This week, we had the choice of three new restaurants around Sts Thomas' Square in Newport alone. It was Italian restaurant Toto that drew us in.
We were welcomed by a familiar face, which underlined the fact that Toto is from the same stable as the successful Olivo and its newer cousins, Ryde's Fumo33 and Cibo in Wootton: both of which we are happy to recommend.
We shared our bruschetta starter (main image adbove), which was easily big enough for two. A vast slab of sourdough pizza bread was expertly laden with drizzles of flavoursome Genovese pesto, a sparky tomato salsa and some sprigs of peppery rocket. Fiori di latte — cheese curd to the likes of you — plus the oils in the pesto, kept the dough shiny and succulent. There was plenty to share and, at four quid, this dish was excellent value too.
Matt finds it hard to resist a calzone pizza, and didn't. The calzone bianca at Toto was laden with a steaming hot cargo of nduja, broccoli, ricotta and mushroom. Matt ripped it open eagerly, the delicious nduja smell rising. This was a great combo, with the spicy sausage meat mixing pleasingly with the mellow ricotta.
Matt's calzone.
Delivering the bowl of gnocchi to Cat, the waiter admired her courage in ordering what, despite its seemingly modest size, was actually a substantial meal. The soft dumplings were slathered with creamy wild truffle sauce which married nicely with the sour notes of the parmesan shavings, pimped with extra chicken and tenderstem broccoli customising this gnocchi treat. Despite desperately wanting to finish this splendid dish, Cat found herself defeated in the end and actually left some of the delicious parmesan-laden gnocchi to Matt, which he relished.
Cat's gnocchi.
With both of us very well fed by our first courses, we had to forgo a dessert. A shame, as Cat would undoubtedly have ordered the ten-inch Nutella pizza for pudding. So that will have to wait until next time.
We were delighted with the new Toto. It's going to be hard not to compare it with Olivo, and whilst it does not have the menu scope, it does have the same welcoming, informal feel and satisfying, substantial food with some excellent Mediterranean flavours. A great addition to the Island's food scene.
Matt and Cat's bill
Bruschetta £4
Gnocchi (extra chicken and broccoli) £10
Calzone bianca £10.50
Total: £24.50
Rating: Four stars very good indeed, well worth seeking out
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