Punchinello's
Restaurant - Pub Food in Nottingham
35 Forman Street
Nottingham
NG1 4AA
Contact Numbers
Key Services
About
Punchinello's serves a variety of innovative and traditional European dishes all cooked freshly by our team of dedicated and skilled chef's. Under new management since December 2007, Nottinghams Oldest Restaurant has a Lunchtime, Pre-Theatre and A La Carte menus and a Sunday Brunch Menu.
Reviews
1ST & LAST VISIT
My first visit to Punchinello's was last December 2008, where I anticipated enjoying their Christmas Menu with my Partner. The tables were empty, there was no atmosphere, the staff looked shabby and disinterested, the food was average, warm and not much of it! The drinks were both spirits, although they were served in tumblers with ice when we had specified no ice. The waiting staff were clearly inexperienced teenagers/students and quite polite and apologetic for the 10% Service Charge that was hand-written at the bottom of the Bill. I had to pay an extra £4.00 for so-called Service. I imagine Punchinello's was very popular and successful once, probably under the previous owners. It felt as though we were witnessing one of those exchange tv programmes and the place was being run by a team of Pub Restaurant staff, possibly with some second-hand car-dealering experience. Reluctantly, we paid and left, never to return...and now their website has disappeared! Save your time, money and stress by going elsewhere!
Antony Lee - 07/02/2009 | report this review
Overpriced rubbish!
Was served about 100 ml of wine as a 'glass' and told by a 16 year old waiter that it was indeed a whole measure (the fact that it only filled about a quarter of the glass it was served in should have been a clue!) although glass no 2 served was mysteriously much bigger.... Chicken undercooked and pink, Sweet Potato 'Mash' was a block of partly cooked partly raw potato. Topped with a 'slab' of chorizo sausage which I gave up hacking into. They did take the meal off the bill after complaining to our 16 year old waiter (who didn't really know what to say bless him) although was very disappointed as noone from the management or kitchen came to apologise or offer an alternative - were too busy chatting up the female staff downstairs. Shabby, cheap paper tablecloths and the fact that it was EMPTY on a saturday night should have rung alarm bells. Have spent most of today fuming I paid for any of it! Don't understand how they can have any reputation - Le Minstral is top class - this place is far from it.
Susan Owen - 05/10/2008 | report this review
There is room for improvement!
We went 3 of us for a dinner in Punchinello. The decoration is rather nice and the room cosy. We asked for a Port and an Americano for aperitif. The waitress came with a coffee and asking if we wanted a bottle of port! No comment! The starters were rather good but the main courses came with very little vegetables and that is quite disappointing considering their price! This restaurant is not a good value for money in Nottingham and the service is done by beginners.
Alex C. - 05/10/2008 | report this review
birthday meal
We took our son/stepson to the white water rafting as a birthday treat and arrived at Punchinello's tired, cold and dressed very casual,not expecting to be welcomed in so warmly,but we were,we all had different meals ,i wanted a meal and a sweet while the other two wanted a starter and a meal,i asked if i could have my meal while the other two had there starters as i was a slow eater,there was no problem at all,the waiter was so so helpfull,i had the blue cheese rissoto,it was absolutely georgeous,i intend to try to make it myself now that i am home, the other two were equally as impressed with there meals,so much so that when they saw my desert they also had one of them too,i had the peach tart,wonderfull.
june warman - 03/10/2008 | report this review
Yum!
I had the poached eggs with asparagus to dip in them and then a crab salad! It was delicious. When I'm no longer on a diet, I'll be back to have that chocolate tart! Thoroughly recommended!
Alison Brown - 22/06/2008 | report this review
a trip to the theatre
My friend and I were looking for somewhere to eat on our way to the theatre when a very pleasant young man handed us the flyer for Punchinello's.Ok we thought, we'll give it a try, we being regular ladies wot lunch quite a lot, are sometimes hard to please. Thank goodness we did. The food was fabulous and the manager and staff were so welcoming we even stayed for coffee and puddings (twice). CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK. Didn't think much to the theatre that night, but still had a lovely evening thanks to Punchinello's
Carole Stibr - 20/06/2008 | report this review
Descended in numbers
A group of about 14 of us, all part of a social group, had got together in town for Bank Holiday Monday, and were looking around for somewhere to have lunch (without a booking) when we were lucky enough to be stopped outside Punchinello's, handed a flyer, and asked if we wanted to come inside; I'm pretty sure the owner didn't realise how many we were when he did it! That said, he wasn't at all phased and quickly sorted some tables being shoved together and seating arranged. We decided to keep things simple and go for the two courses for a set price, with some going starter and main and others main and dessert. I had the continental meat platter and fish cakes. The starter was light, simple and pleasant enough, but the real revelation was the fish cakes: they were generous in size, beautifully cooked and extremely tasty. And looking around at my companions' meals (and faces) it was obvious everyone shared the same opinion. We quickly decided that as a spur-of-the-moment lunch it was a great decision, and we resolved to organise a night out here in the not-to-distant future. Without exception everyone said it was great food, good atmosphere and pleasant and efficient staff. I had never eaten at Punchinello's before, but can easily see why it's known as Nottingham's oldest restaurant, and has the reputation it has, on the basis of that meal. Will happily go there again, if only to get to try one of the desserts.
