Semola | A new fresh pasta restaurant

There is often a slight sense of apprehension when a new Italian restaurant opens in Brighton & Hove. Once a city not so blessed with an authentic offering, the food scene has expanded dramatically and we now have gems such as Cin Cin, Fatto a Mano and Edendum. I was very interested then, when I saw a new restaurant sign in Hove with the words “fresh and homemade pasta”. Even more so, when mixed reviews came out for this new restaurant from some trusted foodie friends. Luckily for me, Salvatore invited me along to try Semola, so I could see for myself*.

Food at Semola

Semola’s philosophy is based on a love of creating, eating and enjoying good, fresh food. Ingredients are sourced direct from Italy, as well as locally, in line with seasonal changes and the menu changes daily to reflect the fresh produce.

I love a simple pasta dish, and don’t eat it out very often as it’s usually overloaded with sauce. So when I saw Agliolio Piccante on the menu, I knew this was what I was looking for – linguine in extra virgin olive oil, garlic and fresh chilli.

The pasta itself was rich in taste and cooked perfectly – al dente, so slightly firmer in texture. I loved the uncomplicated flavours of garlic and chilli paired with the pasta, and only wish there had been slightly more of it!

Following the pasta, Salvatore surprised us by bringing out a margherita pinsa -yes, pinsa not pizza! Pinsa is made using wheat, soy and rice flour, and proved for a minimum of 48 hours before shaped, topped and cooked. Another simple yet tasty dish, the pinsa had a nice crisp to it and also felt lighter on the tummy than some pizzas.

Third place?

Semola is a restaurant with great value for money in a casual setting, which makes it an ideal spot. Two pasta dishes, a pinsa and two glasses of wine came to around £28, which is not bad at all. The menu is very simple and family friendly, classic Italian eatery style, with a changing menu. For me, I wasn’t a big fan of the bright blue wall along one side and the doodles on the menu, but I liked the contemporary feel overall.

Based on my experience, I would go back again – particularly if craving that particular sort of pasta dish.

Have you been to Semola yet? I’d love to hear what you thought, or what your favourite place in Brighton & Hove is for Italian food – let me know in the comments.

*I was invited to Semola, along with a guest, to review the restaurant. As always, my opinion is my own.