Per Tutti in Berkhamsted

It was the night before the offical opening when we were invited to go and try out the brand new Italian restaurant Per Tutti, in Berkhamsted, and I couldn’t wait. I hadn’t heard much about it, and I was intrigued to see what they’d done with the old bank interior of the former Britannia building society.

I’m pleased to report the interior is gorgeous. Soft beiges and golds make it feel very grown up, while a mixture of textures including marble, leather and fabric give it a classy feel.

But what about the food? The menu looked lovely, and we started with bruscetta to share. The tomatoes were so fresh they tasted as though they’d just been picked. For my main course I chose Linguine aglio olio e peperoncino, or linguine with garlic, chilli, olive oil and rocket, while my husband Tom went for Gamberoni piccanti, or pan-fried king prawns with lemon, parsley, white wine and cherry tomato sauce served with toasted Italian breads. The pasta was simple (I don’t like fussy foods), but so light and tasty; the prawns were gorgeous, succulent and the sauce was rich and tasty.

I got a chance to chat to one of the owners, Olga, who runs the front of house at Per Tutti with her husband Jovan, the chef. They opened their first restaurant in St Albans three years ago CHK, and have been looking for the perfect place to expand; and this, she says, was it.  They really have made a beautiful job of it. The décor is stunning; a mural of Venice takes up one wall, while a mix of textures make the place look decadent and grown up.

The staff are friendly too – in fact I liked it so much I took my friend back there a week later and she loved it too! Some may say we have enough Italian restaurants in Berkhamsted, but to them I say – give it a go! It’s most definitely a very welcome addition to the town.