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While temperatures in Surrey have yet to hit the highs of Rome or Milan, you don’t need to get on a plane to get a taste of Italy. La Meridiana in East Horsley has been serving exceptional
Italian cuisine for the past 30 years. The family-run restaurant is known for traditional antipasti, handmade pasta and flavourful pizza, all cooked right between Guildford and Leatherhead.
Dishes are prepared fresh each day, with time-honoured recipes. The idea is to make guests feel like they're at home, and waiters are on hand to make them feel as comfortable as
possible. It is this relaxed atmosphere which helped the restaurant win Muddy Stiletto's accolade for the 'best casual dining spot' in Surrey. Voted for by the punters, La
Meridiana beat out competition from Reigate, Godalming, Hindhead and Oxted to take home the top prize and the chance to win nationally. The award has been much appreciated by staff at the
restaurant, who have left a message of thanks online: “This recognition means the world to us - not just as a team but as a small, independent business built on passion, hospitality and a
whole lot of heart. "To be recognised in such a respected spotlight is truly an honour.” But the accolade should not come as a surprise. Already the restaurant has won at the Food
Awards and been named as a Traveller’s Choice on Tripadvisor. This praise is also reflected in glowing reviews of the restaurant such as this one from a recent diner: “Our first visit to
this wonderful restaurant; seated immediately and served quickly by a friendly team. "Bruschetta was really flavourful, the pizza was fantastic and so large I was able to take some home
for later. All piping hot. "Had the best chocolate profiteroles that I have ever tasted. Paired with an Aperol to start and a Sgroppino to finish. "Not rushed at all for a Friday
lunchtime visit. We will definitely return to try some other choices from a really good and varied menu. Highly recommend.” Customers can choose from an A la Carte or set lunch menu (£21.95
for two courses, £25.95 for three). Both are varied, with the hits you would expect from an Italian meal. On the takeaway menu is an array of pizzas and other dishes that can be ordered
online or over the phone. Extra special attention should be given to the desserts including the restaurant's signature Pistachioso, made up of ladyfinger mascarpone cheese, biscuits,
liqueur and Italian Pistachio cream. Menus are seasonal so there should be something new to try. As you would expect there is an extensive wine list with bottles starting at £23 - and with
one of the finer bottles reaching £650. In 2022, one of our reporters went to try it out and had a five-star experience. She said she was spoilt by the both by the menu and the hospitality.
You can read more about her experience here. You can find La Meridiana in Ockham Road South, East Horsley, KT24 6QU - very close to the train station. It is open all day on the weekends, and
for lunch and dinner sittings during the week. Tables can be booked here.