Buon Appetito - Hackney

I recently visited this amazing restaurant that was recommended to me by an Italian friend. It is truly a hidden gem in Tooting. The chef serves authentic Itali... read more I recently visited this amazing restaurant that was recommended to me by an Italian friend. It is truly a hidden gem in Tooting. The chef serves authentic Italian food at reasonable prices and is happy to explain how each dish is made. I tried the aubergine for starters, even though I usually don't like it, and was pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend trying anything on the menu as you won't be disappointed. The potato croquettes were especially delicious and showed the chef's attention to detail. Despite living far away in London, the trip to this restaurant was definitely worth it. I suggest stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something different, as the food here is top-notch. Overall, it was a great dining experience and I can't wait to go back.

Firstly, the restaurant should consider changing its name to IL Parco instead of tarnishing the reputation of the previous owner, who was Sardinian and had a fa... read more Firstly, the restaurant should consider changing its name to IL Parco instead of tarnishing the reputation of the previous owner, who was Sardinian and had a fantastic establishment. Unfortunately, the current restaurant does not live up to the same standards. It is deceiving customers into thinking it still offers authentic Italian cuisine. Beware, it is the worst Italian food I have ever had. My husband mistakenly thought it was the same place and we sat down, only to realize they now have two separate menus: one serving standard pizzas and pastas, and the other offering Greek-themed dishes. After being served rubbery mussels as a starter, I quickly realized the food was not up to par. I suggested we return our order and leave, but we had already ordered pizzas and some time had passed. I held onto hope that the pizzas would be better, but unfortunately they were not. My pepperoni pizza had a thick dough, low-quality mozzarella, and tasteless pepperoni. I fail to comprehend why some restaurants serve subpar food, especially when it comes to Italian cuisine, which is already widely beloved and respected. If a restaurant specializes in Greek cuisine, they should stick to that and not attempt to replicate Italian dishes. I felt unwell after returning home.

The food was fine but not offered any dessert and bill came without asking. We were charged £4.95 each for a pint of soda and an extra £1 for lime! When I quest... read more The food was fine but not offered any dessert and bill came without asking. We were charged £4.95 each for a pint of soda and an extra £1 for lime! When I questioned this apparently it was correct. Should have had a beer!

This restaurant is situated just off a busy roundabout and doesn't look anything special from the outside but once inside it is cosy and authentic. There are a... read more This restaurant is situated just off a busy roundabout and doesn't look anything special from the outside but once inside it is cosy and authentic. There are a few parking spaces behind the restaurant and a public car park a short distance up the road (q-park). The restaurant was very busy and on our arrival we had to stand and wait for a while before someone came to seat us. Once seated we had to ask for menus as we weren't given any. We ordered starters but before they arrived we were brought some complimentary small bread rolls with garlic butter which was a nice touch. Had we known that we would be given these and had we known how substantial the mains would be we wouldn't have ordered starters. All of our main meals were delicious. Service was a little slow and disorganised throughout but given how busy they were and how pleasant the waitresses were we didn't mind too much until our plates were cleared and we then waited for a waitress so we could order some coffee/look at the dessert menu. We sat and waited for 15/20 minutes and the waitresses just walked past us -in the end after struggling to get the waitress's attention we asked for the bill.

My friend sent a dish back because it wasn 't what she expected. She then proceeded to pay full price...until she was called a 'wh*re ' in Italian by the chef.... read more My friend sent a dish back because it wasn 't what she expected. She then proceeded to pay full price...until she was called a 'wh*re ' in Italian by the chef. When challenged, the chef then threatened to 'behead ' us ... Credit to the suitably mortified waitresses. Unlikely to return.