Mortadella Mortadella

Italian sausage made from finely hashed pork, flavored with spices, often served thinly sliced as an appetizer or sandwich filling.

Melanzana

Melanzana

140 Westbridge Road London, SW11 3PF, United Kingdom

Bars • Delis • Pasta • Italian


"I recently dined at this Italian restaurant with my family, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. We tried a variety of dishes, each leaving a lasting impression. For the main course, the Numero Sei pizza stole the show. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture, soft interior, and perfectly crunchy crust made it a standout. Infused with Italian sausage, salami, and mushrooms over a fresh tomato sauce, and finished with bubbling mozzarella, this pizza was a symphony of flavours. The Melanzane alla Parmigiana offered another indulgent delight. The rich tomato sauce smothered the luscious aubergine, creating a mouthwatering combination that was enhanced by a generous layer of cheese. The Bufalina pizza, my personal choice, was a homemade masterpiece. The pizza boasted a perfectly cooked base – crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The beautiful and creamy buffalo mozzarella, complemented by the deep basil, added layers of flavor that delighted the taste buds. We concluded our culinary journey with two distinct desserts. The Chocolat Souflé provided a sweet and decadent ending, while the Gnocchi con Nutella, featuring gnocchi filled with Nutella and vanilla ice cream, was a unique and delightful treat. Beyond the exceptional food, the staff contributed significantly to our positive experience. The team was not only lovely but also engaged with us, providing insightful recommendations. Their friendly demeanor added to the overall warmth of the restaurant. The ambiance and decor were equally praiseworthy. The beautiful restaurant created a welcoming atmosphere that enhanced our dining experience. From the moment we entered, we felt the charm of the surroundings, making it a memorable evening for my family. In conclusion, this Italian restaurant not only offers an outstanding menu but also stands out for providing exceptional value for money. The Bufalina pizza, in particular, highlights their commitment to quality without compromising affordability. I eagerly anticipate my next visit to relish more of their delightful offerings, all while appreciating the budget-friendly aspect that makes this dining experience truly extraordinary."

Tasting House

Tasting House

30A Chain Street, Reading, RG12HX, RG1 2HX, United Kingdom

Wine • Drinks • Chinese • Breakfast


"I had no idea that Reading had a wine bar this fun, it’s a very well kept secret. From the outside it looks like a shop, but inside it’s all cosy tables surrounded by walls of wine. We chose to sit upstairs, which is quieter, out of the draught from the front door and felt a lot calmer. It’s candlelit, with piles of board games and a great atmosphere. The idea is that you have a card to put in ‘The Machine’ and then select your chosen wine and the size of the glass you’d like. You then present the card and pay at the end. This worked well for us; I wanted to try a mouthful of all the different wines (red, white, rose and an Orange Wine) and my companion wanted to try a large glass of every red available. We ended up getting through a couple of cards. Originally, we’d planned to have a couple of drinks and then move on to get dinner. But then we saw the menu and the chef. The menu was an array of exciting tapas, put together by the lovely Laura. I’d been to her previous business venture (Nomad Bakery) and it had been amazing, so we stuck in and ordered most of the menu. It didn’t disappoint; in fact it elevated the evening from fun to outstanding. I loved the Halloumi Burek, I was over the moon with the orange infused rice pudding. It was some of the best food I’ve had in Reading. Worth noting that they only do food on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings; I don’t think we would have enjoyed ourselves so much with just nibbles. I’m a bit puzzled as to why some reviewers have been asked to pay up front. We definitely weren’t, we just ran a tab with a card behind the bar for food and drink. I want to give this more than 5 stars. I want to go back again and again and eat and drink and laugh. You need to book because it gets busy, but that’s because it’s so good."