Pizza East Portobello





I've been dying to try Pizza East, so many friends, reviewers and fellow bloggers have raved about it. It was about time I gave it a go too, and what better excuse than Bea's birthday (the other half of roomtobreathe VA). It's a lovely looking place, mixing an Industrial and Italian deli look with salamis and parma hams hanging up above the counters, bright blue distressed vintage metal cafe chairs sit comfortably round marble topped tables. Walls are tiled with paint peeling off the walls huge glass lamps decorating the high ceilings, I loved it's ramshackle style. It's the perfect place to hang out with your friends and family and to linger over a long Italian lunch, imagining yourselves on the Amalfi coast (I know, I know Portobello Road isn't quite that glam!).




Now on to the food, as it really did live up to its reputation. We kicked off with some glorious Porcini Mushroom and Taleggio Croquettes topped with crunchy Maldon salt. Freshly fried the melted cheese oozed out with each bite revealing the delicate porcinis in it's midst. These were washed down with my favourite tipple, Prosecco. Then a veritable treat was bought to the table, a Pesto Pizza for Bea and a Prosciutto cotto and artichoke Pizza for me and Matilda. The dough was perfectly crispy with a distinctive taste of rich olive oil.The prosciuto delicious and with just the correct amount of topping for me, beautifully handmade pizzas cooked up in the wood fired ovens on display behind the chefs, clearly using only the best ingredients. They were a pleasure to consume. Sadly we were too full after the pizzas to try the puddings though the Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart will stay with me until I go back to try it!





It is about the pizza in this place, but there are a few other dishes which I wouldn't mind trying especially the Lasagna, which is also cooked in the wood fired oven. There is an all day menu starting off with breakfast (the granola sounded great) and ending up with Bellinis on the terrace in the evening. It's a relaxed, light and airy restaurant with a great vintage look about it and great simple home cooking. roomtobreathe will, without a doubt, be back for more board meetings!




Comments