Vegan
Italian
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Vegan restaurant run by a couple from Italy. Serves pasta dishes, vegetables, salads, baked goods, and desserts. Small space so booking a few days in advance is advised. Update 2021 reported everything is now vegan and no longer using egg in cakes or honey. Reported closed April 2023
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- Outdoor seating
- Reservations required
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 04 Apr 2023 by biancaemassimo
Update business info -
Added by LouiseLovesMatcha on 09 Sep 2018
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26 Reviews
First Review by LouiseLovesMatcha
lauraXsynthesis
Points +661
Believe the hype - Edit
Wonderful food, wonderful hosts and great ambience. Also dog friendly which was a relief because I couldn't leave mine in the place I was staying in Totnes. If you can afford it - £50/£70 depending on the number of courses you want on the night I visited - it's well worth going.
Read morePros: Massimo's hospitality, So many flavours! , Dog-friendly
biancaemassimo
Dear lauraXsynthesis, thank you so much for your kind review. Meeting you and your two little darlings was a real pleasure. We look forward to seeing you again on your next visit to Totnes! 😊 bianca e massimo
Read moreGuest
Bravocado
Points +64
Are the 5 star reviews fake or left by friends doing favours?! - Edit
Was meant to be an artisan GF V birthday meal treat in March. The day after, I had sunken eyes and heartburn, two symptoms I never get and preceded a long-term flare-up.
Read moreThe setting is too intimate to raise complaints at the time as the other guests will hear what you say, which makes you feel as if you don't want to humiliate the hosts or risk confrontation. We heard the couple nearby, like us, complain to each other but not to owners. The extreme informality is actually a great business ploy so you feel too guilty to criticise the owners, who act as if they are welcoming you into their home rather than abiding professional standards and regulations. The stories Massimo tells about their lives makes it feel like a tiny family-run vegan business you couldn't possibly injure with bad feedback.
The truth is the food is a joke. £80pp for oil-drenched bowls of dull-coloured, over-seasoned slop and mush on dry oat cakes? You kidding me? Biodynamic but no seasonal changes? "Mostly" wheat free and "allergen friendly" but no ingredients list? Not one fresh salad, vegetable or piece of fruit advertised to cut through the acidic, over-cooked, oily pulp? Comments made about unfinished courses, like an excessively salty granola soup in a giant pancake?
Feeling guilt-tripped to be supportive of their business, I emailed bianca et massimo because feeling so unwell the next day, I wasn't happy, but I didn't want to say it publicly and couldn't have been kinder in my message. I told him the food we received did not match the menu – tapas, with fruit, salad, vegetables, nuts – and I'd been ill. NO REPLY to this date. Apparently not so friendly once paid or critiqued?
Omitted from my email however is the fact that health and safety rules don't apply here. Every customer had to ask for permission to go to the toilet, Massimo would tell you to “wait” and ask Bianca if it was “okay” before you walked through the narrow kitchen behind her as she cooked, to go to the toilet?! I was told to dry my hands with paper towels and put them in the KITCHEN bin, too near the food. It's a toilet-in-the-kitchen setup... and NONE of the 5* reviews mention this inexcusable lack of space and hygiene?! Despite the fact most people are paying a minimum of £150 for this experience...
Don't feel pressured by their over-friendliness or online reviews to be dishonest. This is NOT vegan fine dining, it's a scam. If you want to pay for something special, this isn't it, go elsewhere.
Cons: Complaints ignored, No health and safety, Abysmal food, they don't know what they're doing
Guest
Luapske82
Points +462
Lovely but a mismatch with our taste - Edit
I want to start with the good things, simply because that is well deserved.
Read moreBianca and her daughter, who was the host for the evening, are very friendly and clearly very passionate about their cooking. A lot of effort is put into it and, rightfully so, a lot of pride is involved in what they do.
They wanted to make sure we had a great evening.
The presentation of the food is immaculate. It is creative and surprising.
