ASK - Reading
Orbit House, St Marrys Butts, Reading, RG1 2LN
For some time I made the mistake of thinking that no group of restaurants in the region of 200 locations could hope to maintain the quality for which I was looking. Then one day I decided to put my prejudices to the test, walked into Oxford Ask! and discovered that I could not have been more mistaken. Their claim to serve freshly prepared quality food in stylish and comfortable surroundings with friendly and efficient service proved to be absolutely spot on. Since then I have also discovered that a degree of consistency seems to operate throughout their restaurants, and that certainly does take some achieving, implying a degree of management that is enviable. They are perfect places for an impromptu snack, a bit of culinary grazing, or the full works, and families are catered for particularly well.For some time I made the mistake of thinking that no group of restaurants in the region of 200 locations could hope to maintain the quality for which I was looking.
Then one day I decided to put my prejudices to the test, walked into Oxford Ask! and discovered that I could not have been more mistaken. Their claim to serve freshly prepared quality food in stylish and comfortable surroundings with friendly and efficient service proved to be absolutely spot on.
Since then I have also discovered that a degree of consistency seems to operate throughout their restaurants, and that certainly does take some achieving, implying a degree of management that is enviable. They are perfect places for an impromptu snack, a bit of culinary grazing, or the full works, and families are catered for particularly well.
Their trendy décor usually comprises tiled floors and black furniture with well set tables that sparkle with glass, silver and spotless linen. Ten starters include crostini and bruschetta, followed by a range of salads, pasta and al forno, oven baked pasta, some with chicken.
The pizzas are stone baked in the oven, creating a crisp, authentic and delicious flavour, and they all come topped with mozzarella and tomato. Calzone introduce a touch of opulence with a folded pizza baked in the oven and topped with garlic butter and melted grana padano, whilst inside expect to find chicken or a vegetarian mix.
Amongst the specials may I warmly, in every sense, recommend the polpette al forno, a popular Milanese dish of beef meatballs sautéed in garlic with fire roasted peppers, caramelised onions, chilli and pomodoro sauce, with penne pasta, topped with cheese and oven baked.
An enticing selection of desserts list banoffee pie and tiramisu amongst them, and the coffee tastes like coffee, which may sound banal, but I guess you know what I mean.
Thanks to a well selected wine list speculative drinking can offer handsome dividends, even with prices rarely crossing the £20 barrier.
Pizza & Pasta
: 12:00 - 23:00
Reservations: 0118 909 0758 General: 0118 957 4850
N/A
Orbit House, St Marrys Butts, Reading, RG1 2LN [Map]
£14.00 £27.00
(Avg Price is the average cost per person for two courses, coffee, half a bottle of house wine and tip/service)
REVIEWS OF ASK - Reading
Natalie (14 November 2007)
Ask in Reading, Berkshire is my favourite restaurant. It may be a chain, but there is something about that one. It is the restaurant I always go to with my girlfriends, we can enjoy good food and wine in a great atmosphere. The service is always polite and friendly. It is quite a cozy restaurant, yet there is something fun and lively about it too. You can hear chatting and laughter, but it is never too loud or boisterous always pleasant and fun. I love the flower on the table too, there is something special about the place and I prefer that to the other Italian chain restaurants and in particular the Ask in Berkshire is the best one I have been to.
It is a great place for birthdays, celebrations and a chilled night with friends or a place to eat before you go out drinking, and it can also be romantic and a lovely place to go on a date - all that for affordable price. It feels classier and nicer than the price and you will always get a warm welcome there.
Dave (1 September 2003)
This restaurant is markedly better than any Pizza Express that I have visited. Both pizzas and pastas are freshly cooked on the premises and are quite authentic. I would recommend a visit there.
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More Info for ASK - Reading
Children welcome
Air condition
Reservations
Groups allowed
Outside seating
Cover charge
£14.75
£14.75
Not included, 10% (optional) for 8 or more
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ASK - Reading

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Valentine's Set Menu: 3 courses and a glass of Prosecco - £16.95 per person. This offer is available from February 10, 2012 until February 14, 2012, subject to availability as displayed in the booking interface. Offer excludes service and includes VAT. Not available in conjunction with other offers.
Offer valid to 14 February 2012
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