The interior was well configured to make feel like you were one of the only tables taken. Atmosphere was super relaxed and the interior decor was on point. I’m not a fan of being rushed and fussed over while dining and the service reflected that completely, our needs were seamlessly met quite effortlessly. The food was fantastic, simple dishes done perfectly. I chose from the vegan menu and the chef definitely knows what they’re doing. Not eating pasta any other way again.. thanks so much for a lovely birthday meal for my partner!
Verity Smiley-Jones★★★★★
Really amazing food, and great value for money. Highly recommend, we'll be back! Thank you :)
Matt Gooch★★★★★
Relaxed, elegant neighbourhood Italian that uses excellent, authentic produce and ingredients so the food really sings. Friendly and welcoming service. Minor criticisms with drinks, red wine served in the sake glasses as white wine so no room to breathe, which is a shame as the wine list is well curated. Also, disappointing espresso. Either the machine doesn't have enough pressure or it needs a good service/clean. Would still go back though.
Ray Saunders★★★★★
Our second visit this month and another perfect one.
Starting with the wood fired garlic flat bread then moving onto the Queenies Little Scallops in garlic butter, great choice, then onto mains of lamb & venison, both cooked in the wood fired oven, difficult choice as I’ve had them both before, so we shared.
Both were cooked to perfection and the taste was second to none.
Staff gave their usual excellent non intrusive service.
Quy Anderson★★★★★
I was very excited to try this restaurant and I wasn’t disappointed!
Customer service is second to none - attentive and personable. I appreciate how accommodating they were for my little baby. They gave me a table that gave me plenty of room to have my buggy by me. There was plenty of room and we weren’t squashed! We weren’t crammed in some dark corner (as has been our experience with other restaurants). And they offered to warm anything up if needed for the baby.
Food was delicious and high quality. Restaurant was beautiful. It was a wonderful dining experience.
Don’t leave without trying the tiramisu. Best tiramisu ever. The restaurant was kind enough to put them in boxes for us so we could take them home.
Boring but practical details:
The restaurant is a stone’s throw away from the car park (£1 for two hours). Service is 12.5% but we added more (well deserved). The changing table is in the ladies toilet but the way the toilets are set up, the toilets can only be occupied by one person (and baby) at a time. So this can be used by Dad. I love that the changing table isn’t over the loo. It also has shelves. And there’s a hook on the door if you need to hang anything. You could wheel a pushchair in if you needed to.
Emma Hayes★★★★★
This is a restaurant that truly loves food, loves people and celebrates Italy. I don't think that I can compare it to any other Italian restaurant that I have ever seen in Britain. It really is superb.
The food is sublime and the staff that work there exude joy: I can't imagine being anything but happy in the place.
Jamie Riddell★★★★★
Watson & Walpole is a collaboration between David & Ruth Watson and chef Rob Walpole. Step inside for an authentic Italian restaurant. The service was great with the team in hand to explain any of the authentic Italian dishes on offer.
The menu changes frequently to include seasonal dishes and special Italian dishes. Expect regional dishes that are a touch different to pizza and pasta.
We had a great meal and look forward to dining again soon.
Libby Symons★★★★★
Their real shining star is the service. What an inviting and friendly place with really passionate and knowledgeable staff. Bustling from opening time and fresh, tasty food. Noticed them serving tiramisu table side too! What a gem!
Andrew Wardlaw★★★★★
What a delight Watson and Walpole is.
Situated in the market town of Framlingham, this little Italian restaurant is the joint venture between Chef Rob Walpole and Ruth and David Watson.
A beautifully decorated and laid out dining room greets you upon entry. All accentuated by the warm and friendly greeting from the staff.
We booked the 6.30 sitting and arrived right on time, the doors were opening as we arrived so we were first in the restaurant. When booking we were told that we'd need to be done by 8.30 for the next sitting.
Service was fast and wonderfully pleasant, the staff happy to talk and were lovely through the whole meal.
The menu had a good selection of seasonal dishes that as I understand change on a monthly basis depending on available ingredients.
To start I had Scottish scallops with artichoke crema and 'nduja (£12) and it was a fantastic marriage of the 3 flavours. The scallops were perfectly cooked and a nice presentation.
For primi course I had Porcini and guanciale pansoti with sage butter (£11) and boy was this this dish of the night. The strength of flavour from the Porcini was incredible, the pasta was perfectly made and just the right thickness. I could have had that 3 times over and been happy.
My secondi course was Wood roasted Skate with agretti and lemon (£18.5) and the fish was beautifully cooked with some capers and a butter based sauce and the agretti added a lovely lemony flavour.
We had a bowl of Zucchini fritti to share which were very nice if a tad salty.
For pudding I went adventurous and had the vanilla ice cream.
The wine list wasn't extensive but it has a fantastic selection and variety, there should be something to please every palatte.
It's clearly doing well as by the time we left. The restaurant was full and tables were being turned over fast. Book early to avoid disappointment, we booked two weeks ahead and there was already limited space.
My only negatives would be that at the end things felt a little rushed as we were nearing the 8.30 cut off but this can easily be avoided by booking in the second sitting.
Secondly, the bill already had a discretionary 12.5% service charge added. This is in no way me saying the staff were not deserving of the tip, they were for sure, fantastic service all the way through the evening as I already mentioned. My main feeling is let me decide how much I want to tip, I'd have probably tipped more than the 12.5% because I think the staff were worth more but as it was on there I was less inclined to. I know it's becoming more of the norm to add it to the bill but personally I don't agree with it.
Overall Chef Walpole and the staff are doing something quite special here in this little Italian.
Thank you to all the team for a wonderful night. I was visiting family from Sheffield so I am sad it will be a while before I can come back again.
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FAQs
What is the address of Watson and Walpole?
Watson and Walpole is located at 3 Church St, Framlingham, Woodbridge IP13 9BQ, UK
What is the phone number of Watson and Walpole?
You can contact Watson and Walpole at +44 1728 666556
How can I get to Watson and Walpole?
You can find directions to Watson and Walpole by following this map link
