What could be more appropriate this month than a cosy, romantic Italian restaurant in which to enjoy an intimate meal for two…? We’ve a delightful recommendation in the form of Boston’s Bizzarro!

It’s fair to say that the Anglocising of international cuisine is one of the country’s cardinal foody sins, with the pastiches of Chinese, Indian, Italian and Thai food poor representations of authentic cooking – for instance, many scarcely acknowledge that Italian food extends beyond mundane pasta and pizza dishes, which is why finding a restaurant such as Bizzarro is a rare pleasure… especially when that restaurant blends faithful food with Lincolnshire ingredients to create authentic dishes of exceptional quality.

Chef Patron Tony Filosas has been utterly faithful to the food he enjoyed in his native Formia, on the Mediterranean coast of Italy equidistant between Rome and Naples on the Appian Way.

“We had an old cottage in the hills.” Says Tony. “My grandmother used to make gnocci in her garden, and taught me everything I needed to know about making pasta!”

Despite insisting on remaining absolutely faithful to the most revered characteristics of Italian food, including the necessity of fresh ingredients, plenty of healthy fish dishes and plenty of salads and vegetables plus vibrant flavours with lively herbs, Tony also recognises that Lincolnshire people tend to favour uncomplicated dishes prepared exceptionally well rather than fussy dishes stifled under their own pretentiousness.

As such, the menu of Boston’s Bizzarro comprises Antipasta, Pasta e Risotto and Insalata choices plus a choice of seven Secondi and seven puddings so that diners can emulate the many smaller courses favoured in Italy or a more traditional three course dining option favoured in the UK.

It’s a happy compromise with plenty of choice in each area of the menu and generous options for vegetarian diners too.
Highlights of the menu include Formaggio Fritto using fontina cheese coated in polenta and deep fried; a camembert-like dish popular with Lincolnshire folk and available as Antipasta, and Pollo Bizzarro, a signature dish on the Secondi menu with a richly delicious tomato and marscarpone sauce.

Whilst offering authentic Italian dining, Tony is only too conscious of how lucky he is to have a wealth of local suppliers on his doorstep and