You can judge Italian food’s popularity the way it flies off the shelves in supermarkets. The cuisine has taken a firm hold in the country by familiarizing its popular dishes like pizzas and pasta in every corner of the globe. No longer is it served in just five star establishments. It has stepped out of the holds and taken root in roadside cafes, snazzy bistros and even in trendy pubs. Many restauranteurs tapped into the popularity by opening quaint Italian bistros years ago. One of the earlier brands which started its journey in Pune in the 90’s has now reached the shores of Chennai. ‘Little Italy’ has come to be known as quintessential Italian serving chain of restaurants. The brand even has outposts in UAE and Nepal besides the 30 outlets all over the India.

Raj Mehta’s Little Italy has come a long way in culinary world. The restaurant has crept into the hearts of patrons with its crowd-pleasing menu and simple unpretentious décor. Little Italy in Anna Nagar West sticks to the same theme of simplicity. The restaurant is much more formal than its sister concerns in the terms of décor and space. Anna Nagar West outlet is generously spacious and is furnished in a proper formal sit-down way. There is abundant of space to sit and what captures our attention is the nooks and corners they have created to give the patrons privacy. Vibe is elegant and modern. Edgy contemporary pieces are used to enhance the room. Lighting is not too bright, rather it is kept low so one feels cosy and secluded. Service is another plus. Staff is efficient and friendly.

Little Italy follows a complete vegetarian menu – a blessing for Jain community. It’s not cheap but it’s not too expensive either. Start by ordering yourself a nice refreshing drink like a fruit punch or ice tea. Then comes antipasti or as we call it – appetizers. Tuck into, cheese fondue, special crostini, bruschetta al Pomodoro, Caesar salad, arancini alla siciliana, crespelle, melanzane alla parmigiana, Pomodoro minestrone, pale di potato and herbs garlic bread with cheese. Take the next step with assorted pizzas or pastas such as, pasta pummarola, risotto al funghi porcini, pizza Napoli, pasta all ricotta, pizza nawabi, cannelloni alla florentina and lasagne alla napoletana. Conclude the meal with classic Italian desserts, tiramisu or panna cotta. Overall you will be treated to a fantastic and a comforting meal.