Next to being fully vegan, lots of the ingredients are organic or even biodynamic. Which is defintely a big plus.
Unfortuantely, the plates themselves were not to our liking.
I want to stress that that is mainly, if not entirely, because of our taste palates. We are not used to use oil in our cooking, so the amount of olive oil used was overwhelming for us. Our stomachs just didnt agree with it.
Also, the amount of salt was too high for us. We did mention, while making the reservation, that we would like as less salt as possible. So with the starter ("welcome pot"), they were so kind to mention that no extra salt was used, just tamari. But that is very salty in itself of course.
For the antipasti course, sort of tapas, this became a bigger problem for us. For us everything was swimming in oil and apart from texture everything, save for one or two items, tasted more or less the same. Mainly because of the oil.
The main dish contained less oil, but very salty again to our taste. Desert was nice, but when the menu mentions fresh slices of fruit, we expect more than just 3 or 4 slices of banana.
We told the host about de amount of oil in the antipasti, bianca came over to tell she wished she knew so she wouldn't dribbled over extra olive oil.
We haven't mentioned the salt, because we didnt want to be all negative, since that just didnt feel right at that moment. Also, not much could have been done about it, same as with the oil.
As a contrast to our experience, the other couple in the restaurant did seem to enjoy the meal, especially the antipasti course. And while reading the other reviews it seems we are in a small minority when it comes to disliking certain amounts of oil and salt.
So if you are not in that minority, this may certainly be the place for you.
Pros: Fully vegan, oragnic or biodynamic, Superfriendly and passionate staff, Creative
Cons: Oil and salt usage
Guest
JoeyB472
Points +238
Amazing food and lovely hosts! - Edit
Intimate setting, but lovely and unique restaurant, which fits around 3 tables and is decorated as an extension of hosts, Bianca and Massimo's, home life.
Read moreMassimo explained the food situation to us, in that there is a rough menu but that Bianca will often change the ingredients around slightly however she feels on the day.
The food that did come out was amazing; a phenomenal Japanese inspired soup (our favourite) followed by a tapas course, a pasta course and an fantastic chocolate "crumble" for desert. Our descriptions wouldn't do the food justice - you just have to try it for yourselves!
The food is fully vegan and 100% organic. It all tasted absolutely amazing and both Bianca and Massimo were such lovely hosts.
It cost around £70/pp for the 4 courses plus a little bit for corkage. Slightly on the upper edge of what we would tend to pay for any meal out, but it was definitely worth it!
They welcomed our small dog too!
Guest
muncster
Points +535
Fantastic little place in every way - Edit
Very small place (3, maybe 4 tables). All vegan and gluten free. Chef is Italian but there was a mix of flavours from Japan, extraordinary tapas and, of course, Italian. Don’t miss out on the tapas course….at an extra £20 per head, it is pricy but it was the star of an otherwise top class show. We’ll be back.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-06-09
Pros: All vegan and gluten free, Wonderful and unusual combination of flavours, Better than many Michelin starred restaurants
Cons: Set meal is not cheap, but reflects effort
muncster
Now permanently closed
Read moreGuest
endlesseventide
Points +32
A vegan dining experience unlike any other - Edit
I made a reservation at Bianca e Massimo almost by chance on the way to Totnes, and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
Read moreEverything about it was sublime. The restaurant is small, but you can tell Bianca and Massimo are committed to providing every single guest with the best dining experience.
The set menu was thoughtful, vibrant, unusual and enchanting. Bianca, the chef, has a gift for combining flavours in ways that I've never come across before, and each bite was a surprise to the senses. Even the drinks — as eclectic as pomegranate juice and Sicilian lemonade — were carefully made, with great attention to the ingredients.
Throughout the dinner, Massimo told us stories about the people who supply their ingredients. He told us about the artisan coffee aficionado that they begged for weeks to supply them with his beans, and about the biodynamic farmer who grows their calendula tea, and who picks only the petals and not the full plant in order not to stress the plant. The resulting dishes are very filling, probably due to how nutritious the ingredients are.
