Review

In the hustle and bustle of Cambridge market there is a haven of peace of tranquility where it is possible to relax, unwind and grab a bite to eat and drink in an unhurried environment.

On the corner of the Market Place, Don Pasqualle is the oldest and biggest Italian Restaurant in Cambridge, and quite possibly the busiest. Split over three levels it is a

a labyrinth of different rooms, alcoves and corners, ideal to hide yourself away for a while

labyrinth of different rooms, alcoves and corners, ideal to hide yourself away for a while. Indeed the only evidence of the hectic life outside are the calls of the market traders enticing shoppers to their wares. Alternately you can sit outside on the large patio area and watch the world go by.

We chose the first floor for a lunchtime meal and were quickly seated in a sun drenched room overlooking the picturesque Great St Marys Church towering over the multicoloured quilt of tarpaulin covered market stalls, with the college buildings just visible in the background.

Despite the look of the restaurant, fast food this is not, as all the dishes are freshly cooked on the premises made with ingredients purchased a few yards away at the greengrocers' market stalls.

For starters we selected the bruschetta with pimentos, tasty but knives and forks were needed as the bread was somewhat moist, and washed it down with a tangy house red, conveniently available in half bottle sizes. We passed the time marveling at bowls full of neatly presented salads and steaming pizzas, crusts overhanging the plate, being rushed out to hungry shoppers and day trippers. Everything about Don Pasqualle says "fresh" and the smoked salmon salad was full of crispy lettuce and we crunched through the red onions and cherry tomatoes accompanied by a bowl of fresh bread.

At peak times the two waiting staff on a floor of 70 seats can look rushed and harried and the non-Italian staff often forgot the vital condiments of olive oil and balsamic vinegar or parmesan and black pepper as they strived to serve the room full of hungry diners. Food was often delayed as the staff cashed bills and poured drinks.

For dessert we chose the excellent vanilla ice cream topped off with coffee beans and a steaming espresso made with Don Pasqualle's own blend of freshly imported coffee.

Previously a telegraph office and later a hardware store Don Pasqualle has not changed much since opening in 1973. Maybe the walls could do with a lick of paint and the furniture updated but to use a phrase appropriate for the building's past "it does what it says on the tin." Don Pasqualle serves fresh, wholesome Italian food in relaxing surroundings where there is never any pressure to rush or leave once the meal is completed.