DOP- an indication of genuineness-so went with the recommendation:Montpulciano Small Golden Bear.. look at the label. It was totally right - even better when drunk with meat.
Nothing was too much trouble for the staff... which was very proactive. Our waitress noticed that we had scoffed all the bread and asked if we'd like more to drizzle with truly olive green olive oil.The only downer was the dessert I chose; the profiteroles were no better than mine which I wouldn't sell.
If you choose the two-course menu (£18.90), consider the starter/mains combo, rather than the mains/dessert comboI'm a 10% tip kind of girl, but this evening was such a great, pleasant surprise that I dug around my coat pockets and came up with £7, which I gave to a waiter for the communal pot. 'All tips go to the staff'. We hope so.
We also hope to return to La Locanda del Duca. Eastbourne, you lucky town to have such a place.
I confess that the nearby place was full (on a wet Wednesday night!), so we skipped down to Cornfield Terrace and into La Locanda... It was pretty full too, but the smiling waitress found a table for two and whilst one of us opted for the two course- deal, the other wanted pasta and a mozzarella/tomato salad.We had a conversation with the clued-up waiter about a wine choice; 'strong red' said one, 'less alcohol' said the other. Both of us liked the DOP- an indication of genuineness-so went with the recommendation:Montpulciano Small Golden Bear.. look at the label. It was totally right - even better when drunk with meat.
Nothing was too much trouble for the staff... which was very proactive. Our waitress noticed that we had scoffed all the bread and asked if we'd like more to drizzle with truly olive green olive oil.The only downer was the dessert I chose; the profiteroles were no better than mine which I wouldn't sell.
If you choose the two-course menu (£18.90), consider the starter/mains combo, rather than the mains/dessert comboI'm a 10% tip kind of girl, but this evening was such a great, pleasant surprise that I dug around my coat pockets and came up with £7, which I gave to a waiter for the communal pot. 'All tips go to the staff'. We hope so.
We also hope to return to La Locanda del Duca. Eastbourne, you lucky town to have such a place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Really buzzing little restaurant with excellent food , generous portions ,& good menu choices... Very reasonably priced too , worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Real italian restaurant, very very busy when we eat there with many table of 8 and over. good menu. attentive and friendly service which is quite quick! Thrre course meal with one bottle of wine £100 for two. We had one of the dearer wines on the munu so could have cost less.
You will need to book for Fridays and saturdays.
You will need to book for Fridays and saturdays.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is by far the best restaurant in Eastbourne, the food is exceptional, we are so lucky to have a restaurant of such high quality.
My recommendation the mussels to start (simply out of this world) followed by the fish stew ( not something I'd normally pick, but after trying my boyfriends, I was blown away)Thank you for such incredible food
My recommendation the mussels to start (simply out of this world) followed by the fish stew ( not something I'd normally pick, but after trying my boyfriends, I was blown away)Thank you for such incredible food
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been here a few times for family gatherings/reunions/birthdays.
Every time we have been, it's been in a large group and they are always very busy besides us, yet the competent team of waiting staff seem to be able to keep us in food and drinks without seeming to neglect anyone else.
The food is good quality, comes out promptly and always seems to be fresh and hot.
Highly recommended.
Every time we have been, it's been in a large group and they are always very busy besides us, yet the competent team of waiting staff seem to be able to keep us in food and drinks without seeming to neglect anyone else.
The food is good quality, comes out promptly and always seems to be fresh and hot.
Highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have visited this restaurant on many occasions when staying in Eastbourne. The food was excellent, tasty and very good portions. The service was excellent too. We wish this was local to our home in Bromley!
Thank you
Thank you
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I really enjoyed our authentic Italian meal last night in this traditional Italian restaurant. (If you prefer something more "vibrant" go next door!) All 3 courses (we chose from the table d'hote menu) were really tasty and portions were generous, so much so that we were really full by the end, having nibbled bread and olives to start. Starters were asparagus served with melted butter and parmesan and sardines grilled with garlic and butter which were sweet and tasty. Mains were lemon sole with roasted cherry tomatoes, olives and prawns which my wife found delicious. I had veal liver strips cooked in butter with sage, again very tasty. We could only pick at the accompanying veg, but I found the red cabbage really good. For desserts we had pears poached in red wine with cinnamon ice cream (refreshing) and cassata (3 layers - vanilla, strawberry, pistachio - with cherries soaked in amaretto/kirsch and an alcoholic sponge between layers). Again my wife was in raptures. We had 2 and 3 glasses of wine each - prosecco, red and white - and I was surprised how generous a small measure seems to be in this restaurant! On top we were presented with a complimentary limoncello so were well fortified against the bitter wind outside when we left. Service was really nice from Simone and Nell who is the sister of the owner. She spent 10 minutes or so chatting to us after the meal and she clearly loves interacting with her clientele. Her grasp of English and other languages besides her native Portuguese is impressive. We paid just over £80 for an excellent evening and will return when next in Eastbourne.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent food every time e have visited. Staff excellent. Manager has a good singing voice.
