Signor Grilli

I was stuggling to know where to go for a quick bite, saw one Italian Restaurant and walked past it and saw this one. I thought "Let's give it a go".

I have to say I do not eat rubbish and I loved it in here. My brother had Spaghetti Meatballs and I had the Lasagne. Hardly classy dishes to judge an entire restaurant on but both dishes were cooked very traditionally and not like in some other places where it looks like a supermarket microwave effort.

Got chatting to the owner - he has been there 17 years, he is a big Juventus fan and he is very passionate about food. He warned the Carbonara is cooked 'the Italian Way' which is without cream, with undercooked pasta and is a dry dish - that is the traditional way apparently! Italian cooks tell me (or him) that we're wrong!

Will not be rushing down here for a massive special occasion but I would certainly return again and again for a bit of Italian grub when I fancy it. I think I've just found my haunt where I don't have to settle for a Cafe Pasta or Pizza Express chain.

This was on the money - certainly worth a whirl.
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Chris Gower
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Thursday, March 06, 2008

One of my only regular haunts in London. Food is excellent for the money - just what one should expect from homemade Italian. With a carafe of red, it's the perfect midweek meal. Friendly yet unintrusive service adds to the comfort factor, which is why my fiance and I have been going weekly since we found this place last summer!
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Allison
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

I ate here a few weeks ago with the family. Suffice to say we will not be going back. The chicken was cold, the pasta was bland, and the food in general, though not expensive, was over-priced for what it was.

I usually like to try these smaller restaurants, instead of the chains, but this one does not come up to scratch. A far better alternative is "Fitzrovia", just up the road on Tottenham Street.
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Alex
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Just what you would expect from a well established, family-run Italian: good service, extensive menu, dependable house wine, very good value. The further towards the back you sit, the more it feels like you're dining in their home. One to become a regular at.
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Mac the Pie - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, September 12, 2006

OK, this place has special significance for me and my girl but I wouldn't keep going back if the food wasn't great. The best thing about this place for me is how friendly the staff are though. I'd recommend it!
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Chris Fish
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, February 15, 2006