My partner and I felt very welcome at the restaurant, which Massimo described as more their home than their restaurant. Although small, the space is very nicely decorated, with lots of ornaments and details that reflect their dishes. From the art on the walls to the tableware — the little jugs the drinks were served in were beautiful — it's obvious that Bianca and Massimo have poured their hearts and souls into creating this little gem of a restaurant.
I highly recommend stopping there if you are in Totnes!
Pros: Delicious food, Lovely decor, Great company
biancaemassimo
Dear endlesseventide, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful and detailed review. Thank you! We really look forward to your next visit to our little place. Cheers! bianca e massimo
Read moreGuest
maryvegan
Points +123
Magical experience ✨ - Edit
What a magical evening! The dishes created by Bianca were out of this world! A real adventure for the taste buds✨ Massimo was a warm and welcoming host, it was like having dinner at a friends house. We absolutely loved every moment of celebrating my partner birthday at Bianca Massimo’s place, and would highly recommend for anyone who wants to take a trip into a magical world of exquisite and creative cuisine in an enchanting setting with big hearted hosts. Thank you again so much Bianca e Massimo, an evening we will never forget 🙏🏽💕
Read morePros: All vegan, All organic , Beautiful setting and hosts
Cons: Pricey but worth the experience
biancaemassimo
Dear maryvegan, it has been such a pleasure meeting you and your partner. Thank you very much for choosing our little place to celebrate his birthday. We look forward to your next visit! ❤️ bianca e massimo
Read moreGuest
CécileBl
Points +320
An absolute MUST when you are in Totnes! - Edit
This restaurant fits perfectly with the hippie flair that surrounds the city.
Read moreThe food is pure love and passion. Absolutely top quality prepared with dedication. A real taste explosion!
Massimo & Bianca are warm hosts, from the first moment you feel as if you are in with your best friends.
This restaurant is a wonderful experience!
My husband and I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to Bianca & Massimo❣️ Whenever we are in the area ... we will definitely come back!
Pros: Pure vegan, pure gluten free, Pure food passion, Pure organic
biancaemassimo
Thank you so much, HeraSuperstar. It was lovely having you here with us. We really look forward to your next visit. Cheers! 💕 bianca e massimo
Read moreGuest
Happycolour
Points +228
An exciting vegan, organic, gluten free bonanza! - Edit
We recently enjoyed a wonderful meal here - from the cosy and quirky interior to the adventurous menu - we were thrilled by our experience! Bianca e Massimo were fantastic hosts, taking the time to chat to us and accommodate our requests where possible. The menu itself was set and pricy but worth the quality. I would recommend trying one full menu so you can experience the various antipasti which have very unique flavours. Else a menu per person is probably ideal. If in/around Totnes, do take the time to visit this sweet spot - it will not disappoint! I look forward to returning with my gluten free sister too.
Read morePros: Lovely ambience , Great hosts , Yummy food
biancaemassimo
Thank you SO much, Happycolour! We are really happy you enjoyed your visit to our little place. It was a pleasure having you here, and we can't wait for your next visit 😊 bianca e massimo
Read moreGuest
KushalMalde
Points +167
Incredible! - Edit
Simply sensational. A lovely little place in Totnes run by a lovely couple called Bianca and Massimo, who were both amazingly polite, funny and charming! Definitely ask for the wonderful back story of the restaurant.
Read moreThe food was exquisite and we were all surprised and in awe of Bianca's creativity for each course. The soup to start was filled with unique flavours which just seemed to work! The antipasti was just unbelievable. Again ingredients with different flavours which sounded like they wouldn't work but complemented each other perfectly. The pastas (we had the tomato and the pesto ones) were delicious and the dessert was divine. Everything 10/10 and highly recommended. The menu is not cheap but every course is made with authenticity and hard work so the meal was totally worth it.
