A warmly regarded, owner-operated Italian restaurant delivering fresh pizza, pasta and risotto at accessible prices, with occasional delays and a few historical coffee and dessert quality concerns.
Little Italy Restaurant delivers strong food quality anchored by consistently praised fresh pizza, pasta, and Italian flavors, supported by warm and attentive service. The casual courtyard setting creates appealing ambiance without commanding destination status, while reliable execution across core dishes keeps it from approaching the very top tier. Budget-friendly pricing and loyal repeat customers reinforce its standing as a dependable neighborhood favorite.
Tucked into Taunton's Orchard Centre, Little Italy feels more like a small Italian neighbourhood room than a polished chain: reviewers describe a cosy space, a welcoming kitchen and a courtyard that evokes an Italian piazza. One diner summed up the appeal as a place where the atmosphere makes you feel back on holiday. The operation is intimate, and when the lone chef is busy, patience helps—but staff generally communicate well and keep the welcome warm. The cooking is classic, fresh and proudly familiar rather than experimental. Pizza, pasta, risotto, garlic bread and seafood dishes form the backbone, with Tagliatelle Roma, tomato-based pasta and the meatball special drawing especially strong praise. The menu is broad enough for Italian-food regulars and cautious diners alike, and prices remain approachable for the quality. Coffee and desserts have attracted some older criticism, so the savoury dishes are the safest bet if you want the restaurant at its best. Families should find plenty to work with: Margherita or pepperoni pizza, spaghetti Bolognese, tomato pasta, gnocchi in tomato sauce and garlic bread are all recognisable choices, while vegetarian options are plentiful. There is no supplied children's menu, but the main menu is naturally kid-friendly; parents should mention allergies or dislikes clearly because ingredient substitutions have occasionally surprised diners.
Area vibe: Historic market town centre with civic institutions, shopping and commuter links.
Safety: Generally safe with reasonable evening lighting though quieter after shops close.
What's nearby: Near Taunton town centre amenities, bus station, the Orchard Centre shopping mall and Somerset County Hall.
The safest bets are classic pasta, pizza, and the meatball special, with a few dishes standing out above the rest.
Expect a warm, intimate meal, but allow extra time and communicate dietary preferences clearly when the small kitchen is busy.
The cosy dining room and piazza-like courtyard create a distinctly holiday-style Italian atmosphere, with a small-kitchen caveat.