Noi Quattro

Noi Quattro is a stylish, modern Italian pizzeria in the Northern Quarter. Very convenient for tram and bus transport, it is also nicely set off around a corner, making for a relaxing and intimate spot ideal for dates and well-earned lunch-breaks.

The Cuoppo di Mare was like fish and chips, but fresh and light

As well as serving fabulous, authentic pizza, Noi Quattro also specialises in Cuoppi, a street food consisting of fried pieces served in a paper cone. I went for the Cuoppo di Mare, the seafood version. This was like fish and chips, but fresh and light, served in a crisp batter. The portion was also extremely generous. In fact, the cone was a cornucopia of delight which kept on giving: here was a giant prawn, here was a squid, a school of whitebait fillets … the sea gave up its treasures and this diner was very happy.

The beer was also excellent, an Amarcord lager called Gradisca, vitalising and easy to drink.

A wonderful aroma came up to me from the moment the plate was set down on the table

Then came the pizza itself. This was the Vesuvio, a warm and friendly pizza of broccoli and sausage and chili served on a creamy bed of mozzarella. A wonderful aroma came up to me from the moment the plate was set down on the table. In all honesty, I’d have paid good money just for the dough. It’s a stretched, friendly dough; the kind of dough that makes normal bread seem boring and sad.

And somehow, despite the pizza being huge, this diner never felt stuffed. A spike of nice espresso at the end was it all took to stir me.