That is what people seek nowadays and businesses need to offer an ‘experience’ to have the edge.
Well, what better way to describe Al Volo, which is tucked away down a rough road just outside Rufforth, to the west of York.
It opened just over three years ago in a non-descript, converted hanger, overlooking an airfield with planes.
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Oh yes, and the food is extra special too, making it stand out from the others!
After my colleague Maxine reviewed the restaurant, saying it is “taking off”, I visited it with friends.
The sea bream was like opening a Christmas present (Image: Darren Greenwood)
We too also enjoyed its uniqueness and delicious food.
I had always wanted to return with mum and dad and was able to do so last Friday.
The online booking system was easy to use and we were booked in for 7pm.
Parking was also easy and plentiful and whilst the green building didn’t look much from outside, just wait until you get inside.
Now, the metal stairs may present a challenge to some, but there is a lift.
But upstairs you are greeted with a stylish, modern restaurant, as well as friendly, warm staff.
A table to treasure (Image: Darren Greenwood)
We were shown to our table, which was inside, and had fine views of the bar and the kitchen, where you could see the staff busily working away.
Outside is a terrace, where other diners were enjoying the views of the airfield and open countryside.
Mum remarked she was most impressed by the surroundings, as I was, saying how upmarket and posh it looked.
Now, there’s an extensive menu, with a full range of starters, raviolis and pastas, risottos, pizzas, plus mains of lamb, pork, chicken, steak, as well as a daily specials board.
First were drinks, with mum and dad having a pint and a half of Moretti lager beer (£5.95 pint, £3.75 half) and me having a bottle of a very pleasant Italian cider I had never seen before (£5.50).
We then ordered, with dad going for the sea bream (£25.95), mum going for Argentinian prawns (£21.95) with a side of chips (£3), and I had the lamb chops (£22.95).
But we started off with bruschetta (£10.95) which featured a soft cheese, the sweetest of tiny tomatoes, salad and vinaigrette. There was a piece for each and all enjoyed their piece, devouring the lot.
The wait for the mains was a little longer than we would have preferred and the staff did apologise for a delay with the fish but all was worth waiting for.
What a sight it all made for the eyes and all the portions were generous.
Dad’s sea bream came wrapped in silver foil, and cooked in olives, tomatoes, potatoes, and herbs. When the foil was presented, it was like excitingly opening a Christmas present, just to see what was inside.
Have you seen prawns this big? (Image: Darren Greenwood)
Mum remarked she had never seen prawns as big and again, what an impressive spectacle they made. They had been cooked with white wine, lemon, parsley, garlic sauce and came with garden salad.
My Lamb chops also looked great, served with salad, baby roast potatoes, with mint sauce and a small tub of jus.
The chops had been marinated so were soft and deliciously tender. You could have them well cooked but I settled for medium which still left them a little pink, as I wished.
I enjoyed the chops and was able to enjoy a prawn too, which was superb in flavour and freshness, even if a bit messy to deal with. I tried a few of mum’s chips and they were also good.
My potatoes were fine, the salad was deliciously fresh and the mint sauce went well with the chops. I nibbled them clean.
Dad enjoyed his sea bream, saying it had been cooked to perfection, so much so, he would have liked more. He ate all the fish but as he does not like olives invited me to try what it had been cooked in.
Well, what a treat that was. I had never eaten steamed olives before, and they are even better than when you have them cold.
A stylish interior (Image: Darren Greenwood)
Well, the time came to order dessert and purely in the interests of journalism, I found room for a chocolate mousse (£6.95). The usual favourites were on offer, including tiramisu and Italian gelato.
The mousse was rich and creamy, more of a milk chocolate mousse than dark, with a creamy topping. Well presented it made a fine end to a great meal.
The bill came to £131.50, which is higher than other recent meals out. True, this is ‘not cheap’ which was the same response friends and I gave when we called about two years ago. But we all agreed we had enjoyed the food, the surroundings and the service.
The same holds today but you do get an experience and a meal that is a level above the others, so you can expect to pay a little more.
Now, the pizzas start from £9.95, with most around £15-16, and judging by the size of them, they look to offer excellent value. I noticed others ordering them and they looked authentic and a treat to enjoy. Something to think about on a future visit.
Al Volo maintains the high standards of its launch, delivering authenticity, great food in stylish surrounds, a most recommended ‘experience’.
Tripadvisor awards Al Volo 4.8 stars out of five, based in 116 reviews, ranking it 41st out of 738 York restaurants. Google also awards 4.8 stars out f five, based on 234 reviews. As expected, the ‘scores of the doors’ food hygiene rating is five stars.
Al Volo is a real, hidden gem, one that is flying high and long may it continue to do so.
Reviews are independent and meals paid for by The Press
Fact file
Al Volo Restaurant, Rufforth Airfield East, Wetherby Road, Rufforth, York
W: alvolorufforth.co.uk
T: 07496 561402
Food: Delicious and authentic Italian and Mediterranean food, with plenty of choice and options.
Decor: Stylish and upmarket, with modern interior and terrace overlooking the airfield
Value: Not cheap but very good value for tasty, authentic food of exceptional quality.
Verdict: A great experience you will never forget. Well recommended for the food and unusual location!