Harden's survey result
Summary
“A gem, well worth a visit to darkest Highbury Corner”: as it enters its 10th year, Tim Siadatan and Jordan Frieda’s “great neighbourhood Italian” remains the survey’s most-mentioned destination in north London, buoyed by its “excellent, simple fare” and “efficient service”, served in a “compact” but romantic setting that “exudes a tremendous warmth” (“want a first date in a light airy space? Book upstairs, especially in summer; want a sexy tryst? Book a booth downstairs, especially in winter”). On the downside, some former fans feel it’s “dropped to middling” of late: “a local place, but with a centre-of-town bill”.
Summary
“It’s best to book ahead at this ever-popular pit-stop, just off Highbury Corner” – a “fantastic, generous and fairly priced neighbourhood Italian”, which was the survey’s most commented-on destination in North London this year. “It’s probably the sheer simplicity of the decor and apparently happy waiting staff – coupled with a chatty clientele who appreciate the carefully curated ingredients – which make it such a consistent pleasure to visit”. “Despite the squashed and clattery interior, it manages to dish up really well-judged Italian cooking” – “simple classic dishes” (“not standard fare pasta and pizza”) – “and an utterly enjoyable evening”.
Summary
“Terrific food is simply but superbly realised (from a daily menu reflecting the freshest of ingredients)” at Tim Siadatan and Jordan Frieda’s “top drawer Italian” – “an unexpected find in this part of Islington” (“just off Highbury Corner”) – and it helps that “staff look like they enjoy their work”. “Downstairs is dark and sexy, especially the booths; upstairs is light and airy and great in the summer.”
Summary
“High-quality ingredients are left to speak for themselves”, at this “noisy” and “crowded”, “little bit of Puglia”, on “the wrong side of the Highbury roundabout” – an ongoing hit, with a “stunning Italian-heavy wine list”.
Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £24.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
300-302 St Paul’s Rd, London, N1 2LH
Opening hours
| Monday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 am |
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