La Porchetta

up to £10 / Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian options

265 Muswell Hill Broadway, London

Opening hours

12PM-10PM

Sunday 12PM-10PM
Monday 12PM-10PM
Tuesday 12PM-10PM
Wednesday 12PM-10PM
Thursday 12PM-10PM
Friday 12PM-10:30PM
Saturday 12PM-10:30PM

Legendary Pizzas and Remarkable Service Awaits!

Ah, La Porchetta. The name alone conjures images of that bustling Italian enthusiasm translated into the culinary arts. As luck, or perhaps some divine intervention, would have it, I found myself dining under its roof, absorbing a mélange of spirited chatter and aromatic zing. This establishment brands itself as one of those neighborhood gems that wears its imperfections with authenticity—the kind of quirk you’re tempted to appreciate more than critique. One lower pendulum swing towards customer neglect seems counterbalanced by the warm attentiveness of staff such as Lorenzo, who spins every visit into a friendly, familial affair—quite literally sniffing out cakes for impromptu birthday celebrations.

In the world of taste, it boldly sprints towards reassuringly large portions of pasta and pizzas just thick enough to secure allegiance yet thin enough to inspire awe among purists. As I sampled a meticulously precise Quattro Formaggi without a discernible fault (thank you, gorgonzola), I couldn't help but scoff at the olive oil’s intuitive presence—drizzled with exactly the right amount of bravado. Yes, not every dish gets a standing ovation; attention does occasionally wander as dishes emigrate from charming to overly subtle in flavor. Yet when it hits the mark, there lies a marriage of flavors worthy of comparison to controversial modern art—a slice of Baconesque flair in dough form. It may never overshadow London’s more flamboyant culinary establishments, yet find your satisfaction here in rustic simplicity wrapped warmly around you like a culinary comfort blanket. Embrace its idiosyncrasies, and one might just agree with its fervent backers warning you: you simply must go there. — Penelope Savory