Andy Warwick - 06/06/2008 | report this review
Third time lucky!
Twice we were turned away on a Saturday without a prior booking. But two weeks ago, we were third time lucky! My husband, my girlfriend and I were the early birds for a Saturday lunch. From the set lunch menu, I ordered the understated homemade fishcakes. They were perfectly golden, delicious, generous in ingredients and elegantly presented on a bed of salad. I dare say that they were the best fishcakes I have ever had. My companions had the lamb with mashed peas and potatoes which were a scrumptious and winning combination. The Madregale Rosso wine (sold by the glass) was an excellent accompaniment to the lamb. After the main course, my husband left for another appointment leaving my girlfriend and me to enjoy 3 desserts between ourselves! The chocolate tart was good. Those looking for the unconventional, go for the vanilla crème brulee, served without the flame-torch effect. Instead, it is given a witty pairing with strawberry sorbet. Quite unexpectedly, the homemade ice cream trio turned out to be exquisite, especially the ginger ice cream which was simply outstanding! Can't wait to try the starters and the rest of the menu on our next visit!
Li Lim - 29/05/2008 | report this review
pretty gorgeous food!
My mum decided to take me out for lunch rather than endure me cooking for her! On arrival at the restaurant we were greeted by friendly staff. We were able to choose our seats, (each had a name!) and after much debate I went for Gertrude and Julianne rather than Puck! We had a bit of banter with the waiter which was entertaining and made the restaurant live up to its high reputation amongst theatre -goers.The meal was delicious and the wine too. The atmosphere was lovely and I will definately take mum and her credit card back to punchinellos again!
Sarah Gorham - 18/05/2008 | report this review
Foooood!
Punchinello is the place to go for food. I have to say that this is some of the best I've tried in the East Midlands. I don't really know what happened to Alexandra B. but my experience was definitely one of fine food and a good evening out - I tried the A La Carte menu's Lamb Tenderloin.....The staff were friendly and helpful and the atmosphere was very pleasant. It's the 'oldest established restaurant in Nottingham' and it is pretty cute, especially upstairs. Recommended.
Peter S - 24/04/2008 | report this review
Fantastic Food & Service
Well thought out menu and wine list, fantastic service and charming surroundings 5/5.
Andy L - 22/04/2008 | report this review
really rather good
I decided to take my girlfriend out to dinner on Saturday night. We wanted to go somewhere different and since neither of us had been to Punchinellos before, we thought we'd give it a try. The food was really excellent, and despite what other people had led me to believe, very nicely priced. The service was good too. If I had to make one criticism its that you didnt get any chocolates with your bill! So if you fancy a really good meal out, somewhere you wont be rushed, and somewhere that you'll get good service, good food and good surroundings, I'd go here.
ben davis - 23/04/2007 | report this review
A very uninspiring 22nd birthday meal
I felt compelled to write a review of this restaurant after having endured the worst meal out in Nottingham that I have experienced in 3 years. Punchinello advertises itself as the oldest restaurant in town and its decor was sufficiently pretty and quaint. In stark contrast, the food was mediocre from start to finish. The chips with my partner's steak were old and his meal in general was lukewarm. My chicken liver starter was slapdash and dry, and my main course, tiny. The service was lacklustre and frankly quite rude. At one point, for example, the waitress slapped my wine glass on the table, spilling the contents without caring to wipe it up. To top it all off, even leaving the place became a struggle as the bill took a long time to arrive, despite several requests. The price of this awful lunch: £40 (we didn't stay for dessert or coffee). This pretty little restaurant needs to try much harder.
Alexandra Borkowska - 18/11/2006 | report this review
A great, cosy meal
We had a great time at Punchinellos, the staff were really friendly and the food was gorgeous, as well as being reasonably priced. We also had magic done at the table done for us! We recommend the mussels!!
C. Gammon - 29/10/2004 | report this review
CIDS BIRTHDAY
COMPLIMENTS TO THE CHEF....AND THE WAITRESS WHOSE FIRST NIGHT HAD THE PLEASURE OF SERVING OUR PARTY ( SHE WAS SUPERB BY THE WAY). THE FOOD WAS MORE THAN WE EXPECTED IN QUANTITY AND QUALITY, BUT THE MENU ON THE WEB SITE IS NOT ENTIRELY CORRECT SO CHECK BEFORE YOU BOOK, THERE ARE ALSO NO DRAUGHT BEERS AS STATED ON THE WEB MENU
ANTHONY BEESTON - 12/08/2004 | report this review
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