La Cosa Nostra in St Albans

"Been here many times over the years I've lived in St Albans. Every time I've been the food has never dissappointed, from the pizza to the pasta to the meat dishes they have all been extremely tasty and satisfying with littler to no complaints from anyone. The reason I can't give it a full 5 start is primarily down to the service which I can only describe as a bit chaotic. This is for two main reasons, they've crammed too many tables / chairs into the restaurant and they perrhaps need an extra person or two on busy nights to provide better more attentive service. However, hats off to them for managing in the tough environment they have! I can't say I've ever had any bad experiences on the service front but it's not 10/10. I would still absolutely recommend this place, mainly for the quality home-style food this establishment provides. For example, I had the canneloni last night and it was so delicous and tasty that I couldn't help but scrape every last bit from the dish! Price wise, it's pretty good value. Some nibbles to start, mains and two bottles of wine between 5 of us came to around £150 including service charge so £30 each, pretty good for what you get in my opinion."

"We went as a couple & sat inside where it’s all one open space. There were some large groups in who were very loud so it was often difficult to hear each other. Service was pretty quick although they forgot the still water we ordered & we needed to prompt them. The garlic bread (pizza style) starter was very good & our main courses of cod & sausage risotto were nice, but nothing amazing. We shared the tiramisu for dessert, which I found tasted mainly of cream, so was quite disappointed with that. Overall, it was nice, but not sure we’d go back."

"My partner believes this to be the best Italian restaurant he’s eaten in outside of Italy and whenever we’re in the area we have to visit and he very much looks forward to it, it’s always busy so others must share his opinion. Sadly I don’t share his enthusiasm. The acoustics are awful and it’s always very noisy whether it’s full or only half a dozen guests. The pizzas are good but after a previous visit and seeing that the member of staff who makes the pizzas is a smoker and doesn’t wash his hands after his ciggie break I’ve steered clear. I find the pasta dish sauces quite watery. (I’ve tried a few of them) But as they say you can’t please all of the people all of the time! Staff are very friendly but if you’re looking for a quiet table for two look for another restaurant. If possible visit for lunch as the set menu is better value for mediocre food in my humble opinion"

"Absolutely the best pizza in town! Francesco is a great and very nice pizza chef from Naples — you can feel his passion in every pizza he makes. The dough is light and perfectly baked,and every ingredient tastes fresh and full of flavour. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, just like Francesco himself. Truly an authentic Italian experience — highly recommended! And a big applause goes to the owner, Tony — always with a big smile, making you feel right at home. Together they create the perfect Italian atmosphere."

"I was introduced to this restaurant on my first day at a new job over 25 years ago. It was so friendly and welcoming and it still is. The pizzas are big with generous toppings the starters and mains are always delicious and amazing value. The wine is affordable. Stepping into this restaurant is like being transported to Italy, good food, great service and amazing atmosphere. Great for a romantic night out, a family lunch, or a celebration."

"A lovely restaurant recommended by my sister. She’s a big fan of the lasagna and tiramisu(gotten them both times she been). The place was full so we sat outside but there was overhead coverage, heating and blankets. I got the La Cosa Nostra pizza and enjoyed it. I would’ve liked more flavour to it but that’s my personal taste. The tiramisu was very light and and fluffy. The portion sizes were good and we didn’t wait too long for our food. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is cosy. I’d definitely like to go again to try some pasta dishes and other desserts."

"Visited today for the first time, for lunch. Lunchtime special 7 days a week. 1 course (any pizza or pasta) for £8.90 or 2 courses for £12.90!! I went for a pizza, which seems heavy for lunch, but they're all made freshly by hand and are surprisingly light on the stomach, whilst substantial for the price. Great atmosphere sat outside under shelter and super friendly attentive staff. I'd highly recommend and would love to try an evening meal on a warm summer evening with an ice cold beer"

"Amazing experience - perfect service, delicious food, nice atmosphere. Our kid liked spaghetti bolognese, I enjoed marinara and my husband adored cannoli. Homemade tiramisu is great! And white house wine is also very please. Highly recommend the place (but book the table in advance, not enough space)."