Pros: Fully vegan and absolutely delicious, Lovely owners!, Every dish was unique
biancaemassimo
Dear Kushal, thank you so much for your kind and detailed review. It was a pleasure meeting you and your family! We look so much forward to your next visit 😊 Thank you! bianca e massimo
Read moreGuest
NicholaCarr
Points +74
Warm hosts, fantastic food - Edit
This is an all vegan, mostly organic Italian restaurant. The menu changes daily depending on the available ingredients. This is a tiny restaurant so be prepared to share your evening with your (wonderful!) hosts and potentially other guests. Food was fantastic. Gluten free options.
Read morePros: All vegan, Cosy atmosphere
biancaemassimo
Dear Nichola, thank you so much for your lovely review. It was a pleasure having you at our little place and can't wait for your next visit to Totnes!
Read moreJust a little thing: ALL our ingredients are 100% organic, vegan and gluten-free. No other options! 😊
Guest
callyj
Points +30
Quirky, friendly, top quality vegan Italian - Edit
Lovely discovery in the middle of Totnes - fully vegan and biodynamic menu prepared by the passionate and creative Bianca. The antipasti is to die for. A lovely place for a special and intimate night out - expect to be spoilt rotten by Massimo! Highly recommend.
Read morePros: Unique menu, A fully vegan Italian is a rare thing to find, Welcoming and friendly
Cons: Very small so recommend booking
biancaemassimo
Dear callyj, thank you so much for your lovely review! Hope to see you soon again! 💕 bianca e massimo
Read moreGuest
CrystalPea
Points +169
A sweet place with amazing food - Edit
We left Bianca and Massimo very content. Firstly, the place is very cute. Secondly, it's actually all vegan. Last but not least, the food was HEAVENLY. I told Bianca that I love aubergines and she made this beautiful polenta dish with a melty, mindblowing aubergines and a lovely sauce and even a real flower. Just wow!
Read morebiancaemassimo
Dear CrystalPea, thank you so much for your lovely review. Can't wait for having you again at our little place! 😊
Read moreGuest
ClareLouise
Points +319
Amazing Vegan Restaurant - Edit
I really, really enjoyed my meal here, the pasta was the best I’ve ever tasted and the service was personable and lovely. It’s a small restaurant but is well worth a visit if you’re in Totnes.
Read morebiancaemassimo
Dear ClareLouise, thank you so much for your kindest review. Can't wait to welcome you again to our little place! bianca e massimo
Read moreGuest
Jessica allotmenteer
Points +28
Memorable Meal - Edit
We love Italian food and are vegan so Bianca E Massimo seemed a good choice when visiting Totnes. We were not disappointed. The menu is small and the three of us each chose a different pasta dish. My son played safe and went for pasta with a basil pesto with hazelnuts. It was all a good pesto should be with a strong fresh basil flavour with quality hazelnuts mixed through it. My husband chose a pasta dish with a spicy and very tasty tomato sauce. I went for a beautifully subtle creamy pasta with artichokes and chestnuts. The food was not cheap but the quality was excellent. It was the sort of meal you remember and are talking about days later. We followed the pasta with cake, beautifully presented but in our eyes slightly less successful as it was gluten free. We prefer gluten in out cakes! The venue is tiny so booking may be advised. We would definitely go back when in Totnes as Bianca E Massimo offer truly authentic and delicious Italian food.
Read morePros: Excellent authentic Italian food, Vegan food
Cons: Gluten free cake rather heavy, Tiny venue
biancaemassimo
Dear Jessica, thank you so much for your kind and detailed review. We are really glad you enjoyed your visit to our little place, and so did we! Bianca has taken your comments about the cake very seriously, and she has now tweaked her recipe to a new level. We think that on your next visit you'll be amazed by her new gluten-free desserts! Lots of love, bianca e massimo
Read moreGuest
mdsteele
Points +25
bianca e massimo welcome you into their home - Edit
It is rare to find a vegan Italian restaurant. Rarer still is one owned and operated by Italians. Even rarer one with outstanding food. The intimate dining area might cozily handle 10 guests and there are seats for a few more on the sidewalk. It is decorated with the personal collection of the owners' artifacts. Massimo is the perfect host. Bianca is a food artist. She is vegan and gluten-free, so no worries. While Totnes boasts several vegetarian restaurants offering many vegan options, bianca e massimo is on a different level. It is a Totnes destination!
