Harden's survey result
Summary
This “proper, family-run Italian trattoria” in Kensington pre-dates the new Design Museum on the other side of the road by decades, and exudes “cosy”, “olde world charm”. That it’s “family-owned and family-friendly” is key to its longevity, and has made it a “go-to restaurant” for its many long-term regulars. But “after decades, the business has passed down a generation, and young and old alike agree it’s brought an improvement, with an approach that’s more energetic”. Its strengths are “a charming atmosphere”, “authentic Emilia-Romana cuisine, instead of the usual floods of red sauce” and the “unfailing and unflappable care of owner James Chiavarini and his well-trained staff”.
Summary
This “proper, family-run Italian trattoria” in Kensington pre-dates the new Design Museum on the other side of the road by decades, and exudes “cosy”, “olde world charm”. That it’s “family-owned and family-friendly” is key to its longevity, and has made it a “go-to restaurant” for its many long-term regulars. But “after decades, the business has passed down a generation, and young and old alike agree it’s brought an improvement, with an approach that’s more energetic”. Its strengths are “a charming atmosphere”, “authentic Emilia-Romana cuisine, instead of the usual floods of red sauce” and the “unfailing and unflappable care of owner James Chiavarini and his well-trained staff”.
Summary
“One of the last, good, old-fashioned Italians, churning out those dishes we love” – this “always reliable, family run Italian” has “a formula that’s worked for decades, so why change?”. There’s a “wonderful manager, James” (the original owner’s son), and “you’re always welcomed like a long-lost friend”. But “it’s not an institution living on past glories”: “the food is without pretence” but “with some newer dishes to maintain interest”.
Summary
“Very few restaurants can claim the staying power” of this “busy and noisy” family-run trattoria in Kensington. Its “honest”, “traditional” Italian dishes come in “huge portions”, “but it’s the wonderful and caring service that is really outstanding”.
Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £19.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
277 Kensington High St, London, W8 6NA
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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