“AD” – Why is this here?

Limoncello has long been a favourite of mine on Mill Road and it is easy to see why. It is more than just a restaurant but a unique Italian hub that seamlessly blends a café, a deli, and a shop all in one. Stepping inside feels like a genuine trip to Italy, with premium Italian products lined across the shelves and a wonderful al fresco dining area out the back.

I was excited to be invited back by Luke and his team to try their new steak menu. Knowing their commitment to sourcing, I was sure to be in for a treat, with their beef coming from the excellent Highgate butcher in Willingham. It is this emphasis on quality and traceability is a key part of the Limoncello experience, and I couldn’t wait to see how this was going to be reflected in their new menu.

The on-site deli is a particular highlight, featuring an abundance of Italian cheeses and cured meats. Everything you see here is something that will wind up on your plate which adds an extra layer of reassurance and intrigue. I was joined by Sean where we chuckled together about a fantasy of being accidentally locked in here over night 🤣

Setting foot in the restaurant is like walking into a bistro in Italy. It was clear that the owner Luke has put real effort into creating a vibrant, casual environment, that creates a relaxing, and social vibe. When I asked Alex about the venues design, he smiled and explained that they’d visited Italy for inspiration, and many of the furnishings were a direct result of these trips. The covered garden area, if anything, only adds to the sense of fun and relaxation. Combine that with an exciting menu that begs you to share with your friends or family, and you’ve got yourself the perfect place to socialise over dinner. It’s easy to forget you’re sat mere feet away from one of the most bustling streets in Cambridge.

Sean Figura

Anti Pasto Board

I have said it before and I’ll say it again: the antipasto board at Limoncello is my favourite in Cambridge. Everything on this board is pure indulgence – from the colourful cured meats to the delicate Italian cheeses is all picked straight from the deli to order. It is a showstopping sight that brings conversation to a halt every time it is brought out, adding a wonderful social element that is at the very heart of the Italian dining experience.

The board truly has to be seen to be believed. Every item offers something unique while also giving you the freedom to mix and match according to your taste or mood. A creamy, soft brie-esque cheese stole my heart, with a bold flavour and thick texture that was so enchanting I was tempted to buy some to take home. A proud burrata centrepiece was surrounded by wedges of delicate Italian cheeses and a selection of truly beautiful salami and chorizo, offering temptation and colour at every turn. I was in paradise!

Starters

Camembert

Along with the antipasto board, we received a selection from the starter menu. A stunning-looking camembert was brought out, served in a charming orange ceramic bowl with sliced ciabatta. The camembert is made from buffalo milk offering a sweeter, more gooey experience than one made from cow’s milk. I have often found ciabatta elsewhere to be tough and chewy at times but this bread was the perfect canvas; being soft, light, and with a slightly crispy exterior, that is ready to be smothered in the camembert’s rich and incredibly thick gooeyness.

Bruschetta Pomodoro

Sometimes a dish doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to let the quality of the ingredients shine. This is precisely what their bruschetta pomodoro achieves. It is simply toasted ciabatta with fresh tomatoes, a little olive oil, and seasoning. That’s it. Since many of their fruits and vegetables are sourced locally from the legendary Mill Road institution Hilary’s, it was no surprise that the tomatoes were bursting with flavour. They were alive with a rich, vibrant taste, a firm reminder of what a tomato is truly supposed to be, unlike those anaemic ones found at the supermarket.

Lobster Ravioli

From the specials board, an irresistible looking Lobster Ravioli caught my eye. It arrived in a modest portion swimming in a rich, golden butter. The ravioli itself was a pleasant surprise: each parcel was plump and remarkably well-packed with succulent lobster, offering a generous yet delicate flavour.

Steaks

The new steak menu is concise and oozes confidence with just three streamlined options – a fillet, tagliata (T-bone), and bistecca (sirloin) – instead of the usual half-dozen you would normally expect on a steak menu elsewhere. This focused approach allows the kitchen to do things exceptionally well. Each steak is served simply on a bed of rocket with roasted potatoes and a pot of salsa verde.

The tagliata T-bone was an impressive display. Presented on a sharing platter, it is served sliced into strips, making it easy to share. Topped with parmesan shavings, the dish gains a savoury and salty dimension without overpowering the steak’s original flavour. The steak itself, with its beautiful dark crust, revealed a stunning medium-rare pinkness in the middle. It was soft, tender, and incredibly juicy, with a depth of flavour that made it impossible to stop picking at.

I have lost count of how many times new potatoes have arrived at my table as a timid, anaemic disaster, which is why I rarely order them anymore. But these roasted potatoes were a revelation. They were perfectly prepared, like mini jacket potatoes with a fluffy, soft middle and a satisfying crispy skin. Earthy and substantial, they were a delicious side that complemented the steak without ever overshadowing it.

The fillet steak was equally enchanting, with an impossibly soft and tender body that was a pure joy to sink my teeth into. It came with a vibrant salsa verde, which is made on-site from a mix of fresh herbs. Unlike typical sauces, this one didn’t overpower or mask the steak’s flavour but instead worked with the meat to create a more robust and complex flavour profile that was truly delightful.

Other gems

I was lucky enough to try a cheeky bite of this striking truffle and Italian sausage pasta. Soft, smooth, and creamy.

An Italian Chardonnay is a rare find but this little beauty was the ideal company for a humid and muggy evening. Served chilled, it had a strong citrusy nose that really took me by surprise. Slightly acidic with hints of grapefruit. It was absolutely beautiful with a lovely tang.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu has to be my favourite dessert of all time. I adore it, but unfortunately, I was on a diet. I held strong with that lie I told myself for about 40 seconds until I caved quicker than Superman on laundry day and ordered a huge slab. In my defence, I hadn’t ordered a huge slab, that’s just how it comes at Limoncello – the thing was absolutely massive!

The pistachio tiramisu was loaded with nuts, creating a crunchy top that gave way to an impossibly light and spongy base. It was so refreshing and creamy that it went down far too easily, making my momentary dietary failings totally worth it.

The largest gem of Mill Road treasures

It’s clear that Limoncello’s reputation as a Cambridge institution is well-earned. The new steak menu is a confident and considered addition but it is the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity that truly sets it apart.

Everything impressed me tonight, from the monstrous antipasto board to the perfectly executed steaks to, perhaps, the best tiramisu I have had in the city of Cambridge(?). With every dish being a testament to their passion for incredible ingredients. Limoncello is not just a place to eat, it is a genuine Italian experience that leaves you feeling enriched and thoroughly satisfied.

Thanks for reading!