La Perla, Newland Avenue By Andrew Martin

In June Nick Quantrill wrote a review that gave a rather unfavourable impression of Pier Luigi, the Italian restaurant situated on Princes Avenue. Indeed, Pier Luigi is the most disappointing restaurant I have so far encountered in Hull - the prices were too high in respect of the quality of the food, the restaurant felt impersonal owing to its open spaces (which in turn provided a lack of privacy), the interior was slightly tacky and the whole service felt as if the major priority was not the customer at the table but those who could be rushed into the seat after you.

Therefore, I have taken the opportunity to review an alternative local Italian, one that lies just five minutes away from Pier Luigi, to see how the local competition compares. This particular restaurant is called La Perla and lies at the end of Newland Avenue closest to Princes Avenue.

As you approach La Perla do not be put off by an exterior which more closely resembles that of a terraced house than a decent restaurant (after all, it does comprise part of a shop front that also includes grocery stores and various takeaways). This is because it is not until you are inside that La Perla will belie any negative first impression you may make from observing its location and exterior. The décor was charming in its simplicity and upon entering nothing appeared to be too much to ask from any of the staff.

Whilst the tables were positioned closer than at Pier Luigi it never felt as if other customers were encroaching upon my own personal space.

Of course, the most important aspect to any restaurant is the food itself and this is certainly one of the areas in which La Perla excels at most. As with any decent Italian the portions are large but this is particularly surprising here considering the very reasonable prices that are charged. For example, the calamari or salmon starters are enough for two to share if ordered together, whilst a side order of garlic bread is as hefty as any of the pizzas on the main menu.

And the main meals themselves, whether they be pasta, pizza or seafood appear to be enough to almost exhaust anyone's appetite for dessert. The actual quality of the food itself is also extremely good. Both the starter and main meal I had there were prepared evenly and smartly and did not fail to arouse the taste buds. Furthermore, the calamari starter was not as greasy as I have had at other restaurants and the pizza was the tastiest I have had for a while although the base was slightly too salty for my personal preference.

La Perla also offers a good selection of wines. This includes the house wines which were easily superior to the mediocrity commonly served in chain pubs and restaurants. There also appeared to be a good selection of lagers and spirits. For the most part La Perla is a great little family run restaurant and is ideal for either a quiet meal for two or for a larger party celebrating a birthday.

One problem is that due to its size you may need to book early in a week to ensure you have a table for the weekend. Nevertheless, my experience at La Perla was thoroughly enjoyable and extremely satisfying.

La Perla is probably less well known than Pier Luigi and many other restaurants in Hull, but I cannot think of any others where you will find such a pleasant atmosphere and enjoy very good food at such affordable prices. La Perla is certainly one to remember and recommend.

I certainly wouldn't recommend Pier Luigi's to anybody. After all, there is more than one Italian restaurant in the area. It's certainly a fact that Pier Luigi's should remember.

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