An Italian Restaurant

[James]

Locale is a let-down. Somewhere with atmosphere, character and proper, authentic food could be a winner

[Bozza]

Agree with Gimme (although calling Mangia dreadful is a bit harsh as interior and location is reflected in the price you pay), there is still room for an Italian that can 'up the game'.

In particular if the restaurant and/or cafe can offer coffee as good as 'Caff? Vergnano 1882' - next to royal festival hall and cakes as 'Princi' on Wardour Street. Have also not tried the italian on Melbourne Grove but 'Franca Manca' in Brixton is without doubt the benchmark for Pizza in south east London (well for the pizza rather than iterior and opening times).

[Judge]

How about a version of Il Bordello in Wapping - its always packed - great atmosphere - good value food in huge portions

[lizzie]

I'd love to see a really good family friendly Italian in LL - Si Mangia is too far away and Locale is too poncy. Something like Pizzeria Castello that's really buzzing and doesn't break the bank

[LordshipLovely]

I don't know if anyone has ever been or knows Finsbury Park, but I used to live up there and there was a fantastic place called Pappagone on Stroud Green Road. Real Italians running the place, Italian families dining, loud and bustly, informal, reasonably priced, not just generic pizza/pasta but great meat and fish dishes too, plus fabulous ice cream. Also were always open, for example for coffee in the mornings. It is always absolutely packed and has a real buzz about it. Can't think of anywhere similar around here.

I don't mind Locale, but think it is really overpriced, especially the wine!

LLx

[jimbo1964]

I live near Si Magia but for some reason I just don't fancy it.Likewise Locale doesn't really grab me.

There used to be a fantastic restaurant called Slice on the Northcote Rd. It was cheap. You could choose square slices of quality pizza from the front counter and get a side salad and a bottle of Italian plonk or ice cold Moretti beer, good coffee etc. It was such a good place and always had a buzzy atmosphere. I think something along these lines could work in ED.

[nancysmum]

i've eaten at locale a couple of times now and have always been a bit disappointed with the food. the pizzas are 'wet' and the meat dishes a bit formulaic. I also think it's pricy for what it is. if it is the sister/brother to locatelli then lets have them instead as the loco in blackheath is great, excellent food and excellent wine.

[Miss P]

The more Italian restaurants, run by Italians, making fresh pasta & going away from the English idea of Italian food, the better. I wish them luck!

[easytiger]

Ralons stationers by the EDT is back up for sale. This would make a great location for an Italian restaurant, subject to planning of course. Lots of space inside.

[lenk]

If only there were some kind of other thread about a recently-opened Italian restaurant in ED somewhere else on the board.

Someone should start one!