Food For Thought In Yeovil

Eating out in Yeovil is something of a rare treat for me, but lately I've been checking out some eateries a little bit off the beaten track...

The general standard of restaurants in Yeovil is pretty high, there's everything from fine dining to fast food, but the most popular haunts like Prezzo, Tamburino's, Viceroy, Akash and Ask are all well trodden paths by now and I reckon it's about time we looked at a few of Yeovil's hidden culinary gems.

First off, I checked out La Toscana, tucked away (and quite possibly overlooked) on Bond Street. Bizarrely, this establishment prides itself on a heady mix of Italian and Mexican scran, interesting.

The menu essentially poses you with a conundrum; which route do I take? Well, if you so wish you can combine the two, say, for example, starting off with a classic, dainty mixed Italian salad followed by a gutbusting spicy chicken Burrito for main.

It's odd, but it's something different and their pizzas are top notch too, there's loads to choose from and I'm happy to wager they're up there with the best around. Perhaps the food is a little on the pricey side, £8 for Nachos - essentially crisps, cheese and sour cream - is a bit steep in my book, but all in all I'd recommend you check out La Toscana  when you're in the mood for something a little...different.

Next, a relatively new little cafe that is fast gaining a reputation for good, locally sourced food served in an altogether alternative atmosphere where the creative meets the culinary.

In their words, the Vintage Fair Cafe want to "show you how to make do and mend, to save money and the planet" (whilst giving you a good feed, of course).

Vintage Fair deals in decent cafe grub for brekky/brunch - local bacon butties, maple syrup pancakes, eggs benedict and the like are all served up with steaming mugs of fair trade tea and coffee, true to their ethical principles. 

The lunch menu comprises of an ever-changing array of seasonal produce posted on little specials blackboards floating around the place. Where they can, the food is local, seasonal and cooked on site so you never know what treats to expect.

The cafe has a truly eclectic, green and ethical vibe to it and the community spirit is kept very much alive by the plethora of arty clubs and groups that are encouraged to make full use of the site, there's even an art gallery that showcases local artwork in the loft. Look out for the 'Stitch & *****' sessions that incorporate the mellow art of crochet with a good old gossip.

Last but by no means least, the Kaskada on South western Terrace is going someway to bridging the gap between Yeovil's inherent citizens and the ever growing Polish community. Serving a fully traditional menu of Polish cuisine, Kaskada is certainly worth a visit, especially for those with an adventurous palate and penchant for fish and game dishes.

Don't be put off by the slightly daunting shop front - try to see past the dark exterior and venture inside because you'll be surprised at the size and style of the restaurant come-bar which deals solely in authentic Polish food and booze, there ain't no chicken and chips here.

Typically, the reasonably priced menu bursts with gamey meat and fresh fish; from zander to deer, pork to herring. It's a bit of a step into leftfield to have a bash at steamed Golden Bream with almonds, but nothing ventured, right?

I know it's not in everyone's comfort zone to eat foreign food in unfamiliar surroundings, but dip your toe in - after all, when you think about it, it's not that far removed from a visit to the curry house...

Know of any hidden culinary gems in or around Yeovil? Don't keep them to yourself, tell all and get our tastebuds a'tickling.

Also, please find time to write reviews of the restaurants in our business directory - good or bad, we want to hear about your eating experiences in our town.

Bon Appetit!