Harden's says
Puglian cuisine is the USP at this latest Upper Street newcomer.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“What a find!” – this Puglian specialist close to Islington’s Almeida Theatre (it takes its name from the Salento peninsula’s red earth) is “a cheap ’n’ cheerful favourite”, thanks to its “generous portions of absolutely delicious and comforting Italian food”. It may “lack kerb appeal, but once inside you find an attractive dining room with quite a buzz” – making it a “classic and authentic neighbourhood restaurant”. Since spring 2023, founder François Fracella also has now opened a second site near St Paul’s.
Summary
“An absolute hidden gem” – this “unassuming Italian in the heart of Angel”, close to the Almeida Theatre, is a “perfect neighbourhood spot”, serving “generous portions of fantastic rustic food” and “well-selected wines” that make a meal “like being on holiday”. It takes its name from the red earth of the Salento peninsula, the ‘heel’ of Puglia.
Summary
A “very good local Italian” serving “cheering, and honest food” – this modest-looking Puglian close to Islington’s Almeida Theatre is named after the red earth of the Salento peninsula, the ‘heel’ of southern Italy. It’s “much more than a pizza place”, and prepares its own “home-made pasta” along with “dishes you won’t find in a standard UK Italian”.
Summary
“There’s no better choice if you’re going to Islington’s Almeida Theatre” than this “cheerful Puglian” nearby, which serves “way better food than its touristy appearance suggests”: “simple, flavourful Italian dishes” washed down with “sensibly-priced, rustic, southern Italian wines”. “The atmosphere is unfussy, friendly and easygoing: you get a great meal and a very reasonable bill”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Terra Rossa?
Restaurant details
Terra Rossa Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Properly italian food, properly cooked. Very busy and noisy even at 7pm on a Saturday, but the staff were helpful and it didn;t take too long so credit for that."
"A genuine Puglian restaurant in busy Islington. great service from real Italians who know the region. Food was mixed, excellent aubergine dish but rather rubbery lasagne which is surely a big mistake. Wine range is outstanding if you like Italian wine"
"We had a set lunch menu which was excellent value for money. The lasagne was a bit dry but the test was excellent and I think this was an exception. "
"Authentic Italian restaurant with delightful Italian staff. Gluten free and vegan menus. Super food and great range of desserts. Very welcoming to families. Long, airy relaxed atmosphere. No screaming kids or buggies spotted. Love it"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £27.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £4.50 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am‑8 pm |
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