Restaurant Reviews and Food Musings

Restaurant

Darios Ristorante
248 Brighton Road
South Croydon
CR2 6AH

Phone:- 0208 686 2680

Overview

Eva had some root canal work done on her teeth last week. When we were coming back from her dentist in South Croydon we spotted Darios, an inviting looking Italian restaurant, and decided to book a table there for Friday night.

Ambience

Darios is a cosy, inviting Italian restaurant (run by Dario and Susan); conveniently situated opposite the Red Deer pub.

Although it was Friday night the restaurant was completely empty when we arrived, only one other couple turned up during the evening. This, I think, is not a reflection on the quality of the food or restaurant; but rather a result of the competition and variety of choice offered to people dining out in Croydon. Our waiter was keen to assure us that Saturday night was fully booked.

The walls of the restaurant are part wood and part chalk effect. There are also bright murals depicting Venice painted on one side of the room. The bright blue ceiling is decorated with fishing nets, and the tables laid with linen cloths and napkins.

Menu

The menu offers a good selection of Italian dishes; the usual varieties of pasta, fish, chicken and meat are available.

Service

Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. Even though we stayed late, beyond closing time, he did not attempt to rush us out the door.

Food

I started with the lasagne. This was rich and creamy, the taste mellow and not overpowering.

I chose the sirloin steak in red wine for my main course. This was cooked, as I had ordered, rare; it was succulent and tender. The sauce, a dark red cream and wine sauce with mushrooms and shallots, complemented the meat without dominating it. The dish came with sauté potatoes broccoli and green beans. I was not disappointed with my choice.

Eva started with tiger prawns in a lemon and orange sauce. These were excellent, the prawns were split down the middle to create a butterfly effect. The sauce, piquant and refreshing, was delicious and enhanced the flavour of the prawns.

Eva chose veal with ham and cheese in a wine, mushroom and sage sauce for her main course. This came with sauté potatoes, broccoli and green beans. The sauce was excellent and the veal tender. She was delighted with her choice of main course.

Our meal, which included a good bottle of Barolo, pre dinner cocktails and post dinner liqueurs, came to £80 before service.

Overall Opinion

We had an excellent evening and meal, and would be happy to return on another evening.