Previously unbeknown to me there nestles in the Surrey countryside town of Warlingham, a simply stunning restaurant that feels as if one has been transported to some magnificent rustic corner of Italy.
The fact that the aptly named Spaghetti Tree has won the Surrey Award for Best Mediterranean Restaurant for the past two years prepared me for the most wonderful, culinary journey that I would undertake.
On my arrival I was warmly received by the co-owners, Maria and Loredana. The establishment is filled with blissful memories of a bygone era, adorned with images of Hollywood legends mostly with Italian heritage. It was the most beautiful of days too, Spring had truly sprung.
If I had chosen to eat al fresco, there is a well-designed, impressive area in the dog-friendly garden that I am sure is most sought after as the arrival of Summer approaches, so make sure you book in early as the Spaghetti Tree is frequently book out. I was literally in for a feast as the first of the 16 courses with true Sicilian authenticity were placed before me, Ceasar himself would have been overjoyed!
I was firstly invited to try the Spaghetti Tree’s famous ‘Carbonara’ which immediately met with my approval – dynamic and aromatic flavours, made it a wonderful opening gambit, with lashings of bacon served in the most delicious creamy sauce. This was followed by the ‘Linguini Crab Pasta’ – so tasty and a delightful mix of colours and textures.
I would go on to sample some truly remarkable dishes but my absolute favourite of the day was the Gnocchi Pollo Pesto’. The delicious, rich pesto sauce, the perfectly cooked tender chicken and the most amazing Gnocchi I have ever had the pleasure to taste. So light and fluffy, like having a small piece of heaven in my mouth.
The ‘Crespolina Di Romano’ was very nice, what is there not to love about a crispy pancake with spinach, mascarpone and raisins with a cheese and tomato sauce. The ‘Rigatoni Salsiccan’ was an excellent combination of traditional spicy Sicilian sausage with garlic, tomatoes, parmesan and chilli so unsurprisingly this had a bit of kick – which made for an even more flavoursome, powerful dish, definitely one I will be ordering again.
I was really going to have to pace myself now. The dishes kept coming thick and fast! Next were the famous Spaghetti Tree Pizzas. The ‘Mortadella Quattro Formaggi’ was lovely and scattered with generous helpings of mascarpone, mortadella, mozzarella and burrata cheese with a crumbling of pistachio on top.
The ‘Carbonara Pizza’ was also outstanding. The ‘Vegano Pizza’ option for non-meat eaters was surprisingly satisfying. I then got chatting to the charming and beautiful co-owner Maria – who I was started to believe was Loredana’s mother – trust me – the two girls could be sisters!
She told me that at the weekends there is a smorgasbord of live entertainment, which includes live singers every Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm and Bottomless Brunches on the first Saturday of the month in Warlingham, last Saturday of the month in Walton and every Saturday at their Shirley Restaurant.
We chatted happily about Maria and the Romano family’s Sicilian background and the key factor with all the Spaghetti Tree sublime dishes; authenticity and simplicity.
The fabulous team at the Spaghetti Tree is like a big family and this is reflected in the friendly laid-back ambience that exudes from this thoroughly well-run establishment.
I next tried three fabulous dishes ‘Gnocci Picante’, ‘Rigatoni Pesto’ and ‘Penne Lasgana’ – all served in lovingly, handcrafted bowls made of pizza dough. The ‘Risotto Pescotora’ is a seafood lovers dream come true too.
Possibly the most colourful dish of the day and one of my favourites was the ‘Gamberoni Picante’, an eclectic collaboration of Butterfly King Prawns served on a bed of Saffron Rice. Next up the ‘Caponata’ was an intriguing mixture of an assortment of vegetables and kale, garlic and fennel were great additions to this very attractive dish.
I was then shown around the impressive and ultra-clean kitchen, chatting to the head chef John. You will be pleased to hear that everything at Spaghetti Tree is prepared freshly on-site from only the best, locally sourced produce.
I was then treated to 3 diverse salads. The most alluring of which was a fusion of ‘Goat Cheese and Beetroot Carpaccio with Figs’. The ‘King Prawn, Gravlax & Melon Salad’ and the Chargrilled Chicken and Parma Ham Salad’ with courgettes, parmesan and rocket we both also “to die for”.
With such a wide and varied selection, one is absolutely spoilt for choice. Next for me to try was the ‘Spaghetti Tree Burger’ in a Brioche Bun with fries. This will no doubt remain a popular option for diners. The ‘Spigola Sea Bass’ fillets was another mouth-watering addition served with new potatoes in garlic butter.
I was given the most sensational of send-offs with the ‘Trio of Melon and Strawberry Salad’ with a scoop of Raspberry Sorbet. A very impressive dessert to close what for me was an epic Italian food adventure.
I am sure that whenever I am in this wonderful part of Surrey I will pop in to say hello. If you do not live near Warlingham you will be very pleased to hear (as was I!) there are two more wonderful Spaghetti Tree Restaurants – one in Walton On The Hill – the very first Spaghetti Tree Restaurant and one in Shirley.
Good luck to Maria, Dana and all the team at Spaghetti Tree in the upcoming Surrey Awards on May 15th at G Live in Guildford. Not that they need it – sure they will smash it with their third win – making it a hat trick of Awards!!
