La Cantina Del Vino - South Bucks

Whilst we are regular customers this was our first visit for Christmas day with family across the generations. The restaurant was super busy with plenty of customers we recognised in festive spirit so a great atmosphere. Our group choose from across the menu and everyone was complimentary about the food and that the portions were not too big so we did not feel as though we had been overfed in fact the meal finished with everyone sharing an excellent cheese platter for 10. Eating out for Christmas was an excellent choice and one we will repeat.

We booked in for the second sitting on Christmas Day, and had just such a wonderful time. As with every visit, we were welcomed and the service was first class, it was busy but a lovely atmosphere. The food was tasty and a lovely variety for those not wishing to take up the traditional turkey. It’s always going to be a challenge for 2 sittings and transitioning from first to second, but the team handle it with professionalism and style. We are incredibly lucky to have this restaurant in the village, and with such classy owner operators. All the touches of the bread and other little surprises always goes noticed, hence the extra tip we left the staff for working Christmas Day to give us a day with the family without distraction.

We have been to this restaurant on different occasions over many years and were booked in for Christmas Dinner, second sitting this year 2023. We have always been well looked after. Sadly this Christmas was a complete let down with a hugely disappointing, very expensive Christmas meal. We arrived as requested at 3.30pm and were taken to our table where cutlery and crockery were missing. Although the table was finally set we still had to request crackers during the meal and additional cutlery. While the starters were enjoyed we were not offered bread, although watched other tables being offered it. Our order of 5 turkey mains were varying in size, either just 2 to 4 sprouts , not ‘vegetables’ as advertised and just a few halves of small roasted new potatoes, rather thin slices of turkey, one cocktail chipolata. No sauces offered. The vanilla crème brûlée which was advertised as being served with a blood orange sorbet. It was infact served with strawberry ice cream and no notification by waiting staff that there was a change on the menu.The crème brûlée had no burnt sugar on it . The tables were packed tightly and to the point staff had difficulty in manoeuvring around everyone. I really felt for the young staff who were trying their best. When booking we had asked if they wanted us to pre book our meals, but said it wasn’t needed . Most probably the manager had not thought through correct quantities required for Christmas Day, and the result was a very poor offering. Sadly our patronage will now not be supporting this local business.

The food was excellent and the service wonderful. Went with friends for Christmas lunch and we all enjoyed it. Exceptional value for money and beautifully prepared food.

This restaurant has all that you could want for a meal out, whether it be with friends, family or work related. Great food, service and surrounding, cannot fault it!