Hidden Gems
Places we find interesting are the ones that are usually not seen by many and have some of the greatest food. We enjoy finding places that are found by mistake, come across by just exploring and trying new places for the first time especial if you are local to a place but never been.  We will showcase places with amazing food locally and worldwide. Let's explore the unknown and get inspired by the interesting world of food.
Casa Romana
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Rakesh chose this restaurant through the internet, both of us from Leicester but neither of us had heard of this restaurant nor did we know where it was exactly. I actually enjoy finding new or hidden places in the place we live as I become excited by the place I been born and bred.
It is located in the town centre but slightly away from the main high street, as we walked down I thought we were going down the wrong path because all I could see was the student living areas. Before we knew it we stopped at a green door and it looked like the front of someone’s house. We stepped in and wow it was cosy but in a good way, with two levels. The ground level looked narrow and upstairs where we were seated is the mezzanine level. Once seated I could see the slope of the roof, interesting clay pots scattered around the restaurant and a funky narrow ladder to what looked like a small attic area.
Now about the food, a classic Italian restaurant that goes beyond pasta and pizza, it seemed very authentic. They have a specials board but it was a seafood dish, although I don’t eat it I am glad to know they have fresh ingredients and put together spontaneous dishes of the day. I had seen they had aubergine parmigiana which I wanted for a while. Aubergine is one of my favourite vegetables and this came out looking bright with a reddish orange sauce poured over the sliced aubergine. This dish is simple but very effective and tasty, with well cooked aubergine and the sauce literally topped it and made the dish with the sweetness of the tomatoes coming through. I enjoyed that but one of my favourite Italian dessert is tiramisu so I had to have it. It was strong in coffee taste, for some overpowering but for me it was just right and a smooth creamy textures. Melted in my mouth beautifully and this was the highlight of my evening, I will say from all tiramisu I have tried in other restaurants in my opinion this was the best.
Mon Vita
Only a stones through away from Leicester train station, away from the franchised eateries and restaurants that are close to the main city centre. You would not believe what Krupa and I discovered. A shiny bright sign on Northampton Street.
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No really ... this wasn't Amsterdam but Leicester. More specifically a restaurant that doesn't look very presentable, may not look suave or sophisticated but certainly raises a few eyebrows. Of course Mon Vita, a Greek and Italian restaurant that also had a few vegan and vegeteraian varieties. Krupa and I said lets try it one day.
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This very particular day arrived on our date night and we were certainly very hungry. As we walked up to the restaurant the most obvious thing you notice is the bright blue sign. As you enter through the door the decor was not modern but certainly had a bit of character. Something often found in quaint restaurants.
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The variety of dishes that catered to all diets and is what stands out in this restaurant. Especially to vegetarians seeing haloumi, tzatsikia, parmagiano melenzana (bits of aubergine with mozzarella cheese and baked in tomato sauce) and dolamdes (rice and herbs wrapped in vine leaves), certainly got our mouths watering.
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A traditional moussaka is often made with lamb mince. Having experienced many vegetarian moussakas in the past I can safely say this one was simply the best! (obviously attempting my best Tina Turner impression). Layered with potato, courgette (zucchini), tomato and aubergine, topped with a creamy cheese sauce. All of this was magnificently constructed, had good depth of flavour and certainly satisfied my stomach. All for a really great price that doesn't break the bank.
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If you are bored with the usual franchise restaurants (nothing wrong with them I do eat in them from time to time), and want to go somewhere that has traditional authentic Greek and Italian food then Mon Vita is a must.
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The Good Earth
Definition of a hidden gem
On a side street in the middle of Leicester city centre lays a restaurant that has been there for approximately 50 years. Still not many people have come across this. More importantly is it has a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan foods.
As you open the door a set of stairs is the most visible thing, however this leads you to somewhere that you can not believe exists. Although the restaurant decor is from a bygone era, however it certainly adds to the character and charm of the place.
The most striking thing is the calm, the serenity and peacefulness that many cannot replicate.
More importantly the variety of food is certainly a delight. The staff are friendly and adhere to individuals who have allergies and guide them accordingly (as I witnessed with another customer).
In regards to the food it was wholesome, hearty and satisfied my tastebuds. Salad fresh, main dishes fresh and desserts/bakes are absolutly devine.
Yesim Cafe Grill and Meze Bar
Looking up places to dine out in Leicester is how I came across this restaurant, as Leicester is a small city we got bored eating out in the same restaurants and I thought there must be somewhere that is off the beaten track. I do like mezzes as we can try different things on the menu and on the menu I noticed more vegetarian options that the usual Turkish restaurant.
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When we arrived at the restaurant it looked very basic and somewhere people usually walk by before even talking look at the menu. We continued in and I was amazed by the interiors as there were traditional mosaic lamps and a long bench seat with soft interiors and fabric that was embroidered with traditional designs and colourful patterns. As it was early dinner in was an empty restaurant so we have the choice of seating and of course I went for the cosy looking upholstered bench. There seemed to be only two working, one front of house and one behind the scenes making the meal. The guy who served us was extremely friendly and very well managed multitasking helping with cooking, cleaning and serving the customers. Whilst dining being very British we ordered a side of chips and the waiter asked if I wanted any sauces and as he listed them I said chilli sauce. However not knowing they didn’t have any I would have said no but he popped out to the shops and bought a bottle, now that in my eyes is going the extra mile.
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One the menu I definitely wanted the vegetarian moussaka as I am a big fan of this dish and usual in restaurants like these. I only have options from cold and hot mezze as well as maybe the odd main dish that involves falafel, so I was very excited for sure. We had a selection of cold and hot mezzes and for a great prize and I remember the moussaka very much. It was oozing with cheese and served with rice and the taste was one of the best I have ever tried in restaurants. It tasted some what authentic and the other dishes were just as good and I loved the character in the serving dishes. Great floral patterns and looked like something that you can buy in the markets in Turkey, I wouldn’t mind buying one of those for myself.
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Overall great value for money, a cosy place so much so I put my feet up and made myself and home, and most importantly food cooked and made to what I believe is very close to the authentic styles.
