Cannelloni Cannelloni

Tube-shaped pasta filled with cheese and spinach, baked with tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella.

Al Dente

Al Dente

139 Easter Road Edinburgh, EH7 5QA, United Kingdom

Pasta • Italian • Mediterranean • Traditional Italian


"It was a quiet Monday night as we rolled up to Al Dente on Easter Road, a tiny Italian restaurant that sits unassumingly half-way down Easter Road. You’re instantly drawn to the Ospitalia Italiana gold award proudly stamped into its façade; in my experience, these less glamourous eateries always turn out to be a winner. There’s an open kitchen, and chef/owner Graziano is gabbing away in his native tongue to a friend. On entering, he is swiftly out to greet us, alongside our waitress for the evening. The Italian excitedly takes us through today’s specials and retreats back behind the stove. My starter tonight is warm-baked Apulian potato tart with cured meat and mozzarella £5.30), with Sarah going for ‘Sautee de pesce’ priced at £6.80. The dining room is immediately awash with the wonderful aromas of garlic and white wine, and with one large breath drawn in, Sarah boldly states “Mmmm, it doesn’t get better than that”. She might be right. Her dish comes out first and I was glad to see just a simple plate of mussels, calamari, prawns, clams, and a decent chunk of good bread to soak us those juices. The last time we ordered this in a restaurant the shellfish were full of grit; thankfully, this chef has given his produce the respect it deserves, and that respect extends to the cooking of it – simple, but effective, the way it should be. My dish was equally as good: quality ham, gooey cheese, crunchy top and potatoes with a slight bite to them – a dish most suited to this cold winter evening. Another couple of Italian gentlemen entered the restaurant and the banter between chef and customer flowed. It’s a definite indicator of authenticity when fellow countrymen dine in such restaurants, and a far cry from the more generic offerings that lie over on Leith Walk. I opted for one of the specials in the form of pork loin with gorgonzola, honey, and roasted vegetables £14.80). This plate is never going to win any awards for presentation, but its rusticity wasn’t without"

Blue Zenzer

Blue Zenzer

Playgolf London, 280 Watford Rd, London, HA13TZ, NW4 4, United Kingdom

Pizza • Cafés • Indian • Seafood


"I have been coming to this restaurant on and off for a few years, and every time I have encountered issues. Despite this, I kept coming back because the food is actually quite good. However, my most recent visit yesterday was the final straw. It seems like this establishment does not learn from its mistakes. I was told that I could no longer request a cocktail that was not on the menu (which had never been an issue before) because the waitress was unfamiliar with it. The food for my family of four arrived quickly, so quick that our drinks (1 lemonade, 2 mocktails, and 1 cocktail) had not yet been served. After inquiring about them, we were told that the barman was new. Despite this, we had to ask twice for a jug of water in the meantime, as we had no beverages. Strangely, the barman had no trouble making drinks for a couple who arrived after us. Our drinks still had not arrived after 45 minutes, and when they did, they came after we had already finished our meal. We sent them back. After speaking with one of the managers, who acknowledged our frustrations and attributed the issues to staff shortages due to illness (not new staff), we paid and left. To the owners of Blue Zenzer, you run a subpar business and should consider closing. It is clear that the customer is not a priority for you, and it feels like you take us for granted. Harrow would not miss your presence."

Attilio's

Attilio's

1 Cowcross Street London, EC1M 6DR, United Kingdom

Pizza • Pasta • Tapas • Italian


"A Local Favourite. I can't quite understand some of the reviews I have seen here. I have no idea why anyone would choose this small, independent restaurant for your office party of people -I'm pretty sure you couldn't fit anything like that number in here..This is one of the few remaining traditional, independent businesses in the area, and it offers a much more intimate experience than can be found at the likes of Lobster Burger or Polpo. I'm not saying that it cn't be a bit cramped on a busy night, but this is part of its charm...and there is outdoor seating too, if you are so inclinedMy food was simple, unpretentious and excellent: my lingine con frutti di mare was packed with very fresh prawns, scampi, squid, clams and mussels and steamed in foil. The tomato sauce that accompanied it was delicate and well-balanced.My companion had the set menu: avocado vinaigrette, followed by risotto agli asparagi (asparagus risotto) for The avocado was perfectly ripe,and came served on a nice (if unannounced) bed of salad -the only criticism was that the sauce wasn't exactly vinaigrette, but something slightly creamier -it still tasted good though. The risotto was also very pleasant, the asparagus being cooked through (but not over-done), which made a pleasant change from the current trend for serving it partially-cooked. I also liked the free prosecco to start with and the amaretto and amaretti biscuits that they gave you after your meal. Sure, it isn't the reason i came here, but these nice little touches are appreciated. Service was charming and very attentive. I liked the fact that they gave me a finger-bowl because of my seafood."