Read morePros: Vegan, Inspired Italian cuisine, Super friendly
biancaemassimo
Dear mdsteele, thank you so much for your lovely review. We really look forward to your next visit to Totnes! Cheers, bianca e massimo
Read moreGuest
NoddyDape
Points +16
Delicious - Edit
The food at Bianca e Massimo is really remarkable. The antipasti were as good as any I’ve ever had. And the pasta with truffle and porcini was indulgent and mouth-watering. This is all the more remarkable given that the wonderfully friendly Bianca and Massimo have only recently started running the restaurant. The place is small and charmingly decorated. There is a feeling of intimacy which allows for good conversation and great service. The food is reasonably pricey, but I can’t fault it and will certainly be visiting again. Plus - it is now completely vegan.
Read morePros: Entirely vegan, Great atmosphere, High quality ingredients and delicious food
Cons: Quite expensive
Guest
keeza123
Points +24
Lovely couple & food - Edit
Small, cosy cafe with excellent Italian options
Read moreGuest
cockysj
Points +44
Organic authentic Italian fare - Edit
My partner and I have a wonderful vegan meal. We started with the most flavourful soup I have ever eaten, followed by an anti-pasti selection and then pasta and vegetable dishes. We didn’t have a dessert as we were too full! The hosts were very welcoming and described every dish. A very nice evening.
Read morePros: All organic and vegan, Large portion sizes, Different
Cons: Very small, may not have space
Guest
VeganAnnaS
Points +2844
Lovely antipasti - Edit
A cafe with a quirky interior and cosy candles in the evening. The couple who run the place are very hospitable and passionate about their food. I like that they use fresh, seasonal, organic products. I shared the antipasti and followed that with the porcini pasta. The antipasti was a lovely mix of tasty little dishes but I personally found the pasta dish a bit too rich/oily. A lot of reviews mentioned that they are nearly vegan but do be careful as they slipped up with one of the antipasti dishes which contained honey (although they were quick to swap it for something else). The food is organic and they are small, independent business but to be honest I felt it was a bit on the expensive side (once you add the £3 cover charge it was nearly £30 for my share of the antipasti and a pasta dish). It was however a nice experience overall and it is refreshing to encounter people who are so passionate about the food they are serving.
Read morePros: Seasonal, organic food, Passionate owners, Lots of vegan options
Cons: Small (limited seating), Expensive, Watch out for honey
biancaemassimo
Dear VeganAnnaS, thank you so much for your beautiful review. Since you came in 2019, we have changed our menu, and now ALL our ingredients are 100% organic, VEGAN, and gluten-free. Nothing to worry anymore! 😊
Read moreGuest
Steph404
Points +16
Absolutely amazing - Edit
We had a fabulous lunch and can't recommend highly enough. The food is fresh, there's no printed menu, the owners talk through what's on for the day. We shared a salad and the vegetable main, both vegan. The flavours were absolutely amazing. The couple running the place are lovely, providing a great service. Will definitely visit again next time we're in Totnes. It's a small place, so definitely book ahead.
