Family owned Di Rita’s Italian restaurant has been a firm favourite in the Cambridgeshire market town of St Ives for many years. They have recently moved their shop and restaurant into one rather beautiful package in the form of Di Rita’s at No2. Previously a bank, the grade 2 listed building is the perfect setting. For Italian restaurants in St Ives, this is a must visit. Here is what we enjoyed during a recent lunch trip.
Pizza:
I loved my pizza and wow was it a generous size! The sourdough for the base is made daily in the restaurant and left to slowly rise for 1-2 days. The crust is thin and crisp, with a really great flavour. All of the toppings used here are of top quality, including organic flour, Italian tomatoes and fresh mozzarella and vegetables. This visit, I chose the Mediterranea which was topped with artichoke, courgette, mozzarella and pesto.
The salad was also simple yet flavourful, containing artichokes, olives and peppers.
Pasta and more:
The pasta dishes are equally as delicious at this fine example of Italian restaurants St Ives. Using the freshest of ingredients, there is plenty of vegetarian choice on the menu for both pizza and pasta mains. The vegan sharing platter looks fabulous as will be my choice on my next visit.
The bakery:
You are able to enjoy delicious bread at Di Ritas which is made daily with organic flour and plenty of family love. ‘Sofia the sourdough’ is the culture responsible for the flavour of the sourdough. The other types of bread are also superb. Enjoy the fresh bread as part of your meal or take some home to enjoy.
We managed to squeeze in dessert of course! We loved the gooey brownies and the frangipane which we saw coming out of the oven as we arrived. These tasty ingredients are used in the restaurants signature Italian or themed afternoon teas which would make a fabulous outing with friends.
Italian restaurants in St Ives:
We will definitely be retuning to Di Rita’s to try some more of the menu soon. It has the combination of great (and reasonably priced) food, friendly service and a classy setting. Thank you Di Rita’s!
More brilliant Italian restaurants in Cambridge here.
