Montalbano

Someone from this business manages this listing.

950 reviews

#1 of 29 Restaurants in Tenterden$$ - $$$, Italian, Mediterranean, European

+44 1580 388182+ Add website

Hours

Sun

12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Mon

12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Tue

12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Wed

12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Thu

12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Fri

12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sat

12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

950 reviews

#1 of 29 Restaurants in Tenterden

Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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CUISINES

Italian, Mediterranean, European, Sicilian, Southern-Italian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

features

Location and contact

75 High Street, Tenterden TN30 6BB England

+44 1580 388182

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Is this an Australian restaurant?

Yes

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Details

Manage this business?

CUISINES

Italian, Mediterranean, European, Sicilian, Southern-Italian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music

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4.5

950 reviews

Excellent

763

Very good

123

Average

Poor

Terrible

Susan C

United Kingdom508 contributions

Lunch for three

Jan 2020 • friends

Had not booked, turned up at the door and was greeted by a friendly gentleman. They were very busy but they were able to seat us. The menu had a good choice of foods to pick. They also had a set lunch menu which was very reasonable in choice and price. The friendly Gentleman who greeted us at the door, took our food and drink order. We did not have to wait long. The food was delicious. Husband had lamb which was perfectly cooked with well seasoned vegetables. Ordered a Montepulciano wine to accompany his meal. I had the spaghetti carbonara which was full of flavour. Our friend had the crab and prawn seafood ravioli. Again another balanced meal full of flavour. All the main courses were not too much and hit the spot. Highly recommend these meal choices. For dessert we ordered two tiramisu and the hot chocolate souffle with a latte icecream. Tiramisu was tasty and light. The other dessert was very tasty and chocolately but it was not a souffle. It was more like a fondant in texture, taste, and looks. A souffle is a dish that is made from egg yolks, beaten egg whites, and a flavoring or purée and baked until puffed up. I would like to say even though it was not described as what I had ordered, it was lovely. If the dessert I had was on the menu, I would have selected it. A very good meal. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Would definitely come back here to eat again. Thank you for a lovely meal.

Written January 11, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ana-I1706

You are very welcome Susan and we are so happy that you enjoyed your dining experience here at Montalbano. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Written January 21, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

John_Razza

Province of Lecco15 contributions

A cutout of Italy in Kent County

Jan 2020 • none

Business brought me in Tenterden (Kent, UK) for one week. Just entered in the in the restaurant (raccomanded by my English Customers) a friendly “Buonasera” welcomed us in a warm and Italian atmosphere. Mrs. Anna (the owner) immediate made us comfortable accompanying us to the table. Antonella and Davide served us with professional kindness that only Italians can offer all around the world. We dined all evenings during our stay in town. The restaurant is always busy so (especially during weekends) booking is recommended; even if Sunday evening the restaurant was full, (and we have not booked) Mrs. Anna has offered us Prosecco, and in few minutes found a table to allow us to spend a perfect Italian dinner. A place to return.

Written January 28, 2020

jemls1998

Kent26 contributions

Beautiful Restaurant - Delicious food.

Jun 2019 • none

Would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. Leaving this review a little late as we ate here in June, so quite a hot day. We walked in as my boyfriends family live in Tenterden and we were meant to go in the evening but got to Tenterden a tad later than we wanted, so we strolled in the next day at roughly lunch time, we felt a little under dressed as we were in summer attire and everyone else looked a little more dressy (note to self for next time!) - had to wait 10 mins to be seated which wasn't a problem as it showed it was a desirable place to eat, when we got sat down we were near the back so we did have waiters trudging through back and forth behind us but we didn't book a table so it's our fault. The food was 10/10 PERFECT. We only had a main and a dessert, we had the Bolognase and carbonara pasta dishes for main, usually i find carbonara hard to perfect as it can be too rich, but this was a perfect blend of flavors and not a trace were left on our plates. For dessert we both had their home made icecream which was wonderful and full of flavor and wish we could've had more! We will definitely be returning and will make sure to book an evening table and wear something nicer next time. We drive past regularly, and it's always full which is a wonderful sign. The servers were impeccable, very attentive and always making sure their diners were replenished with drinks and plates didn't stay on the table too long after finishing.