Read morePros: Amazing food, Brilliant service , Lovely little venue
Cons: Just book
Guest
MHTheCount
Points +38
A True Gem - Vegan Heaven - Edit
We have visited bianca e massimo twice since they opened in August this year on our trips to Devon. If we lived locally there is no doubt that this restaurant would be our absolute go-to regular haunt. We are long time Vegans who have travelled the world and it is rare indeed to find such a unique restaurant as this. In fact, it is more than a restaurant it is an 'experience'. From the moment you enter this bijou space you are captivated by the charm of the eclectic decor. Massimo is the front of house host who instantly makes you at home with his warm Italian welcome. Ever attentive he will summon bianca from the kitchen to literally ask you what you want to eat - there is no set menu rather a seemingly infinite choice of the most wonderful sounding Italian dishes. Bianca is an inspirational chef of the first order (and that is high praise I can assure you from someone who was a professional Vegan chef for 30+ years!). Her combinations are like the finest Jazz - subtle, dynamic, organic with a lightness of touch that belies the depth of the creation. I could rattle on for ages but I can really give no more praise that to say that Vegan, Veggie or Omnivore you will not only delight in the food but indeed the total experience. I will add that it is not the cheapest restaurant in Totnes (3 course meal around 40GBP per person) but worth every penny - if you are in or near Totnes do yourself a favour and go enjoy! PS it is not licensed so you will need to take your own alcohol if required and a heads up to Vegans don't go by the Vegetarian listing as it is 99.5% Vegan
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2018-11-05
Pros: Not just wonderful food a total experince, Wonderful food - Great value - Great vibe, Dog friendly
Cons: Some cakes have egg - so ask to be sure, Some will find it too expensive
biancaemassimo
Dear MHTheCount, thank you so much for your kind and detailed review. We really look forward having you here again on your next visit to Totnes!
Read moreGuest
NuttyNan
Points +92
Just Love it - Edit
Beautiful food, in a beautiful environment cooked and served by lovely people.
Read moreI am not always a fan of eating out, as a Vegan I often think I am considered an afterthought, but this is a whole different ball game.
Do not be put off by the lack of a formal menu, Bianca and Massimo will talk you through the food, which they are passionate about.
The whole experience was amazing. Can thoroughly recommend, and I for one cant wait to go back.
Pros: Beautiful food. , Great Hospitality , Lovely environment
Cons: None whatsoever
biancaemassimo
Dear NuttyNan, Thank you SO MUCH for your lovely review. Can't wait to have you here with us again. Cheers!
Read moreGuest
CarloArena
Points +18
Fantastic - Edit
I have been several times in the Bianca and Massimo's café and every time the food was delicious. All products are organic and fresh, many dishes are gluten free and vegan. The dishes are beautiful to look at and delicious to taste. All served with a lot of sympathy in a very lovely place.
Read morebiancaemassimo
Thank you, CarloArena! We look forward to your next visit!
Read moreGuest
VeganOlga
Points +16
Great Experience - Edit
It was a travel in a wonderful world, it is not just a Restaurant but much more. The place it is very intresting and very warm with a great atmosfhere, the food is high quality, organic and also vegan and Bianca and Massimo are very lovely. Place to go :)
Read moreGuest
LouiseLovesMatcha
Points +75
Sublime organic Italian food - Edit
This was a real find and only just opened so we were lucky to find it in our search for great vegan food.
Read moreWe also needed to know that our little dog would be permitted to sit under our table - normal in Italy but no so easy in England, although Totnes generally does seem to have dog friendly restaurants and cafes.
Authentic Italian 100% organic vegetarian restaurant. Almost entirely vegan (cakes include eggs, however)
Sublime pasta with artichoke and chestnut sauce, a spinach gnocchi with hazelnut,/ tomato/ watercress pestos. Vegan desert was a plate of little dishes .. variously of chocolate dip with fresh mint, a vegan custard with toasted cereals, kiwi with smoked paprika, coconut truffle and a different chocolate truffle with a blood orange jelly.
A wonderfully intense pomegranate juice, followed by a fresh lavender infusion
A friendly, happy little restaurant with a delightfully quirky style, owned and run by a very hospitable and creative couple, passionate about organic food. The only 100% organic restaurant in the area, we understand.
Totnes is lucky to have several good places to eat but this was our favourite.
Pros: Unusual ideas for beautifully cooked food , Friendly, interesting hosts, Happy to permit our small dog inside
Cons: Vegan cakes needed please!
biancaemassimo
now we have also some fantastic vegan cakes! we look forward to having you back! ?
Read moreGuest
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