La Cosa Nostra

Many restaurants on the St Albans dining scene have come and gone, but La Cosa Nostra has stayed the distance, remaining a firm favourite with local diners for 20 years. This family-run Italian eatery has built a loyal following by keeping things simple and authentic, offering superb service, excellent homemade Italian fare and a buzzing atmosphere - a combination that has earned it praise from Harden's. This is somewhere you can pop in for a quick lunch, indulge in a leisurely three-course feast, or even hire the whole restaurant or downstairs seating area for a meeting or private function. Children are always made welcome too, as almost everything on the menu can be made in a smaller portion. A meal at La Cosa Nostra might begin with deep-fried breaded parcels filled with mozzarella and served with red onion chutney, the chef's mixed seafood salad, or tomato, avocado and mozzarella salad with a fresh basil pesto. In terms of main courses, you can expect first-class traditional pasta dishes and pizzas, as well as lunch offers and a variety of seasonal specials. Pasta fans will love the likes of the linguine alfredo, featuring bacon, onions, mushrooms and peas in a cream sauce, while pizza aficionados will be more than pleased with options such as the fortunato topped with tomato, mozzarella, asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, red peppers and pepperoni. Finish with classic gelato or pastiera di nonna, a traditional Italian custard pastry topped with pine nuts and sugar.