Il Toscano 1

London's Italian Culinary Haven: A Must-Try!

Ah, Wapping—the leafy enclave of east London that is often seen only as a cameo in the city’s bustling narrative. It was here I discovered Il Toscano 1, an Italian cove of comfort nestled amongst the old cobbled streets, putting most of the neighbouring coffee shops to shame. Upon entry, Tony, an avuncular presence and seemingly the beating heart of this establishment, greets his guests with a warmth that could soften the stoic face of akin marbles of Italian sculptures. Dining here is akin to stealing a taste of Tuscany without waiting for Heathrow's departure lounge; one can start with the lovingly creamy burrata served next to a brawny cast of Tuscan-style steak paired dutifully with lively Barolo. It's enough to make even Eros himself ponder a career change into gastronomy.

Yet, what truly sets Il Toscano 1 apart isn’t merely its food—a melange of textures and tastes far removed from your run-of-the-mill trattoria—but the little theatre of life playing out around you: sharp-witted waiters negotiating the dance of their trade with charming aplomb. Each dish arrives like a sartorial statement; be it the impeccably proportioned lasagne or a "Nutella Calzone," which delights with each bite, reminding me wistfully of my fleeting encounter with passion—and much less guilt. Sure, there was a pinch of garlic where perhaps it wasn't required in a friend's lasagne, but a slight faux pas in a panoply of splendour can be endearing if nothing else. As I prepare for my inevitable return, delicious details from rustic pizzas to delightful tiramisù float softly back to me, inviting whispers that culinary pleasures and acts of hospitality have found their ambassador here in Wapping. — Penelope Savory