[lulumay]

Cafe Nostra used to be good and our regular hang-out when we lived up at the mid levels last year. We went back last night after a 5 month absent and we were very disappointed. I hate to say it but the food is bad. The lobster(less) risotto was more like carrot congee. The 2-piece lamp chop main course was more suitable for a kids meal. The menu is new. The wait staff is new. Side-show bob is gone. Are there new owners???? The last reasonably priced restaurant with decent food in SoHo is gone.

[jayinhongkong]

Yikes, sorry to hear that. I haven't been there recently, so I can't comment on the change...

[KnowItAll]

I've always wanted to try the place -- given that the prices looked good and I usually catch the mini bus from across the street, to get to Pokfulam.

[larac]

Took ages to try it. First time we went it was pretty good and very reasonable - second time the food was really salty - haven't been back.

[lulumay]

Please don't get me wrong, it is still a very nice place to sit in. It has really high ceiling and the seating is somewhat decent. You almost feel like you are sitting in a cafe in italy. all you need is the sound of a vespa and the combine smell of coffee and cigarette to make it real. Maybe its our taste. I dont remember it being too salty.

[Meerkat]

..was lured by the Italian feel a couple times to give it a chance.. but haven't been back - mostly disappointing food. A real taste of Italy can be found at a price further up the escalator... (if you find it keep it quiet)

[lulumay]

i'll keep it quite but i need more hints.

[KnowItAll]

Panevino perhaps?

[sarpesius]

Originally Posted by lulumay

Cafe Nostra used to be good and our regular hang-out when we lived up at the mid levels last year. We went back last night after a 5 month absent and we were very disappointed. I hate to say it but the food is bad. The lobster(less) risotto was more like carrot congee. The 2-piece lamp chop main course was more suitable for a kids meal. The menu is new. The wait staff is new. Side-show bob is gone. Are there new owners???? The last reasonably priced restaurant with decent food in SoHo is gone.

Sounds like the classic restaurant pattern.

A new owner may have taken over and is trading on the fame established by the previous owner, but cutting costs by decreasing portions. It could be the same owner is doing that: after gaining a reputation and clientele, the quality of everything gets cut.

It may be that staff gets turned over every 3 or 6 months or so, so the owner does not have to pay them benefits that may kick in by law after a certain time.

[Meerkat]

Originally Posted by KnowItAll

Panevino perhaps?

Doh!.... shh..