Italina385

London's Finest Authentic Italian Delight

Stepping into Italina 385, you feel an immediate tug at your heartstrings — a nostalgic nod to the rustic and family-run trattorias of old-world Italy. Under the helm of a vivacious Italian couple, the establishment exudes warmth and welcome, a rare commodity in London's bustling restaurant scene. Their menu is a celebration of Italian classics thoughtfully executed with authenticity and verve. On the evening I visited, I indulged in their renowned margherita pizzas, whose crisp, thin crusts and vibrant toppings effortlessly captured the essence of Naples with each bite. These were not just pizzas; they were a vivid rainbow of flavors singing harmonious notes of authenticity. To say the slightest bit more about the pizza would be to drift into poetry.

Dining at Italina 385 is more than just about food; it's an embrace of the Italian gusto for life manifest in culinary delight. The ragu offers a comforting depth of flavor while dishes like the carbonara, despite a touch of extra saltiness, still evoked fond Italian memories within each mouthful. It was noteworthy how the Nutella dough appetizer rekindled feelings of familial warmth; a mischievous indulgence many couldn’t resist on this spot. Service at Italina 385, too, mirrored the genuine hospitality of Italy — cordial, attentive, perhaps slightly delayed due to bustling delivery orders — yet charming in its imperfection. Slight blemishes, when spotted, seem forgivable and even endearing in the grand symphony orchestrated by this Italian haven in Bethnal Green. — Clarissa Cuisinier