Written January 3, 2020

Lesley L

15 contributions

Montalbano Magic

Jan 2020 • none

After visiting Montalbano Bottega in the summer and loving it we were looking forward to visiting the restaurant. It was not a disappointment. Lovely buzzy atmosphere, very tasty food beautifully cooked and friendly staff, especially the English waiter ,sorry didn’t get your name.. This was a little touch of Sicily on a dark grey day . Being allergic to garlic it was no problem for them to offer dishes without it. Much appreciated . Although it is a hundred mile round trip we most definitely will return

Written January 26, 2020

walkingloopylou

Taunton81 contributions

Excellent service and choice really good food

Feb 2020 • none

Arrived for Sunday lunch. This place had a great atmosphere and was very busy. The staff gave great service and were very tentative. The food was very tasty and good value for money offering a very varied menu of choices.

Written February 2, 2020

Susie51

58 contributions

Great lunch

Mar 2020 • none

We enjoyed a lovely meal from a great value and choices menu. Such a nice atmosphere- courteous genial staff. Service was great from the moment our coats were taken for us - water bottles automatically replenished and the delicious food served speedily. Thank you

Written March 12, 2020

John C

Hollingbourne188 contributions

Feb 2020 • none

A very popular and well recommended restyaurant in the centre of Tentyerden which is promoted as the jewel in the Weald of Kent. The service and food were good but the tables are very close together and you may find yourself effectively dining with strangers. If you are happy with this, then the Montalbano is for you as the food is excellent.

Written February 23, 2020

rj333

1 contribution

Returning visit

Mar 2020 • couples

Have come to this restaurant for a couple of years now and eat once every 2-3 months. Service is always excellent and food is high quality. On this occasion it was nice to have a mixture of english and italian staff - all friendly and able to make recommendations for food and wine. Greeted warmly by manager and staff. Have recommended this restaurant to friends who have booked later this month. Definitely worth a visit - book in advance to get your preferred time!

Written March 8, 2020

LondonBlonde

Broadstairs151 contributions

Fantastic Italian food and wonderful service

Jul 2021 • family

As visitors to the local area, Montalbano was recommended to us. We visited for my Mum’s birthday and had a fantastic table on the sunny terrace. I dropped off her flowers earlier that day which were placed on the table for us, and as soon as we sat down Adriano brought us a glass of complimentary Prosecco. We shared a huge Frito Misto starter which was light and crisp, a tasty Italian bread board to start with. Our main courses were sole, a sea bass special and a spaghetti fruito di mare. All were very generously sized, and great flavours. We followed this with desserts, and had two bottles of very reasonably priced rose. I was slightly amazed that such good food was less than £50 per head. The staff, particularly Adriano, were charming and helpful… meal was served as a great pace and they even sang happy birthday to my Mum. It was so nice that we’re going again later in our holiday!

Written July 8, 2021

Micky

Tenterden3 contributions

Huge prices for small portions and mouldy grapes

Jul 2020 • family

Went tonight with husband and daughter to this restaurant, we were all looking forward to the meal out as was our first one after lockdown. Prices are huge,£29 for a steak if you wish it with sauce, without sauce £26.50. We did not order steak, we ordered lamb cutlets and swordfish steak, portions way too small, we were way hungry after main course so we ordered cheese at £9 each, anything in “dolci” pudding menu are ranging from £6.95 to £9. My cheese came with mouldy grapes, daughter’s homemade nougat ice cream with chocolate sauce was tasteless, lacking any kind of creamy texture but just an icy texture, chocolate sauce was just on the plate, enough to smudge on the plate but not sufficient to take any on the dessert spoon or fork, depending on your preference. We paid £100 for one G&T, one house red wine at £19, the above tiny main courses , tiny portion of lasagne for daughter, cheese and tasteless ice cream, will not go back.

Written July 22, 2020

Geoff H

Sissinghurst17427 contributions

An excellent evening

Oct 2021 • none

Went for dinner with friends on a Friday night. We were welcomed warmly and, although the restaurant was very busy, the service was faultless. The food was well presented, cooked perfectly and the portion sizes were good (my wife had grilled lamb chops and had to ask for a doggy bag). I had the seafood spaghetti which was excellent. There was a good choice of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and the prices were reasonable. An excellent evening and good value for money.

