Business Details
19 Years
experience
Authentic Italian Dining in Cambridge Since 2007
La Pergola was founded in 2007 as a realization of our family's lifelong passion for authentic Italian cuisine. Our culinary journey began in 1962 when our patriarch Giulio arrived in Cambridge from Naples, bringing generations of Italian cooking traditions. We specialise in wood-fired pizzas crafted from scratch using time-honoured techniques passed down through our family. Our menu features homemade pasta dishes, antipasti, and grilled meats, all prepared with ingredients sourced from Italy and our own kitchen garden. The restaurant occupies a transformed pub building adjacent to our cultivated allotment, where we grow seasonal vegetables and herbs. Our commitment to authenticity extends to every detail, from the traditional clay oven to the straw-bottomed Chianti bottles that adorn our tables.We maintain rigorous quality standards through hands-on family management, ensuring every dish reflects our heritage and dedication. Our team combines decades of experience in hospitality with personal attention to every guest's needs. The restaurant's success stems from our unwavering focus on traditional methods and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. We take pride in creating an atmosphere where customers feel welcomed as part of our extended family. Our establishment stands as a testament to Giulio's vision of sharing genuine Italian cuisine with the Cambridge community.
Services
Italian Cuisine
Wood-Fired Pizzas
Homemade Pasta
Antipasti Selection
Sunday Lunch
Private Events
Kitchen Garden Produce
Family Dining
Wine Pairing
Takeaway Service
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We use traditional Italian recipes passed down through generations
- Our ingredients include homegrown vegetables from our kitchen garden
- We maintain authenticity with a wood-burning pizza oven imported from Italy
- Our family team provides personal service with decades of hospitality experience
- We offer seasonal menus featuring locally-sourced produce and homemade specialties
What people say
Authentic southern Italian cooking
Friendly service
Stone baked pizzas
Home grown vegetables
Delightful place
Services
Wood-Fired Pizzas
Our signature wood-fired pizzas use traditional Neapolitan techniques with imported Italian ingredients. Each pizza features handmade dough fermented for 24 hours and cooked in a clay oven at 450C. The menu includes classic combinations like Margherita and Quattro Stagioni alongside creative options with locally-sourced toppings.
Homemade Pasta
We prepare all pasta fresh daily using traditional Italian methods. Signature dishes include spaghetti alla carbonara with pancetta and linguini alla bella Napoli with seafood. Our casareccia pasta features homemade spicy sausage combining fennel, white wine, and orange zest, reflecting our Campanian heritage.
Antipasti Selection
The antipasti menu showcases Italian cured meats, cheeses, and homemade pickles. Dishes include Parma ham with melon, mixed salumi boards, and seasonal vegetable antipasti. Our homemade focaccia and Nonna Maria's traditional bread accompany every meal, served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Sunday Lunch
Our English-style Sunday lunch menu features traditional roasts with all the trimmings. Options include beef, lamb, and seasonal alternatives served with Yorkshire puddings and seasonal vegetables. This special menu maintains our Italian standards while catering to local dining traditions every weekend.
Private Events
We host private dining events for special occasions in our spacious restaurant. The venue accommodates larger groups with dedicated service and tailored menus. Our team can create bespoke Italian menus for birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate events while maintaining our authentic culinary standards.
People
Giulio De Simone
Founder & Head Chef
Giulio arrived in Cambridge from Naples in 1962, bringing his family's Italian culinary traditions. He established La Pergola in 2007 to share authentic southern Italian cuisine. He managed the kitchen until his passing in 2021, leaving a legacy of traditional cooking methods and quality ingredients.
Domenico
Front of House
Domenico, Giulio's son-in-law, oversees customer service with his characteristic soft-spoken manner. He ensures every guest receives warm Italian hospitality while maintaining the restaurant's high service standards. His attentive approach reflects the family's commitment to making diners feel welcome.
Rosa
Restaurant Manager
Rosa, Giulio's daughter, plays a key role in managing daily operations. She combines her deep understanding of Italian hospitality with practical restaurant management. Her leadership helps maintain the balance between traditional values and modern service expectations.
Tony
Bar Manager
Tony, Giulio's son, manages the bar area with expertise developed over years in the hospitality industry. He curates the wine list and cocktail menu while ensuring efficient bar operations. His approach maintains the restaurant's Italian character in every beverage service.
Nonna Maria
Head Baker
Nonna Maria, Giulio's wife, is responsible for our renowned homemade bread. Her traditional baking methods produce the signature focaccia and rolls served with every meal. Her culinary expertise preserves authentic Italian baking techniques in our daily offerings.
Questions
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets with advance notice. Please inform staff about allergies or dietary needs when booking or ordering.
How can I make a reservation?
Book tables for up to 8 guests online through our website. Contact us directly by phone or email for larger groups or last-minute availability.
What are your opening hours?
We serve lunch Tuesday-Friday 12pm-3pm, Saturday-Sunday 12pm-4pm. Dinner service runs Tuesday-Thursday 6pm-10pm and Friday-Saturday 6pm-10:30pm.
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept major credit and debit cards for payment. Cash is also welcome for those preferring traditional transactions.
Is there outdoor seating available?
Our patio dining area with terracotta brick surroundings offers al fresco dining. The space features a garden view and comfortable seating for enjoying meals outdoors.
Can I visit just for drinks?
The bar area remains open for casual drinks with our regulars. Enjoy Italian wines by the carafe or glass alongside select spirits and cocktails.
Reviews (6)
Jools Turnip
Jan 23, 2022
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We booked a table for 4 on Fri 21st Jan, superb customer service. Authentic Italian cuisine and a wonderful aatmosphere. You must visit, we will be back.
Halina Szulakowska
Jan 07, 2022
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Great food. Loved the atmosphere. Service was good. This is an ideal place for a family get together or a special occasion with friends. Plenty of parking spaces. There's nothing I'd fault.
Patrizia Placella
Dec 24, 2021
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Authentic Italian cuisine close to Cambridge, home-made traditional recipes and very friendly staff. As Italians we highly recommend La Pergola and we will definitely come back
Erin Herbert
Nov 24, 2021
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Mixed reviews, food was excellent, one of the best lamb shanks I've ever eaten. One of our waiters was very nice and helpful, unsure of spelling but got told his name was Raphael. Got told very abruptly that we weren't allowed a Yorkshire pudding on one dish, to then be given a Yorkshire pudding with a big apology, its a Yorkshire pudding and there's probably loads in a pile in the kitchen.. Giving one without the angry encounter probably would have been easier for everyone. Very loud but it's obviously a popular place so cant moan about that. I'd come again, but not on such a busy night as had
Lynn Herriot
Nov 16, 2021
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Really loved it! Great meal in a great atmosphere with great staff. Love the history. Would recommend it to anyone who loves Italian food
Matt Nnsense
Sep 15, 2021
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One of the few real Italian restaurant around Cambridge, this Ristorante offer a typical Italian meal made of antipasto (starter), primo, such as pasta, secondo, for example meat, and dolce, our dessert. I ate at least 3 or 4 times here and it's time to share my experience. I usually have an antipasto, such as Calamari fritti which are tasty and light or scamorza fritta, cheese breaded. Then a primo, pasta mare e monti or cinghiale, and I share a secondo if I'm still hungry, which is unlikely. A dolce (please try their Tiramis!) and I'm done, ready for an Italian caff. I really love this restaurant
