On Wednesday evening, I visited Alfredo’s in Somerton. A smart, modern spot inspired by cicchetti, the Venetian tradition of small sharing plates. Think of it as the Italian cousin of Spanish tapas, encouraging you to sample and share a variety of dishes around the table. I believe I caught them on their steak night, although, truth be told, that wasn’t entirely clear at the time. The menu differed from what’s shown on their website, with the evening’s mains heavily focused on steak.

To start, I ordered focaccia bread topped with rosemary, served with a small bowl of olive oil and balsamic for dipping. A familiar but welcome opening. I also had almonds and olives, though I made the wrong call assuming the olives would be pitted (they weren’t), something to be aware of if you prefer less effort between bites.

For the main course, I went with a ribeye steak, served with chips and salad. There was a choice of sauces, and I went for peppercorn. I’d have preferred it served on the side rather than poured directly over the steak. A jug or small pot always feels like a neater option. Still, the steak itself was delicious and cooked exactly as I asked: medium rare. The accompanying salad was generously dressed, quite sharp with vinegar, which some might enjoy more than others.

The dessert menu arrived a little crumpled, which I’ll take as a sign it’s very popular. Dessert was a double order! First, a mascarpone panna cotta with strawberries and biscuit pieces, followed by a scoop of raspberry sorbet. The panna cotta was light and summery, and the sorbet was sharp and refreshing.

I did wonder whether the ingredients were sourced locally. This wasn’t on the menu, but something that would definitely add to the experience if highlighted. A few small refinements aside, Alfredo’s offers a warm, communal style of dining that suits the relaxed pace of Somerton well.
Note: There is a discretionary 10% service charge added to the final bill.
Is Alfredo’s suitable for families? Yes, you can view the children’s menu on their website.
Where should I park? I recommend using the Brunel Precinct car park in Somerton. The restaurant is a two-minute walk from the car park.

Based in Somerset, Adam Crookes is on a mission to uncover everything this county has to offer. Adam grew up in Martock before moving to Street in early 2020.