Written October 6, 2021

v-essex

Essex222 contributions

Underwhelming and Under Cooked Salmon

Jul 2022 • couples

Very disappointed after reading rave reviews about this place. Was visiting Tenterden and looking forward to visiting and eating here. Starters not great choice so ordered bread no dishes served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar just left in bottles on the table not good with hygiene having to touch these then eat bread ? I ordered the salmon when it arrived waited for the potatoes and veg to then find 3 half's of potato underneath and some green leaves on the side so a bit underwhelming. As I started to eat the first two pieces were fine then unfortunately the salmon was extremely undercooked verging on raw! This was taken off the bill and apologies were given but for a popular restaurant I find this inexcusable. Dogs also allowed on the terrace which we did not realise as my husband is asthmatic so not great for us to find a dog on the next table. Disappointed and left hungry.

Written July 6, 2022

Chris A

St Agnes35 contributions

Ok nothing to rave about

Apr 2021 • friends

We paid £160 for two bottles of wine and two courses each there were 4 of us in our party, the place was packed great to see post lockdown 3 . No windows open the place was hot and stuffy not COVID safe. Food was OK that’s the best I can say lack of flavour in my view . To be fair we we were on a time schedule as our taxi was not flexible about the 10pm pick up. It’s great it’s still privately owned just need to get some flavour in the dishes

Written May 23, 2021

Ana I

Many thanks for taking the time to write regarding your recent experience. As a small family business, feedback is paramount to us. I was very sorry to hear about your dining experience with us when clearly some aspects of the food served in the evening was not to our usual standard. Not sure if this was brought to the attention of the person serving you at the time? You mention you had a table for four - was it a particular dish or dishes that you felt lacked of flavour? We always encourage our customers to let us know when things do not go quite right so we can immediately feedback the relevant teams and do our very best to address the situation. It is in no way an excuse and please rest assured that I have passed your feedback to our Head Chef and his team - our apologies. If you would like to be a bit more specific regarding the dishes you had, feel free to contact me directly at customerservice@montalbanorestaurant.co.uk. We had excellent feedback on many of our dishes since our re opening, however I appreciate something must have gone wrong with your dish/dishes. You have mentioned that no windows were open: we keep the bar window and most of the time either the front or the back door open. Particularly with the recent cold weather, we need to strike the right balance and ensure our customers feel comfortable when eating and not feel cold. Some of our windows are right next to the customers tables and can be open should the customer demand, however we would not force open windows on a cold evening. We do have a lovely, heated outdoor terrace - customers can aways choose to dine outdoor. Like many other restaurants and businesses that operate indoor, we do have procedures in place such as: enhanced cleaning schedules, distanced tables, staff that wear face coverings, alcohol gel stations throughout the restaurant etc. We have invested in additional heaters for our terrace to encourage outdoor dining and continously try our best to keep our customer as safe and comfortable as possible. Should you decide to return to our family restaurant, please feel free to contact me directly at customerservice@montalbanorestaurant.co.uk, as I would be delighted to personally handle the reservation details for you. Many thanks once again for your feedback and sincerely look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Kindest regards Ana

Written May 26, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Maxted

1 contribution

Exquisite

Aug 2020 • family

This is the first time of writing a review on a restaurant but after lunching in Montalbano today with mine and my brothers family it would do them a disservice not to. The Staff were friendly and accommodating especially towards my 4 year old son and the food was absolutely wonderful, even the garlic bread was special. This was no run of the mill italian restaurant, Montalbano is really worth travelling for.

Written August 28, 2020

Viv Lowe

London6 contributions

A reminder of wonderful Sicily.

Jun 2021 • none

We have just been to our favourite local restaurant Montalbano in Tenterden. Everything was as good as it always is with wonderfully fresh and well-cooked delicious food and superb service and such a warm welcome. Firstly we had a very friendly and smiley waitress who told us how much she enjoyed working for the family who own Montalbano. This was followed by Adriano who had that gift for waiting tables. In my experience all Italian waiters have this and are very professional in their approach. We felt so well-looked after and although they were pretty nearly fully booked one never felt rushed. One of us was worried that the parking time was nearly up so got up to rush out to re-park the car offering to leave a credit card at the reception to guarantee return to settle the bill. This was graciously waved aside. We have recommended this marvellous restaurant many times to friends and they too now keep returning. Vivienne and Shelley.

Written June 11, 2021

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