Blimey, talk about a proper kick in the guts. Here we are in mid-December 2025, and Angelo and Geri Martinoli drop the bombshell: Casalingo Ristorante Italiano, that cosy Preston Street legend slinging authentic Northern Italian grub since 1989, is retiring come Sunday 1st February 2026. Thirty-seven years of turning simple, fresh ingredients into plates that transport you straight to Lake Como (where Angelo hails from). Born near those misty shores, trained in Swiss kitchens, he rocked up in Brighton in '79 and built a family-run haven that's outlasted every flashy pretender on the strip. "Casalingo" means homely, and crikey, it was – relaxed vibe, candlelight, attentive staff who treat you like one of their own, and food so genuine it draws Italians from miles around.
I've been a regular for donkey's years, popping in several times long before 2021 (though I never got round to blogging about it back then – too busy stuffing my face, probably). Then the pandemic hit, and when things eased, I finally put pen to paper: October 2021 for that post-lockdown antipasti platter and sea linguine that felt like a proper rebirth, followed by a February 2022. Tucked at 29 Preston Street, it's minimalist and welcoming, no fuss, just big-hearted classics: prosciutto e melone, snails in garlic butter, seafood linguine packed with mussels and clams, salmon risotto, veal medallions in sage and Frascati, and that legendary panna cotta or tiramisu to finish. Reviewers on TripAdvisor and The Argus rave about it being "simply the best" Italian in Brighton – generous portions, reasonable prices, and service that's warm as a Nonna's hug. It's hosted countless birthdays, first dates, and raucous celebrations, with walls once scribbled with punter love notes.
Angelo and Geri's announcement tugs at the heartstrings: mixed emotions, time to relax with family and chase dreams after cherishing all those friendships and feasts. They're bowing out gracefully – open as normal till 20th December, festive break, then back 8th January for the final hurrah, including cabarets with Jason Lee's vocals on the 9th and drag icon Dave Lynn on the 25th from noon. If you're anywhere near Brighton, book now for one last plate of that linguine pescatore or carbonara – raise a glass of Barolo and say ta-ra properly.
Losing Casalingo is like losing a friend who's always got your back with a cracking meal. In this world of here-today-gone-tomorrow eateries, family-run gems like this are gold dust. Angelo, Geri, and the crew – you've fed us body and soul. Enjoy the retirement, you absolute legends. We'll miss you something fierce.
Fancy recreating a bit of that magic at home? Here's my Amazon picks to tide you over:
→ Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Maker – the proper Italian one for fresh sheets at home
→ Homemade Pasta Made Simple cookbook – easy lessons for restaurant-worthy noodles
→ A cracking Italian cookbook with classics like tiramisu and risotto
Slurp responsibly, folks. Share your Casalingo memories below – what's your go-to order?
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