Very helpful with group bookings.
Function room available and music allowed.
Very helpful with group bookings.
Function room available and music allowed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took some new clients to this lovely authentic restaurant. The food was tremendous with either a la Carte or set menus to chose from, the staff were very good and on hand for any requirements, I would strongly recommend for any occasion and the bill was reasonable for what we had. The Gnocchi is very good best I have tasted for a long time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have eaten here several times. The food is well presented, tasty and quite generous portions. It is not cheap but has a good ambience. Staff attentive.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing food. Amazing service. Relaxed but elegant atmosphere. A can't go wrong restaurant !
We come here for most celebrations and just love the fillet so good.
We come here for most celebrations and just love the fillet so good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My brother in law booked this restaurant for the four of us, as they like it and I can see why. I am glad we booked as they were full and despite the booking we had to wait a few minutes, but with good customer care the staff gave us a free drink to compensate for this, which is always a good start. The building itself is very clean, nothing fancy about it but it looks nice. The staff are excellent and provide a warm feeling to the establishment. The food was delicious, we had three different main courses and they all looked and tasted great.
As we were the last group in for the afternoon, we were predictably the last ones out, but felt no pressure to vacate our table, it was a very relaxed feeling.I would be more than happy to go there again.
As we were the last group in for the afternoon, we were predictably the last ones out, but felt no pressure to vacate our table, it was a very relaxed feeling.I would be more than happy to go there again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
All of my children have gone through Eastbourne College and a visit to this little Italian restaurant has become a tradition.
The Calves liver in sage butter is the best I've tasted and I have had a number of versions in Italy, my youngest daughter especially likes the 'small' selection of desert wines and we generally split a half bottle, the staff are lovely and we have great memories of the place
The Calves liver in sage butter is the best I've tasted and I have had a number of versions in Italy, my youngest daughter especially likes the 'small' selection of desert wines and we generally split a half bottle, the staff are lovely and we have great memories of the place
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very busy due to it being new years eve, but that just showed the popularity of the establishment; their service was not effected. Myself and my partner still felt that we had a romantic dinner on new years eve. Food was delicious and the staff are very polite.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our first visit last night 28th Dec., will definitely wont be the last, a lovely birthday surprise. Even presented with a little birthday cake and serenaded by the staff with Happy Birthday.
A great menu and spoilt for choice.
A great menu and spoilt for choice.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We where a party of 4 and it was very busy, but the service was excellent, the food was very good, fresh and tasty. Also the wine list featured excellent Sicily wines which are not easy to find in the U.K.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A post-Christmas break on a bank holiday Monday and we found this restaurant whilst we were out walking, so we decided to give it a go.....and we are very glad that we did. Lovely, tasty food with excellent service and reasonably priced. I ate from the lunch menu, which really was delicious (mussels followed by sea bass) and the rest of our group had lasagnes and calzones (men!).....who also said they were delicious. We were give bread and olives on arriving and a limoncello sorbet with the bill. A very good find and based on our meal, I would definitely recommend it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Always consistently good, all the food turns up hot, something some restaurants fail to do. Large choice of pasta, fish and meat up to an excellent fillet steak. Luca and the team are always on top of service and it's a pleasure each time we visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This restaurant is one of my favourites and I always enjoy my meal when I go. However I went with a friend this weekend who is vegetarian. According to the menu there is only one main course with a (v) by it. There are many dishes that look like they could be vegetarian but aren't labelled as such (it could be they have parmesan or pesto which can both have animal rennet in). When I phoned to check I was told there was lots of choice and you could amend things on the menu but they really need to update the menu with more clear choices and options for the veggies.
If we have to ask the staff to make changes then they have to really know there stuff....unfortunately the chap dishing out the parmesan clearly didn't.
I'm not a veggie but I'd love to take friends that are veggie with confidence that they will have more than one dish to choose from and a menu that is clear about what dishes they can choose.
If we have to ask the staff to make changes then they have to really know there stuff....unfortunately the chap dishing out the parmesan clearly didn't.
I'm not a veggie but I'd love to take friends that are veggie with confidence that they will have more than one dish to choose from and a menu that is clear about what dishes they can choose.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This Italian restaurant is consistently good. The staff, the service and the food are of an excellent standard and combined, create an ambience to rival some Michelin starred venues. Try a starter of Scallops wrapped in Italian bacon, grilled with olive oil and garlic, served on a bed of fresh spinach.......wonderful!.......I think the spinach must have been still growing as we arrived it was so fresh!......note to self, make another booking, soon!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here for lunch today and having read a couple of reviews I hoped we hadn't made a mistake.
Well it was FABULOUS ! Such a huge choice on the many menus served by very happy, friendly staff, great service, I hope you are here for many years to come, because we want to continue coming back as we have done for years
Well it was FABULOUS ! Such a huge choice on the many menus served by very happy, friendly staff, great service, I hope you are here for many years to come, because we want to continue coming back as we have done for years
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
