We browsed an extremely creative variety of meals, consisting of crevette, smoked salmon and mango salad; prawns with spinach and Isle of Wight black garlic and coconut oil; and “insane water” bream fillet in broth.
From the specials menu, we selected the fish of the day; an entire sea bass provided in a foil parcel.
Steam radiated the scent of peperonata sauce – minimized red bell peppers and olive oil.
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The fish was under a haphazard lattice of samphire stalks, almost like it was swimming through the glasswort.
The sea bass was exceptionally yummy, maintaining all the flavours in the tasty juice and its flesh apart quickly from its numerous bones.
It was a condimenty combination of active ingredients; salt from the crisp samphire and pepper from the sauce contributing to the fish’s own intrinsic flavour.
The veggies were served in tasty teriyaki, ginger and soy bean sauce, contributing a subtle Asian ambiance to the meal.
The cheescake at Tonino’s. (Image: Matt and Cat)
Meals are often pressed in a specific taste instructions where whatever is just spice. This meal had a well balanced blend of flavours.
Cat’s linguine con canestrelli was another of Tonino’s numerous ingenious seafood meals.
We delighted in the good selection of buttery scallops provided in a velvety sauce, with a tip of vermouth offering a sweet note.
There were a lot of fresh garden peas, and the asparagus spears were simply the ideal side of floppy.
Some ethnic eateries have an inequality in between mains and desserts, however in a good Italian restaurant the quality of both is generally ensured – and Tonino’s is no exception.
Sicilian lemon and mascarpone cheesecake was sparky and abundant, with a noticeable citrusy scent.
The garnish of small lemon wedges looked appealing, however they were alas too little to squeeze!
The timeless tiramisu was well provided, with icing sugar snow and chocolate dust. This homemade trifle was truly thick, and all the much better for it.
We were pleased with our meal at Tonino’s.
Its durability on Cowes High Street bears testimony to its quality.
The service got along and lovely and we were truly blown away by the imaginative menu.
Well done, the Isle of Wight, when again revealing us that there are still good locations to be found.
Matt and Cat’s Bill:
Scallop linguine £17.95
Sea bass £28.95
Sicilian cheesecake £7.95
Tiramisu £7.95
Total: £62.80
4 STARS
