Strada offers traditional Italian food in an upmarket setting at reasonable prices.

The Venue
Set in the new and ever-so trendy Leopold Square, Strada is faced with a number of competitors as the place to eat in Sheffield City Centre. Restaurants line the side of Leopold Square and the place is bustling with people of all ages looking for a good meal. Strada is the largest restaurant in the area, and with tables outside, it is an excellent venue for a summer lunch or early evening dinner. Once inside, it is clear that Strada is a class above most Italian chain restaurants. The decor is simple and the lighting is subtle. The slightly dark lighting is offset by candles on each table which provide an intimate setting.

The Atmosphere
The clientele is diverse: couples, families and groups of teenagers frequent the restaurant; evidently there is something for all tastes here. Staff are plentiful yet the service is quite slow, with a long wait just to place a drinks order not uncommon at busy times. That said, the friendliness of the staff is of a high level and smiles are in abundance.

The Food
To start, the schiacciatella is excellent. The pizza bread with a pesto and tomato topping is a clear winner out of the different options available. The sweet flavour of the tomato, against the rich and tangy pesto is a classic combo. Presented in a basket, rustic images are conjured up, and for only £3.95 it is an excellent choice.

The menu provides a range of dishes for main courses including pasta, risotto, pizza, salad and meat dishes. In addition, there is a specials menu which changes each week. Recommendations must be made for the pizzas. Stone baked - providing a wholesome taste - the pizzas are hearty and burst with flavour. The rossa (£8.95) has the sweet smell from the caramelized onion contrasting exquisitely with the spicy taste from the red chilli.

Whilst most dishes sampled are enjoyable, Strada’s menu is let down slightly by the meat dishes. The pollo alla Milanese’s presentation fails to appeal. The dish looks thrown together at the last minute, with the tomato and basil sauce spilling over the sides. The sauce itself lacks flavour, and for £10.95 more is expected. Additionally, the agnello brasato (braised lamb shank, £13.50) failed to fall away from the bone. However, the sage potato puree, which accompanied it, is unique and packed with flavours. The food is filling, but those tempted by something sweet should try the fondente al cacao (£4.95). The richness of the chocolate, the warmth from the pudding and the creamy coolness of the ice cream creates extraordinary taste sensations, and is an excellent way to end the meal.

The Drink
Unfortunately some of the wines on the menu are not always available. They offer a large range of reds, whites, roses and champagnes, which means there is still plenty of choice. The Merlot del Vento (£14.75) is full bodied and enjoyable to drink. With classic Italian beers such as Peroni (£3), there is something for everyone, though perhaps nothing out of the ordinary.

The Last Word
Strada has excelled in generally avoiding the usual trappings associated with chain restaurants. The menu is diverse, and apart from one or two exceptions, it is really well executed.

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