Modern Italian in Croydon

As the name might imply Il Ponte Nuovo is a new incarnation of Il Ponte, across the road from the original, under the Croydon flyover.  We’d only been to Il Ponte once for a fairly average pizza, but as we’re always looking for places to go in Croydon with our friends P&M, we thought we’d give it a try one Friday lunchtime.

We’re shown to an oval shaped booth behind the main bar, and are surprised at the size of the place. There are several large tables, which fill up with office groups, and a whole further area towards the back, and a private room to the side.  The style is very modern, rather harsh perhaps, with acoustics which are rather challenging.

Service is prompt and we are soon into our first bottle of an Italian Sauvingon Blanc at £18.25 (lunches with P&M are often a little on the alcoholic side!).  Ordering takes a little longer, as the menu (under the control of Sicilian-born head chef, Tindaro Casamento) is very extensive – lots of interesting sounding starters (including a smoked duck salad), pasta, pizza and a good list of fish and meat dishes.

In the end we decide against starters, and move straight into mains. M and I both have the veal escalope, served with spaghetti.  This is a good sized portion, nicely breaded and tasty, and the spaghetti prevents it being too dry.  B has the salmon and prawns: this is an oven baked salmon steak topped with smoked salmon & prawns. The accompanying lemon sauce is a bit overpowering, but the fish itself is really good.  P goes for the calves liver, served properly pink, with mash and a sage sauce.  We also have a side order of deep-fried courgettes.

We outlast most of the groups, so the place becomes quieter again – it’s a slightly odd atmosphere. Service has been good, and with the 4 bottles of wine the bill comes to a bit over £150 with service (ie well over 50% on wine!).

Despite my comments about the atmosphere, I did enjoy the food, so will probably be back to explore the starter menu.