Hello, Beautiful Souls,
Today’s post starts with a little lesson in English grammar: “Not everything that glitters is gold.”
And nowhere was this more true than at my latest foodie outing, this time to Ave Mario, the trendy Italian spot nestled in the ever-buzzing Covent Garden.
Let’s set the scene. I had high hopes, maybe even sky-high ones. Ave Mario, part of the ever-popular Big Mamma Group, had been sitting on my must-try list for a while. After all, I had the most sublime experience at Circolo Popolare, their Fitzrovia sibling, a few years ago. I still dream about that heavenly truffle pasta, rich, creamy, indulgent- the dish that makes you close your eyes mid-bite.
So naturally, when I walked into Ave Mario, I was chasing that same truffle high. But alas, beautiful people, not every sequel lives up to the original.
Let’s start with the vibes, because there are plenty. Ave Mario is loud, proud, and unapologetically vibrant. Think bold colour contrasts, neon lights, and a bit of disco energy with a sprinkle of Italian flair. It’s a feast for the eyes and, yes, totally Instagrammable. If you’re a fan of aesthetics, you’ll be snapping away before the starters even arrive.
Speaking of which, we began with arancini balls, and they were chef’s kiss. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with flavour. A very promising start. Then came the moment I was waiting for: the Mafaldine al Tartufo. Visually? Stunning. Portion? Generous. But flavour-wise, something was missing. The truffle just didn’t sing like it used to. Maybe it was my evolving taste buds, maybe it was an off day in the kitchen, but that luxurious depth I remembered was replaced with something more muted. Not bad by any means, just not magic. My lovely mum opted for a simple pasta with tomato sauce, and that was a win. Classic, comforting, and done right, because sometimes simplicity is the real flex.
We sipped on two mocktails (refreshing and fruity, perfect for a spring day), and since it was my birthday, I couldn’t resist the tiramisu. Soft, creamy, and lightly boozy, exactly what a birthday treat should be.
Now, about the service. It was okay. Not bad, not great, just somewhere in the middle. To be fair, the place was buzzing, so maybe the team was simply overwhelmed. That said, I do believe that service can make or break a dining experience, and in this case, it leaned a bit more on the forgettable side.
Would I go again? Probably not. Not because it was bad, it wasn’t! But in a city like London, bursting at the seams with delicious gems waiting to be discovered, I’d rather spend my next outing exploring somewhere new.
Final thoughts?
- Go for the atmosphere.
- Stay for the photos.
- Lower the expectations just a tad.
Until next time, my beautiful souls, keep exploring, keep tasting, and never stop seeking joy in the little things (like a perfectly rolled arancini ball).
