We were lucky enough to be invited to visit Acqua Salata in Witney on a perfect Autumnal day for some brilliantly cooked authentic Italian comfort food!

Based on Corn Street in Witney, Acqua Salata is an independent Italian ristorante run by Giancarlo and Marcello, bringing quintessential Italian cooking to the edge of the Cotswolds.

The front of the building is home to the most incredible antipasti counter, jam-packed with the most delicious meats and cheeses.

Alongside this is a range of Italian street food, which can be enjoyed over a glass of wine or hearty beer. You also have the option to purchase speciality Italian groceries, sweet treats and wines to take away.

To start, we had the small charcuterie and cheese board (£10.95) plus the arancini (£3). The charcuterie and cheese board was an absolute delight, and we were impressed by the knowledge the waitress had about all the meats and cheeses on the board.

Marcello also frequently popped out to check his guests were being well catered for, an opportunity for him to share how important it is to him to provide quality products at affordable prices. We couldn’t agree more, the produce was really delicious alongside the homemade focaccia, and all very reasonably priced.

The arancini were also delightful, filled with homemade Bolognese, which Marcello explained is a house recipe, blending the traditional Bolognese with the modern style Bolognese we are familiar with today. The knowledge of food and the history behind it really stands out when talking with the native Italian, as he explains in detail how tomatoes were originally yellow in colour – known as ‘golden apples’ – and Bolognese a much lighter colour to the red we associate with it today. It’s only through years of selective planting we now have red tomatoes.

For mains we went for two of the specials; spaghetti alle vongole (£15) and pizza with tomato, mozzarella, Parma ham, parmesan, rocket & balsamic reduction (£12). The spaghetti was beautifully al dente, still maintaining its shape and bite, beautifully paired with the plump, juiciness of the clams and cherry tomatoes. The sauce was light and tasty without overpowering the main ingredients, and the overall dish was a triumph of simplicity done well.

The pizza was incredibly flavoursome and perfectly doughy.

We were transported back to the narrow streets of Napoli, where customers wait in their droves to sample pizza in its most original form; Acqua Salata pizza is a salute to the OG’s of pizza whilst adding flavours that deliver. The balsamic reduction packed a punch and complemented the parmesan, with all the other flavours blending seamlessly to make every mouthful an absolute delight.

For pudding, we had the pannacotta frutti di bosco (£7), a beautifully light pannacotta with delightful wobble, topped with a warm fruit of the forest compote. After saying I was only going to have one bite, because I was full from overindulging, I managed to find space to scoff most of this incredibly more-ish dessert.

Acqua Salata is a triumphant salute to Italian heritage and culture. From the food to the charming atmosphere and the people running the show, it is like being wrapped up in an Italian Nonna’s hug. You know you will be cared for, well fed and treated like a VIP, which is exactly how we felt as we left. This restaurant-deli is really special, it warms your heart; and when we left we were already talking about who we could bring next time we came, and what to order for Christmas. It resonates love, both for the quality of food it produces and for its customers.

In a nutshell; This is a must-visit place, if you are lucky enough to live in Witney, get down there and fill up your heart and belly with the good stuff. If you are Oxford based, hop on the bus (S1) and it will bring you straight into the thriving heart of Witney, fill up in the restaurant and then pack your reusable shopping bags in the deli before riding the scenic bus back! You’ll feel like you’ve been to Italy, all for the price of a bus ticket.

Acqua Salata
62 Corn St, Witney OX28 6BS
www.acqua-salata.co.uk/

Open Wednesday to Sunday.

We dined as guests of Acqua Solata – all views remain our own